United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh secured a nail-biting 7-run victory over the West Indies in the first T20I at Kingstown, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The victory came in the morning of Bangladesh’s 54th Victory Day anniversary, commemorating the country’s liberation from Pakistan in 1971, making the occasion even more special. Mahedi Hasan was the star of the match, earning Player of the Match honours for his brilliant all-round performance. He contributed an unbeaten 26 runs with the bat and then dismantled the West Indies batting lineup with a career-best 4 for 13.   Bangladesh add Nahid Rana to T20I squad against West Indies After being put into bat, Bangladesh posted a modest total of 147 for 6. Soumya Sarkar top-scored with 43 off 32 balls, while Shamim Hossain’s quickfire 27 off 13 provided much-needed momentum at the death. Mahedi played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings, forging a vital partnership with Shamim. West Indies' Akeal Hosein was the best bowler for the hosts, taking 2 for 13 in his four overs.   West Indies, chasing 148, were rocked early by Taskin Ahmed and Mahedi. By the 7th over, the hosts were reduced to 38 for 5, with Mahedi’s four-wicket burst sending jitters through the batting order. “We tried to bowl straight and stick to our process,” Mahedi explained. “It was crucial to maintain partnerships, and I’m glad we could execute our plans.” Bangladesh set 322 target for West Indies in final ODI Despite the collapse, captain Rovman Powell led a fightback with a 60 off 35 balls. Alongside Romario Shepherd, Powell stitched a record 67-run partnership for the eighth wicket, giving West Indies a glimmer of hope. With 20 runs needed off the final three overs, Taskin Ahmed delivered a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Shepherd for 22. Powell followed soon after, caught in the deep, as West Indies fell short, bowled out for 140 in 19.5 overs.   “The pitch didn’t behave as expected, and we felt 150-160 would have been a good score,” Bangladesh captain Litton Das lauded his team’s fighting spirit. “But we believed in our bowlers and fielders, and they delivered. This win gives us confidence going into the next game.” Litton also set a personal milestone, breaking the record for most dismissals by a Bangladesh wicketkeeper in a T20I innings with five.   “We lost wickets in clusters, and that was the only way they could stay in the game,” Powell admitted his side missed opportunities. “Our batting let us down after a credible bowling performance. We need honest conversations about what went wrong.”

Bangladesh superstar Shakib Al Hasan, one of cricket's greatest all rounders, has been barred from bowling in international cricket and domestic competitions, following an independent assessment at an ICC-accredited testing centre in the United Kingdom. The suspension, effective immediately, draws on one applying to competitions under the jurisdiction of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that came to light recently. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has now been made to understand the wider implication of that ban. Victory Day friendly cricket on Monday in Mirpur According to a BCB media release, it has received communication from the ECB confirming that the suspension is in line with clause 11.3 of the ICC regulations for illegal bowling actions. According to this regulation, if a player is banned from bowling by a National Cricket Federation, the suspension is automatically enforced in international cricket and all other domestic competitions globally. ICC member countries' boards however may override the ban and allow someone in Shakib's position to bowl in competitions under their jurisdiction. It's a bizarre turn of events for the Bangladesh cricketer, who has plied his trade for at least 17 years in international cricket without raising eyebrows over his action. During this time, he has taken over 700 international wickets, including 246 in Test cricket. For him to be barred from bowling at the age of 37 suggests something has changed in his action. While Shakib is barred from bowling, he remains eligible to play as a batter in all formats of cricket. The BCB said that Shakib will soon undergo reassessment at an ICC-accredited center, and a clearance would allow him to resume bowling in international cricket and in competitions governed by other National Cricket Federations. Bangladesh add Nahid Rana to T20I squad against West Indies “The BCB is in regular contact with the ECB, the ICC, and the player throughout this process,” the board said in its media release, mentioning that no further comments would be made at this time. Shakib’s bowling action was initially flagged during his participation in a competition under the ECB’s jurisdiction. The ICC-accredited testing revealed irregularities, leading to his suspension. However, as per clause 11.4 of the ICC regulations, a successful reassessment could overturn the decision. Shakib’s forthcoming reassessment will determine when he can resume bowling. Until then, Shakib is expected to continue to play as a batter.  

