Sports
SAFF U-17 Women's Champs: Bangladesh starts campaign with emphatic 8-1 victory over Bhutan
Hosts Bangladesh started their campaign in the five-nation South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-17 Women's Championship' 2023 in style with an emphatic 8-1 goals victory over Bhutan in their first appearance at the floodlight Bir Shrestha Shaheed Shipahi Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur Monday evening.
Earlier in the tournament opener, India, riding on a hattrick by Shilji Shaji, made a flying start outplaying Nepal by 4-1 goals at the same venue Monday afternoon.
Shilji Shaji made a hattrick scoring three goals in the 10th, 40th and 81st minutes while Pooja netted the other goal for India in the 41st minute.
Barsha Oli netted the consolation goal for the Himalayan nation Nepal in the 54th minute.
Five countries, four from South Asia --- India, Nepal, Bhutan and hosts Bangladesh, alongwith European side Russia --are taking part in the nine-day meet, organized by SAFF, under the supervision of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) in collaboration with UEFA.
Related: SAFF U-17 Women's Championship begins Monday
In the remaining matches, Bangladesh will play Russia on March 22 at 3:15 pm, will face India on March 24 at 7:15 pm while will meet Nepal on March 28 at 3:15 pm.
After the league basis matches, the highest points holder team will be the champions.
Rain washes out second ODI in Sylhet after Bangladesh post record total
The second ODI of the three-match series between Bangladesh and Ireland was abandoned due to persistent rain at Sylhet on Monday.
Bangladesh batted first and posted their highest total in ODIs, scoring 349 for six, thanks to a magnificent batting display by Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, and Naimul Hossain Shanto.
In the process, Mushfiqur smashed a century off just 60 balls— quickest century for Bangladesh, breaking Shakib Al Hasan’s record of scoring a century off 63 balls which was set in 2009 against Zimbabwe in Harare.
Read more: Tigers post another record ODI total as Mushfiqur smashes fastest ton
However, Bangladesh's joy of recording their best ODI total was unable to bring more joyous occasion as the rain denied Ireland the chance to take the field.
The rain came in after the first innings and showed no sign of stopping, resulting in the match being called off around 8:30 p.m. local time.
Bangladesh won the first match by 183 runs, their biggest win by the margin of runs.
The third and final match of the ODI series will be played on March 23rd at the same venue. After the ODI series, the teams will face each other in a three-match T20I series in Chattogram, followed by a solitary Test in Dhaka on March 8th.
Bangabandhu Cup Kabaddi: Holders Bangladesh to play Chinese Taipei in final on Tuesday
Defending champions Bangladesh will face Chinese Taipei in the final match of the 12-nation Bangabandhu Cup '2023 International Kabaddi Tournament on Tuesday (March 21) at 12.15 pm at the Shaheed Noor Hossain Volleyball Stadium here.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Zahid Ahsan Russell MP will be the chief guest in Tuesday's final and will distribute the trophies at the closing function to be chaired by president of the Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation (BKF) and Inspector General of Bangladesh Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun
Last two times champions Bangladesh stormed into the final eliminating Thailand by 45-26 points in the first semifinal Monday afternoon after dominating the first half by 17-11 points.
With the day's feat, Bangladesh earned the right to play in the World Cup and Asian Games Kabaddi directly as the finalists of the ongoing meet.
Chinese Taipei booked a seat for the final eliminating Iraq by 52-44 points with two lonas (all-out) after leading the first half by 31-16 points. Cheng-Chih Chang of Chinese Taipei named as the man of the match.
In the day's first semifinal, Bangladesh, ranked number 5th in the world, had a cautious start against the 9th ranked Thailand.
Bangladesh initially went down by 2-3 points in the 6th minute of the match, but they leveled the margin 7-7 in the 13th minute.
However, Bangladesh's inspiring captain Tuhin Tarafder ousted three Thai players in the 16th minute by a magnificent raid to change the scenario of the match.
Bangladesh earned the first Lona (all-out) by a superb raid by Tuhin and started firing all the cylinders.
After the first half, Bangladesh concentrated upon keeping the lead taking more points with raids rather than catching the Thai attackers.
However, Roman Hossain of Bangladesh branded a super performance in the dying minute with his precise catching.
Thailand raider Chayaphon Kamunee troubled Bangladesh defense line-up scoring eight points but the Thailand was unable to break the superiority of the defending champions.
Tuhin Tarafder scored 11 points while Mizanur Rahman, the rising star, also bagged 11 points for Bangladesh. Later, Tuhin Tarafder was adjudged the Man of the Match.
