United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Navy emerged champions in the Max Group 33rd National Swimming, Diving and Waterpolo Championship securing 32 gold, 26 silver and 12 bronze medals that concluded at the Syed Nazmul Islam National Swimming Complex in Mirpur on Tuesday. Bangladesh Army finished distant runners up with 10 gold, 15 silver and 23 bronzes while BKSP became 3rd with one silver and seven bronzes. Assistant Chief of Bangladesh Navy Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa was the chief guest at the closing and prize distribution ceremony of the four-day meet and distributed the prizes. BSF Senior Vice President and Chairman of the meet's sponsor Max Group Engineer Golam Mohammad Alamgir presided over the function, organized by Bangladesh Swimming Federation (BSF). Samiul Islam Rafi of Bangladesh Navy became the best male swimmer securing five gold and a bronze medal featuring three national record while Sonia Akter, also from Bangladesh Navy, emerged as best female swimmer securing eight gold and one silver. Some 550 athletes and 185 officials from 69 teams including different divisions, district, Army, Navy, Air Force, BKSP, BGB, Police, Ansar and swimming clubs are participating in 38 swimming(19 each for the male and female), three diving and one waterpolo event.

Touring Maldives National Football team will play hosts Bangladesh national side in the first of the two- match FIFA Tier-1 International Friendly series here on Wednesday. The match between two South Asian rivals will kick off at 6 pm at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in the capital. It will be the 19th international football match between FIFA ranked 186th Bangladesh and FIFA ranked 163rd Maldives since 1984. In the previous 18 encounters, both the teams won six, drew six and lost the remaining six matches. In their last two meetings, Bangladesh earned 2-1 win over the Maldives at home while they played 1-1 draw with the Maldives in the away match. Ahead of the Wednesday's match, the Spanish Head Coach of Bangladesh team Javier Fernandez Cabrera and captain Topu Barman disclosed their plan, preparations and expectation at a press conference at the Kings arena Tuesday afternoon. Coach of the Maldives team Ali Suzain and player Samooh Ali also addressed the day's press conference. The Maldives team which arrived Dhaka on Monday, made their practice session at the Bashundhara Kings Arena today (Tuesday) evening after hosts Bangladesh made their final practices at the same venue Tuesday afternoon. The 2nd and last match between two teams will be held on Saturday (November 16) at the same venue. Meanwhile, the BFF has announced rate of tickets for the Wednesday's (Nov 13) match which is available at the Bashundhara braches of Social Islami Bank and South East Bank. Rate of tickets: VIP - Tk 800.00, Category 1 - Tk 300.00 and Category 2 - Tk 300.00 each.

Afghanistan successfully chased down Bangladesh’s 245-run target with 10 balls to spare, winning the third ODI by five wickets to secure a 2-1 series victory in Sharjah. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s stunning 101 laid the groundwork for Afghanistan’s chase, while Azmatullah Omarzai’s composed 70 not out ensured they crossed the line in the final overs. Opting to bat first, Bangladesh posted 244 for 8, thanks largely to a 98 from veteran Mahmudullah Riayd and a supportive 66 from stand-in captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The Bangladesh innings had its highs and lows, with regular breakthroughs from Afghanistan's bowlers keeping them in check. Azmatullah Omarzai led with 4 wickets for 37, dismantling Bangladesh’s middle and lower order to restrict the final push. Afghanistan’s chase started shakily as they lost opener Sediqullah Atal for 14, bowled by Nahid Rana with a searing delivery in the eighth over. Rahmat Shah fell shortly after, giving a simple catch back to Mustafizur Rahman. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi struggled for runs, and his dismissal to a sharp slip catch from Soumya Sarkar off Mustafizur left Afghanistan at 84 for 3. Rahmanullah, however, held firm at one end, scoring a measured century off 120 balls, including five fours and seven sixes. Gurbaz showcased power and resilience, forming a 100-run partnership with Omarzai, which put Afghanistan firmly in contention. Gurbaz’s dismissal at 184 in the 39th over, caught at deep square leg by Zakir Hasan off Mehidy, briefly offered Bangladesh a glimmer of hope. Yet, Omarzai stayed steady, pacing his innings with both caution and aggression, scoring boundaries to keep the required rate under control. A short-lived scare followed when Gulbadin Naib was dismissed for 1, miscuing Nahid Rana to keeper Jaker Ali at 188 for 5 in the 41st over. But Mohammad Nabi’s swift 34 off 27 balls, striking five boundaries, provided the necessary finishing kick. The Nabi-Omarzai stand ensured that Afghanistan reached the target comfortably in the 49th over. Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Mustafizur Rahman’s 2 for 50, put in a commendable effort, with Nahid Rana impressing early on with figures of 2 for 40. However, Afghanistan’s determined batting lineup proved too resilient in the end. With this win, Afghanistan clinched the series 2-1, marking a memorable performance in Sharjah, and proved their growing strength in international cricket.