Vita Annafsa, Keyla Annisa Putri of Indonesia earned the doubles crown in the Yonex Sunrise Bangladesh Junior International (Badminton) Series 2024 clinching men's/women's doubles and mixed doubles titles at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium here on Sunday. Senior Secretary of Dr Mohammad Muklesur Rahman was the chief guest at the day's ceremony and distributed prizes Sunday afternoon Vita Annafsa and Keyla Annisa pair won mixed double crown beating another Indonesian pair by 21-14, 18-21 and 21-15 points in the event's final Earlier, Vita Annafsa shared the men's doubles crown with another Indonesian Grendly Alkatib while Keyla Annisa shared the women's doubles title also with another Indonesian Micha Leona. The men's singles crown went to Denis Azzarya of Indonesia while the women's singles title also went to Thalita Ramadhani of Indonesia. The Yonex- Sunrise Bangladesh International Badminton Challenge ' 2024 (Senior) billed for December 17- 21 here.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has arranged Victory Day Friendly Cricket, an annual program of the board on the occasion of the Victory Day, Monday (December 16). Former star cricketers, under the banner of Shaheed Mustaque Eleven and Shaheed Jewel Eleven will compete in the day-long meet at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. The friendly cricket match with the participation of former national captains and star cricketers, virtually a reunion of former cricketers, will kick-off at 10:30 am at the Mirpur Stadium. Selected cricketers of two participating teams are: Shaheed Mustaque X1 : Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu, Akram Khan, Minhajul Abedin Nannu, Mehrab Hossain Opi, Khan Abdur Razzak, Hasibul Hossian Shanta, Mushfiqur Rahman Babu, Abdul Hannan Sarkar, Fahim Muntasir Summit, Hasanuzzanan Jhoru, Khondakar Saidul Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Rana, Mohammad Ali, Sajjad Ahmed Shipon and Nazmul Hossain. Shaheed Jewel Xl : ASM Raquibul Hasan, Habibul Bashar Sumon, Khaled Mashud Pilot, Enamul Haq Moni, Mohammad Rafiq, Shahriar Nafees, Ehsanul Haque Sezan, Harun Ur Rashid Liton, Foysal Hossain Dickens, Javed Omar Belim, Mohammad Salim, Salim Shahed, Niamul Rashid Rahul, Talha Jubair and Sanaul Hossain.

Fast bowler Nahid Rana has been included in Bangladesh’s T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against the West Indies, set to take place on December 16, 18, and 20 at Arnos Vale Ground in St. Vincent. The 22-year-old pacer, yet to make his T20I debut, joins the team as Bangladesh seeks to strengthen its pace attack following a disappointing ODI series. The T20I series represents an opportunity for Bangladesh to bounce back after a tough start to their Caribbean tour. They managed a 1-1 draw in the two-match Test series but were whitewashed 3-0 in the ODIs. Bangladesh captain Litton Das, who is stepping in for the absent Nazmul Hossain, acknowledged the challenge ahead. “T20Is have always been tough for us, especially on the West Indies’ home ground. It will be difficult, but we are focused on our preparation,” Litton said. Bangladesh’s last outing at Arnos Vale during the ICC T20 World Cup Super Eight stage in June ended on a high note, as they defeated Afghanistan. They also faced Nepal and the Netherlands in the first round at the same venue. However, West Indies have not played at this ground since 2013, making it a fresh challenge for the hosts. Historically, Bangladesh has struggled in T20Is against the West Indies, losing nine of their 16 encounters, including four of the eight matches played in the Caribbean. Despite this, Litton remains hopeful of a strong performance. “Our preparation has been good. Most of our players have been active in Tests and ODIs. While a few are new, they’ve had sufficient practice,” he added. Bangladesh T20I Squad: Litton Das (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain Patwari, Sheikh Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Ripon Mondol, Nahid Rana.