Tigers post another record ODI total as Mushfiqur smashes fastest ton
Bangladesh achieved their highest-ever ODI total on Monday in Sylhet, scoring 349 runs for 6 wickets with a scintillating century by Mushfiqur Rahim, supported by 70s from Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto.
It was Mushfiqur's first ODI century in over two years, having gone 17 innings since his last ton. Ireland has never won an ODI chasing a total of 349 or more, giving Bangladesh a great chance to win the series with one match remaining on March 23rd at the same venue.
Winning the toss, Ireland chose to bowl first, but they may be second-guessing their decision.
Also Read: Preview of BAN vs IRE 2nd ODI 2023: Can Bangladesh Win the Series?
Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal was run out after scoring 23 runs off 31 balls, but Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto steadied the ship with a 101-run partnership. Litton Das scored 70 runs off 71 balls with 3 fours and 3 sixes before being dismissed by Curtis Campher.
Shanto was dismissed by Graham Hume after scoring an impressive 73 runs off 77 balls with 3 fours and 2 sixes. Shakib Al Hasan and Tawhid Hridoy also contributed with scores of 17 and 49, respectively, before being dismissed by Hume and Mark Adair.
Tawhid was playing excellently before being dismissed at 49, just like his performance in the first match when he scored 92.
Mushfiqur played a pivotal role in building the innings and remained unbeaten at the end of the innings, scoring a brilliant century off just 60 balls, including 14 fours and 2 sixes. It was the fastest-ever ODI century by a Bangladeshi batter, surpassing Shakib's previous record set in 2009 against Zimbabwe in Harare.
While the Bangladeshi batsmen had a field day, the Irish bowlers struggled to contain them. Curtis Campher conceded 73 runs in 10 overs, taking only one wicket, while Mark Adair conceded 60 runs for one wicket. Graham Hume was the most successful bowler for Ireland, taking three wickets for 58 runs.
'Beximco XBC Fight Night' on March 21
An international professional boxing event is going to be held tomorrow at the InterContinental Dhaka.Xcel Sports Management and Promotions is organizing the event. Titled “Beximco XBC Fight Night”, the event will, for the first time, feature boxers from England, France, India, and Thailand, as they will battle Bangladeshi boxers, according to a press release.Champion Bangladeshi boxers Sura Krishna Chakma and Alamin, winners of the pro-boxing event in 2022, will be joining this year’s tournament.On top of that, for the first time in Bangladesh, globally acclaimed professional female kickboxer Ruqsana Begum will also participate in this edition of Fight Night, said the release.Adnan Haroon, chairman of Bangladesh Boxing Foundation, announced the professional boxing event today for this year.A total of 14 participants will be competing in the tournament across various weight categories. The tournament will start with a six-round bout of Bantamweight class between two Bangladeshi Boxers, added the release.With the fight night ahead, Xcel Sports Management and Promotions hosted a Weigh-In session today.“This is the first time that professional boxing will take place with female boxers contending for a title championship belt in Bangladesh. We are delighted to host the faceoff between superstars Ruqsana Begum and Tanjila on this year’s fight night. We believe this will pave the way for female boxers in the country,” said Adnan Haroon.Beximco is the title sponsor while Premier Bank is the co-sponsor of the event. The gold sponsors are 5R Securex and Innstar, while the Silver sponsors are Kloth, Trade majestic LTD., Unicom, and Pepsi.Besides, TNR, Bongo, T Sports, InterContinental Dhaka and bKash will feature as partners for this event. The event will be supervised by Ashraful Islam and will take place from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM. Viewers can watch the action live on T-Sports and Bongo.
Preview of BAN vs IRE 2nd ODI 2023: Can Bangladesh Win the Series?
Bangladesh triumphed over Ireland in the first ODI, proving themselves superior in all areas. The record-breaking score was achieved via aggressive batting. And the bowlers, especially the pacers, were a phenomenon. This follows their prior success in T20, where the pacers played an effective role in whitewashing England in T20. Now, Bangladesh is looking forward to keeping its playing style and winning the series today (March 20, 2023).
Bangladesh vs Ireland 2nd ODI Preview
The second match of the three-match series is scheduled to start at 2 pm on Monday, March 20, at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. However, there is a high chance of rain during that time. Also, there is a possibility of rain in Sylhet throughout the day. According to the forecast, the rainfall will be higher on Monday than on Sunday (March 19). A thunderstorm could be on the horizon, and the rain is set to become heavier after 6 pm, so the officials may find it difficult to finish the match on time. For Bangladesh, however, there is not much tension about the match being washed away. Tigers take a 1-0 lead in the series after winning the first ODI. If this match is washed away, the risk of losing the series will be eliminated.