Sunnydale School clinched boy's title and Viqarunnisa Noon School & College lifted girls crown of the Tasmery Under-14 School Handball Tournament' 2024 ( Boys & Girls) winning their respective finals at the Capt (Retd) M Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium here on Monday. Sunnydale School clinched the boy's crown beating Narinda Govt. High School by 20-15 goals while Viqarunnisa Noon won the girls title defeated Sunnydale School by 12-10 goals in the finals Monday afternoon. International Master and veteran chess player Rani Hamid was the chief guest at the day's finals and later she distributed the trophies at the day's closing function, organised by Bangladesh Handball Federation (BHF). Proprietor of the meet's sponsor Tasmery and Company Salim Bin Baten was also present as the special guest at the day's closing function, chaired by BHF general secretary Asaduzzaman Kohinoor. Rashdanul Haque of Sunnydale School was adjudged the best boys' player while his team-mate Tahsir named as the best goalkeeper of the meet. In the girls group, Ilmi of Viqarunnisa Noon named as the best player while Anjum of the same team was adjudged the best goalkeeper of the meet.

In the third and final ODI of the series at Sharjah, Bangladesh set a target of 245 for Afghanistan after posting 244 for 8 in their 50 overs. A crucial 98 from veteran batter Mahmudullah and a patient 66 from stand-in captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz laid the foundation for Bangladesh's total, as Afghanistan’s bowlers, particularly Azmatullah Omarzai, posed challenges throughout. Opting to bat, Bangladesh made a promising start, with openers Soumya Sarkar and Tanzid Hasan adding 53 runs for the first wicket. Soumya, looking fluent, scored a brisk 24 off 23 balls but was dismissed by Omarzai, chopping one onto his stumps in the ninth over. Tanzid followed shortly after, caught by Hashmatullah Shahidi off Mohammad Nabi for 19. Zakir Hasan, new to the crease, fell to a direct hit from Nangeyalia Kharote after a mix-up with Miraz, reducing Bangladesh to 58 for 3 by the 11th over. Under pressure, Mehidy and Mahmudullah stabilised the innings with a methodical partnership. Miraz played a cautious knock of 66 from 119 balls, anchoring Bangladesh’s innings alongside Mahmudullah, who took a more aggressive approach. Their 145-run partnership consumed 188 balls, helping Bangladesh rebuild after the early setbacks. Mehidy was eventually dismissed in the 46th over, caught by Gulbadin Naib off another slower ball from Omarzai, but his innings provided the solidity Bangladesh needed. Mahmudullah then took charge in the death overs, accelerating his scoring rate to ensure a competitive total. He hit seven boundaries and three sixes as he reached 98 off 98 balls. However, he fell just short of a century, running out on the final ball of the inning while attempting a risky second run. Omarzai finished taking 4 for 37 in his seven overs, effectively derailing Bangladesh’s late push with timely strikes. Afghanistan’s spinners were disciplined, with Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi each taking a wicket and keeping the scoring rate in check. Nabi’s economical 10-over spell, conceding just 37 runs, kept Bangladesh under constant pressure in the middle overs. Bangladesh’s innings ended at 244 for 8, a challenging but defendable score on the Sharjah surface.With the series tied at 1-1, Afghanistan will need a well-coordinated chase to clinch the series, while Bangladesh will look to their bowlers to deliver a series win.

The 9th Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup, the world’s most prominent corporate golf tournament, returned to Dhaka recently and Dhaka’s champion will represent the city in the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup Grand Finale later this year. The event, held at Kurmitola Golf Club recently, was the 109th of 109 tournaments in this year’s Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup - with the victors competing in the Grand Finals in Türkiye later this year. Turkish Airlines General Manager in Dhaka, Islam Güre said, “Events like the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup reflect our commitment to creating memorable experiences and building lasting relationships across the globe, Congratulations to our winners, and I look forward to seeing all of you next year for more great moments together.” All Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup finalists will fly to Türkiye with the comfort and luxury of the Turkish Airlines’ Business Class, said a media release. From a global total of 109, those that win will go through to the Grand Finals and have the chance to stay and play at Gloria Serenity Resort & Gloria Golf Club on the Turkish Golf Coast. Representing Dhaka, Selim Abed secured their champion position with 43 points, and Mohd Sajidul Islam was runner-up, while Lt Col Md Anwar Hossain came third. The closest to the Pin competition was won by Col Liaquat Ali Khan for the men and Kusum Farid for the women. Sherin Sultana won the lowest gross score with a score of 75. Since its inception in 2013, the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup now brings together over 8,000 players who compete against one another in more than 100 tournaments in 67 countries worldwide.