India's pace attack triggered another top order batting collapse for Australia as the hosts struggled to 104-3 at lunch on the second day of the third cricket test. Jasprit Bumrah again underlined his stature as the current top-ranked bowler in tests as he tormented Australia's top-order batters on a Gabba pitch that was offering plenty of assistance for bowlers under patchy cloud-covered skies on Sunday. At the break, Steven Smith was unbeaten on 25, with Travis Head on 20, with the pair coming together when Australia was at a precarious 75-3. After Australia resumed at 28 without loss after rain curtailed the opening day to just 13.2 overs, it didn't take long Sunday for Bumrah (2-26) to make his mark as, like the first innings in both opening two tests, the seamer's relentless accuracy and ability to move the ball off the pitch led to early breakthroughs. First, he removed Usman Khawaja caught behind for 21 with a ball that moved late on the veteran opener to have Australia at 31-1. Nathan McSweeney made a patient 9 runs off 49 balls but could do little more than to edge another sharp delivery from Bumrah to Virat Kohli at second slip as Australia slipped to 38-2 in the 19th over. It was the fourth time in the series that Bumrah has claimed McSweeney's wicket. Smith and Marnus Labuschagne steadily put Australia back on track but Nitish Kumar Reddy teased a wild swipe from Labuschagne (12) which was well caught by Kohli in the slips with the hosts at 75-3. Smith, who has had a wretched run of outs over the past 12 months and has not made a century since the Ashes in mid-2023, looked to be playing himself slowly back into form with a composed 25 from 68 balls. Head, on the back of three first ball ducks in Gabba test matches, provided his usual attacking impetus as he raced to 20 from 35 balls in what shapes as a potentially match defining partnership with Smith for the hosts. Pace bowler Mohammed Siraj — who had a running verbal battle with Head in the second test at Adelaide which led to both players being sanctioned — left the field during his 11th over with an apparent left hamstring injury. The seamer returned to the field prior to the lunch break but did not resume bowling. India won the toss and sent Australia into bat on Saturday, but rain first halted play for about 30 minutes in the sixth over. The showers returned about a half-hour later and washed out the remainder of the opening day. India won the first test by 295 runs at Perth, while Australia came back to win the second day-night test in Adelaide by 10 wickets.

Bangladesh tasted the first victory to finish 9th in the 10-team Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup'2024 crushing Sri Lanka by 8-0 goals in a place deciding match in Muscat, Oman on Saturday. Bangladesh completed their maiden Asian Cup Hockey journey with winning note after conceding a humiliating 0-19 goals defeat against China, 1-13 goals defeat against holders India, 1-2 goals defeat against Thailand and 1-6 goals defeat against Malaysia in the Pool A matches to eliminate from the continental hockey. In the day's 9th to 10th place deciding match, Irin Ria scored four goals for Bangladesh and was adjudged the player of the match. Fatima, Orpita, Sonia and Nadira scored the remaining goal for Bangladesh. Bangladesh Women’s (Under 21) Hockey team qualified for the first-ever Junior Asia Cup Hockey as the runners-up AHF Cup Tournament held in Singapore last June, also a qualifying tournament for 2025 Women’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup. However, Bangladesh Men’s Junior Hockey team qualified for the Junior World Cup Hockey for the first time scheduled to be held in India in December next year as they finished 5th in the just concluded 10-team Men's Junior Asia Cup Hockey also held in Muscat, Oman.

Last season's treble winners Bashundhara Kings returned to winning run in the 10- team Bashundhara Group Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football outplaying Rahmatganj MFS by 4-1 goals in the last 3rd round match at the Bashundhara Kings Arena Saturday evening. Defending champions Bashundhara Kings, which made a flying start crushing Chittagong Abahani Ltd by 7-0 goals in the league opener, suffered a big blow losing to ten-man Dhaka Mohammedan SC by 0-1 goal in the 2nd league match. In the day's 3rd round match, the Kings smartly bounced back in the race beating old Dhaka outfit Rahnatganj MFS comfortably. In the day's match, Brazilian forward Jonathan Fernandes put the Kings ahead in the 10th minute (1-0). Local national coloured striker Nabib Newaj Jibon leveled the margin for Rahmatganj MFS just two minute later (1-1). Another Brazilian Miguel Figueira again put the Kings ahead in the added time of the first half (45+2 minute) from a penalty (2-1). Sohel Rana scored the 3rd goal for the Kings in the 53rd minute (3-1) while defender Topu Barman made it (4-1) in the 76th minute. After the day's 3rd round matches, Dhaka Mohammedan SC took a solo lead in the league with all-win run securing full nine points from straight three matches after beating their arch rivals Dhaka Abahani by 1-0 goal in a keenly contested match at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla Saturday afternoon.   In the day's prestige battle, Mali forward cum team captain Souleymane Diabate scored the match winning goal for Mohammedan SC against foreign booter-less Dhaka Abahani by a good header in the stoppage time of the first half (45+2 minute). With the day's maiden defeat, Dhaka Abahani Ltd went down in the league race to share the 3rd slot with Bashundhara Kings, Bangladesh Police FC and Rahmatganj MFS collecting six points each playing three matches each. The Gopibagh outfit Brothers Union Club followed the league leader Mohammedan neck and neck securing seven points from three matches. In the day's another match, Bangladesh Police FC advanced to the 3rd slot in the league outplaying Dhaka Wanderers Club by 4-0 goals at the Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur Saturday afternoon. Al Amin struck twice in the 36th and 41st minutes to dominate the first half by 2-0 goals. Dipok Roy and Syed Shah Quazem Kirmani scored the remaining two goals for Police FC in the 79th and 84th minutes respectively.