BAN was dominant in the first game of the series against IRE, and now they look to secure the trophy by securing a win in the second match. The team, led by Tamim Iqbal, put up a spectacular display, with Shakib Al Hasan's 93 runs off 89 deliveries and Towhid Hridoy's 92 runs off 85 deliveries leading the way. Mushfiqur Rahim also contributed to the success of the Bangla Tigers, as they posted 338 runs on board at the end of their 50 overs. So, if the second match takes place, Bangladesh will surely try to repeat the first’s match aggressive performance.
Read More: Shakib completes BBA from AIUB
On the other hand, the Ireland team has much to improve. Neither their batting nor their bowling was successful in their last encounter, resulting in a 183-run loss. This Ireland squad comprise some young players with a lack of experience playing so many ODIs. However, with the ODI World Cup coming up, this is a major chance for them to become familiar with the environment and do well in subsequent matches. So, they will certainly try to improve their playing style in the upcoming matches. However, Ireland will have to overcome a few factors.
Bowlers like Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Nasum Ahmed are a big challenge for any team touring Bangladesh. However, it was the Bangladesh pacers who did the main damage to Ireland with a good batting wicket at the Sylhet International Stadium. As Ireland did not expect such a condition, in addition to the spinners, now Ireland also needs to think about the Bangladesh pacers.
Although Bangladesh is almost at full strength, Ireland is not getting their best all-rounder Joshua Little on this tour due to IPL. It has been seen over the years how much of a difference he can make, whether it's playing for Ireland or whether it's in franchise cricket. So, Little’s presence could have increased Ireland’s strength.
Read More: Bangladesh crush Ireland by 183 Runs in 1st ODI
BAN vs IRE 2nd ODI Pitch Report
Sylhet is renowned as a great place for batters to play. In the most recent match, Bangladesh put up an impressive total, which indicates that another high-scoring game can be expected. A score of 300 runs or more is considered a good one here, so whoever wins the toss should go bowling first.
Players to Watch in BAN vs IRE 2nd ODI
Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib is a highly experienced all-rounder, and he is currently performing at an impressive level. In his last four matches in the 50-overs format, he has scored 234 runs, posing him a threat to the Irish team in their upcoming game.
Ebadot Hossain
Ebadot Hossain, the speedster, took four wickets in the previous match, totally destroying the Irish batting lineup. He can do the same in the second game too.
Read More: Towhid shines on debut as Bangladesh post record total against Ireland
Graham Hume
Graham Hume became the first bowler of Ireland to take four wickets in ODI against Bangladesh. Apparently, Hume understood the Sylhet pitch better than any other Iris bowler. So, Bangladeshi batters will have to care about his bowling.
George Dockrell
George Dockrell was largely responsible for the Irish being able to extend their innings to 155 runs. The Irish innings came to a halt when Dockrell was bowled in the 30.5 overs of the innings by Ebadot. But, before that, Dockrell scored 45 of 47 balls. So, he might push more in the second match.
BAN vs IRE 2nd ODI Probable Playing XIs
Bangladesh (BAN)
Tamim Iqbal (c), Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Yasir Ali, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Ebadot Hossain, Nasum Ahmed.
Ireland (IRE)
Paul Stirling, Stephen Doheny, Andrew Balbirnie (c), Harry Tector, George Dockrell, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Gareth Delany, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Graham Hume.
Read More: Shakib Al Hasan reaches 7000-run milestone in ODIs
Final Words
In the first match, the performance of the Bangladesh team was great. The Tigers' game began with a few wickets lost, but Shakib and Hridoy put on an impressive batting display, with Mushfiqur Rahim and Yasir Ali following the pattern with a particularly aggressive approach. The veteran players displayed a strong mentality in their batting. On the other hand, Ireland should have noted their mistakes and come back with great energy. So, it is expected that the BAN vs IRE 2nd ODI will certainly be a competitive game.
Walton First Division Women's Chess League to inaugurate on Monday
The inauguration ceremony of the Walton First Division Women’s Chess League, organized by Bangladesh Chess Federation under the auspices of Walton Hi-Tech Industries, will be held on Monday (March 20) at the Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room here.
FM. Iqbal Bin Anowar (Dawn), Senior Executive Director of Walton Hi-Tech Industries, will inaugurate the league as the chief guest Monday noon. KM Shahidullah, Vice President of Bangladesh Chess Federation will preside over the ceremony.
However, the league competition,to be played in round robin league format, will begin on Wednesday (March 22).
Twelve teams are expected to compete in this year's women's chess league, an international rating chess competition.