The Maldives National Football team arrived in Dhaka on Monday to play a two-match Tier-1 FIFA International Friendly series against hosts Bangladesh. Hosts Bangladesh National Football Team will play the touring Maldives national side in two FIFA Int'l Friendlies on November 13 and 16 at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in the capital. The Bangladesh team will make their final practice session Tuesday afternoon from 5:45 pm at the Basundhara Kings Arena, while the touring Maldives team will make their practices at the same venue on Tuesday from 6 pm. Bangladesh and the Maldives have played 18 matches each since 1984, where both teams won six, drew six, and lost the remaining six matches. Bangladesh, currently ranked 186th in the world, will take on the Maldives, who sit at 163rd. This will mark the first international match for the Maldivian side this year, following a challenging period for their footballing federation. In their previous meetings, Bangladesh emerged victorious with a 2-1 win at home while they played a 1-1 draw in the away match. Meanwhile, the BFF has announced the rate of tickets for Wednesday's (Nov 13) match. Rate of tickets: VIP - Tk 800.00, Category 1 - Tk 300.00 and Category 2 - Tk 300.00 each. Earlier, the Spanish head coach of the Bangladesh football team, Javier Cabrera, announced a 27-member Bangladesh preliminary squad. 27-member Bangladesh preliminary squad are. Goalkeeper: Anisur Rahman Zico, Mehdi Hasan Srabon, Mitul Marma, and Sujon Hossain Defender: Saad Uddin, Topu Barman, Rabbi Hossain Rahul, Murad Hasan, Mehedi Hasan, Shakil Ahad Topu, Rahmat Mia, Shakil Hossain, Isa Faysal, and Taj Uddin. Midfielder: Chandan Roy, Mojibur Rahman Jony, Sohel Rana, Mohammad Hridoy, Syed Shah Quazem Kirmanee, Papon Singh, and Didarul Alam Forward- Rakib Hossain, Shekh Morsalin, Foysal Ahmed Fahim, Shahriar Emon, Pias Ahmed Nova and Mirajul Islam.

The unbeaten SAFF Women's Champions Bangladesh Football team got their pre-pledged bonus of TK 1 crore from the Ministry of Youth and Sports within 11 days of the announcement. Bangladesh Women's Football team clinched the prestigious SAFF women's crown for the second consecutive time, shocking hosts Nepal by 2-1 goals in the final at a houseful Dashrath Rangasala (Stadium) in Kathmandhu on October 30. Earlier, Adviser to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Asif Mahmud Sojib Bhuiyan announced the bonus for the Bangladesh Women's Football team on behalf of the ministry and handed over a replica cheque at the BFF office soon after team return from Nepal on October 31. BFF announces Tk 1.5 crore bonus for SAFF-conquering Women's team The National Sports Council, under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, issued separate cheques of Tk 3,12,500 for each of the 32-member Bangladesh Women's Football team, including 23 footballers, nine coaching staff, and team officials. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) also announced a bonus of Tk1.5 Crore for the Bangladesh Women's Football team after its first executive committee meeting at the BFF office in Motijheel last Saturday. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BFF) also announced a reward of Tk 20 lakhs for Bangladesh Women's Football team for their feat. Both rewards are likely to be distributed within this month.

Bangladesh stand-in captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz won the toss and opted to bat first in the third and final ODI against Afghanistan on Sunday in Sharjah. Bangladesh’s regular captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was out of this match due to a muscle injury, and Mehidy, the vice captain, is leading the team in this match, making his debut as Bangladesh catapin. Bangladesh made two changes— bringing Nahid Rana and Zakir Hasan in to replace Taskin Ahmed, who was rested, and bringing Nahid Rana to the XI as a debutant. Nahid impressed in the Test and has now made his appearance in ODIs. He is a right-arm fast bowler. Afghanistan did not change anything in their XI. Bangladesh lost the first match of the series by 92 runs, but they made a comeback in the second match. And if they win on Sunday, they will also seal the series. Bangladesh XI: Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Zakir Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali (wk), Nasum Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman Afghanistan XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Bangladesh ODI captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is uncertain for the third and final ODI against Afghanistan on Monday in Sharjah. In the previous match, Najmul suffered a muscle injury, where he hit fifty and guided Bangladesh to a win that helped them tie the series. In the third match, which became a final now. In Najmul's absence, Mehidy Hasan Miraz is expected to lead the team. Mehidy has been appointed Najmul's deputy in this series. Bangladesh lost the first match by 92 runs. AM Ghazanfar, the right-arm offspinner, bagged six wickets to hand Afghanistan a flying start to the series. But in the second match, Bangladesh bounced back, beating Afghanistan by 68 runs, Bangladesh’s maiden victory at the venue. The winner of the third match will now seal the series.