Chattogram, Dhaka Metro, Rangpur and Barishal won their respective matches in the National Cricket League T20 on Saturday in Sylhet. Najmul Hossain Shanto was the star of the day with an 80. He just returned to play competitive cricket after recovering from an injury. Chattogram Dominate Dhaka Division: Chattogram Division cruised to a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over Dhaka Division. Dhaka’s batting collapsed for just 64 runs in 16.4 overs, with Fahad Hossain (4 for 11) dismantling the lineup. Chattogram’s openers, Mahmudul Hasan Joy (44*) and Tamim Iqbal (21*), chased down the target in just 11 overs. Dhaka Metro Edges Past Khulna Division: In a tense finish, Dhaka Metro secured a 6-run win against Khulna Division. Imranuzzaman’s 46 off 28 and Al Islam’s all-round brilliance (3 for 24) proved decisive as Dhaka Metro posted 146 for 9 in 18 overs. Despite a fighting 29 by Azizul Hakim and contributions from the lower order, Khulna fell short at 140 for 8. Al Islam’s exceptional bowling earned him the Player of the Match award. Rangpur Clinch Victory Over Sylhet: Rangpur Division defeated Sylhet Division by 5 wickets with 26 balls to spare. Chasing 121, Naeem Islam anchored Rangpur’s innings with a commanding 50 off 35 balls. Abdullah Al Mamun's quickfire 29 off 12 solidified the chase. Earlier, Sylhet’s Tofael Ahmed (51*) fought well, but Rangpur’s bowlers, led by Arif Ahmed (2 for 17) and Mohammad Enamul (2 for 10), restricted them to 120 for 6. Naeem Islam’s half-century earned him the Player of the Match award. Barisal Triumphs Over Rajshahi in a High-Scorer: Barisal Division overcame Rajshahi Division in a thrilling chase, winning by 5 wickets with 3 balls remaining. Rajshahi’s skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto dazzled with an 80 off 54, leading his team to 184 for 5. Barisal’s response was powered by Abdul Mazid (53 off 39) and Player of the Match Fazle Mahmud (56 off 34), who ensured a successful chase, finishing at 188 for 5 in 19.3 overs. After three rounds of matches, Rangpur Division and Dhaka Metro are leading the table with perfect records, each securing three wins from three games and accumulating six points. Chattogram Division follows in third with two wins, while Dhaka Division, Barisal Division, Rajshahi Division, and Khulna Division share fourth place with one win each and two points. Sylhet Division remains at the bottom, struggling with three consecutive losses and no points.

Dhaka Mohammedan SC took a solo lead in the 10- team Bashundhara Group Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football with all-win record beating their arch rival Dhaka Abahani Limited by 1-0 goal in a keenly contested match at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla on Saturday. After the day's 3rd consecutive victory, traditional black and whites Mohammedan SC  secured full nine points from straight three matches to dominate the league comfortably . In the day's prestige battle, Mali forward cum team captain Souleymane Diabate scored the match winning goal for Mohammedan SC against foreign booter-less Dhaka Abahani by a good header in the stoppage time of the first half (45+2 minute). With the day's maiden defeat, Dhaka Abahani Ltd went down in the race to share the 3rd slot jointly with Bangladesh Police FC and Rahmatganj MFS collecting six points each playing three, three and two matches respectively. The Gopibagh outfit Brothers Union Club followed the league leader neck and neck securing seven points from three matches. In the day's another match, Bangladesh Police FC advanced to the 3rd slot in the league outplaying Dhaka Wanderers Club by 4-0 goal at the Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur Saturday afternoon. Al Amin struck twice in the 36th and 41st minutes to dominate the first half by 2-0 goals. Dipok Roy and Syed Shah Quazem Kirmani scored remaining two goals for Police FC in the 79th and 84th minutes respectively.