The teams are :last time champions Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh Police, Titas Club, Uttara Central Chess Club, Rupali Bank Krira Parishad, Basir Memorial Chess Club, Sheikh Russell Chess Club, Shahin Chess Club, Sonali Bank Sports and Recreation Club, Sultana Kamal Smriti Pathagar, Team Barisal and Basir Memorial Chess Academy.
A total prize money of Taka 50,000.00 (fifty thousand) will be awarded to the winners.
The champion team will receive a cash prize of taka 25,000.00, the runners-up team will receive taka 15,000.00 and the 3rd place team will receive taka 10,000.00 and alongside the trophies and medals.
Bangabandhu Cup Kabaddi: Bangladesh to play Thailand, Iraq v Chinese Taipei in semis
Defending champions Bangladesh will play Thailand and Chinese Taipei will face Iraq in two semi-finals of the Bangabandhu Cup International Kabaddi Tournament' 2023 on Monday (March 20) at the Shaheed Noor Hossain Volleyball Stadium here.
Hosts Bangladesh will play the first semifinal against the Group B runners up Thailand at 4 pm while Group B champions Chinese Taipei will encounter Group A runners-up Iraq in the other semifinal at 5 pm on Monday.
Earlier, defending champions Bangladesh emerged Group A champions to reach the semifinal with all-win record securing full ten points from straight five matches while Iraq stormed into the semifinal as the Group A runners securing eight points from five matches after beating England by 47-36 points in a hard-fought match Sunday afternoon.
After the Group B matches, both the Chinese Taipei and Thailand have secured eight points each from all the five group matches, but in the net points Chinese Taipei (76-61 points) emerged group champions and Thailand finished group runners-up to reach the semifinals..
In the day's other matches, Thailand earned the 4th victory to reach the semis beating Indonesia by 55-26 points with three lonas (all out) after dominating the first half by 29-14 points while Kenya failed to make a semifinal berth from Group B despite beating Sri Lanka by 41-34 points with two lonas after leading the first half by 23-16 points, both at the Shaheed Noor Hossain Volleyball Stadium on Sunday.
Abahani win on rain-affected Dhaka League day
Abahani Limited defeated Shinepukur Cricket Club by 20 runs on Sunday in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPDCL). The other two matches of the day were abandoned because of inclement weather.
In a rain-affected match at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium, Abahani Ltd. overcame Shinepukur Cricket Club by 10 runs. After winning the toss and choosing to field first, Abahani Ltd. restricted Shinepukur Cricket Club to 196/8 in 33 overs. Tanvir Islam was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 27 runs. In response, Abahani Ltd. reached the target of 104 runs in 21 overs, losing just one wicket. Anamul Haque Bijoy remained unbeaten on 54, while Naim Sheikh contributed 43 runs. The match was shortened to 21 overs due to rain, and Abahani Ltd. emerged victorious via the DLS method.
The clash between Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club and Mohammedan Sporting Club was abandoned because of poor weather conditions. Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club posted 222/5 in 21 overs against Mohammedan Sporting Club at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Mominul Haque scored 74 runs, while Syed Khaled Ahmed took two wickets. The match was called off at this juncture.
Another match of the day was also abandoned due to unfavorable weather at BKSP. Gazi Group Cricketers faced Dhaka Leopards at the BKSP-3 Ground in Savar. After winning the toss, Dhaka Leopards opted to field first. Gazi Group Cricketers managed to score 97/3 in 20 overs, with T Ravi Teja top-scoring at 33 runs. In reply, Dhaka Leopards were 77/4 in 13.1 overs, with Pinak Ghosh scoring 40 runs. However, the match was called off due to bad light. Sumon Khan from Gazi Group Cricketers was the best bowler, taking 2 wickets for just 8 runs in 2 overs.
Shakib completes BBA from AIUB
Bangladesh's star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has successfully completed his graduation with a Bachelor in Business Administration degree from the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) and attended the convocation ceremony on Sunday.
Shakib completed his school and college-level education at Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP). However, due to his busy cricketing schedule, he was unable to graduate on time. Despite this, Shakib never gave up on his dream of completing his education.
During the convocation ceremony, Shakib expressed his happiness and pride at fulfilling his dream. He stated, “Although I have achieved a lot in cricket, graduation was always my dream.”
Currently, Bangladesh is playing a three-match ODI series against Ireland. In the first match of the series, Shakib scored an impressive 93 runs and took one wicket. With this innings, he became only the third player in history to score at least 7000 runs and bag at least 300 wickets in ODIs.
It is expected that Shakib will take part in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Shakib has already submitted an application to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) seeking permission to participate in the league.