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India’s women reach Commonwealth Games cricket final
India’s women cricketers are within one win of an historic gold medal after defeating host England by four runs in a thrilling Commonwealth Games semi-final on Saturday.
After posting 164-5 in the Twenty20 format, its biggest score in the tournament, India restricted previously unbeaten England to 160-6 at Edgbaston.
It is the first time women’s cricket has been played at the Games and backers are hopeful a successful tournament will lead to the sport’s inclusion at future Olympics.
More than 160,000 tickets were sold prior to the semi-final, a new record for a women’s cricket tournament, and another sizeable crowd attended Saturday’s match.
Opener Smriti Mandhana hit 61 in 32 balls to set the tone for India in its innings.
England captain Nat Sciver, who has called for women’s cricket to be included in the Olympics, top-scored with 41 in her team’s reply before being run out with less than two overs remaining.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said: “I am really happy. Everyone is coming in and performing for the team. (The fans) were cheering until the last ball. It was a great opportunity for all the players to perform.”
India will play Australia or New Zealand in Sunday’s final. England will meet the loser of that match in a bronze medal playoff.
On the track, India’s Avinash Mukund Sable bagged India’s first-ever medal in a long-distance event.
Although beaten by just 0.05 seconds in the 3,000 meter steeplechase by Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwot, who clocked 8:11.20, the 26-year-old runner felt encouraged by his silver medal-winning performance.
“My last lap was a bit disappointing but I am really happy,” Sable said.
India’s Priyanka Goswami also picked up a silver in the women’s 10,000-meter walk.
After failing to win gold on Day 8, they came in a rush for table-leading Australia on Saturday morning.
Ollie Hoare claimed a last-stride triumph in the 1500 meters in 3:30.12, becoming Australia’s first champion in the event since Herb Elliott triumphed in Cardiff in 1958.
He beat world champion Jake Wightman of Scotland, who led into the home straight before finishing third behind Hoare and Kenya’s Timothy Cheruiyot.
Australia also picked up golds in lawn bowling, gymnastics, walking and diving to stretch its lead over England after the host nation had closed the gap to three the previous day.
Sheikh Kamal Basketball: BKSP Red emerge unbeaten champions
BKSP Red team emerged unbeaten champions in the Sheikh Kamal U-23 Boys 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament beating Rangers Club by 31-10 points in the final st the Shaheed Suhrawardy National Indoor Stadium in Mirpur on Saturday.
Vice President of Bangladesh Basketball Federation ( BBF) Moinul Ahsan Monju and BBF general secretary AK Sarkar were present in the day's final and later they distributed the prizes.
Also read: Bangabandhu Basketball: Bokshi Bazar beat Josephites 51-48
A total of nine teams took part in the tournament, arranged on the occasion of the 73rd birth anniversary of Sheikh Kamal, the eldest son of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Also read: Victory Day Basketball: Navy, Army reach final
Tigers' Zimbabwe tour: Naim, Ebadot added to ODI squad
Opener Mohammad Naim and pacer Ebadot Hossain have been added to the Bangladesh squad for the ODI series against Zimbabwe, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said Saturday.
The players were called up to play in the ODIs after Nurul Hasan Sohan and Liton Das were ruled out of the series due to injuries.
Bangladesh lost the first ODI of the series Friday. This was the first ODI win of Zimbabwe against Bangladesh in nine years.
Also, this was the first time that Zimbabwe won an ODI match against Bangladesh by chasing 300 or more runs.
Read: BAN vs ZIM 1st ODI 2022: 5 Talking Points
Before that match, Bangladesh won 19 ODIs in a row against Zimbabwe.
The second and third ODIs of the series will be played on August 7 and 10 at the Harare Sports Club.
Ahead of the ODI series, Bangladesh lost the three-match T20I series 2-1 against the hosts.
Bangladesh athletics team leaves for Turkey to participate in Islamic Solidarity Games
A-two member Bangladesh Athletics team left Dhaka for Turkey Friday night to participate in the 5th Islamic Solidarity Games to be held in Turkish city Konya from August 9-18.
A four-member national athletics team comprising three athletes and one official will represent Bangladesh in the Islamic Games.
Manager cum coach of Bangladesh athletics team Farhad Jesmin Lity accompanied by high jumper Ritu Akhter left Dhaka for Turkey Friday night by a Turkish Airlines flight.
Two other Bangladeshi athletes --Imranur Rahman (100-meter sprint) and Umme Hafsa Rumki (high jump)-- who participated in the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, are scheduled to reach Turkey from England.
Read: Islamic Solidarity Games: 64 athletes will represent Bangladesh in 11 disciplines of sports
Fencer Fatema Mujib, who won gold medal in the last SAFF Games,will carry the red and green flag in the Islamic Solidarity Games Konya, 2022.
An 84-member contingent will represent Bangladesh in the ensuing Islamic Solidarity Games Konya' 2022 in eleven disciplines of sports--Athletics, Archery, Fencing, Gymnastics, Handball, Karate, Shooting, swimming, Table Tennis, Wrestling, and Weight-lifting.
BAN vs ZIM ODI Series 2022: Bangladesh aim to level the series in 2nd ODI
The Bangladesh ODI national team lost to Zimbabwe by a margin of 5 wickets in the first match of the three-match BAN vs ZIM ODI Series 2022 on Friday, August 5 at the Harare Sports Club. Zimbabwe defeated Bangladesh for the first time in an ODI since May 2013. In that regard, the match was crucial for the hosts since they won a one-day international against the visiting Bangladesh team after 19 losses in a row. The Tigers must respond quickly in the second ODI to level the series, which will be played on Sunday, August 6 at the same venue. The second match preview is discussed in this article.
Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe Second ODI 2022 Preview
The Bangladesh team's loss in the opening ODI came as a huge shock, especially considering that they had been consistently defeating Zimbabwe in this format. The team Tigers must display their aggressive intent in order to impose pressure on the hosts in the second game. On the other hand, Zimbabwe's campaign is now in a positive frame of mind, and their confidence level is strong enough for them to win back-to-back games. The second game of the BAN vs ZIM ODI Series 2022 will begin on Sunday at 1.15 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time).
Bangladesh
The first ODI's pitch was ideal for the batters to perform well. Therefore, the final score could have reached close to 350 if Bangladesh’s batters had pushed hard in the middle overs. Additionally, Bangladesh only managed to score 90 runs in the final 10 overs despite having plenty of wickets in hand. Zimbabwe's difficulty against spin bowling is well documented. Thus, selecting three pacers for the playing XI was also a mistake.
Read Tigers' Zimbabwe tour: Naim, Ebadot added to ODI squad
Several catches were dropped due to the poor fielding. Bangladesh's overall team performance was unimpressive, with the exception of four fifty-plus scores. They must work better as a team in the second ODI, which is a do-or-die game. There will probably be a couple of changes to Bangladesh's starting eleven. One change is necessary because Litton Das, who had a hamstring injury in the first game, is expected to be replaced by Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Probable playing XI
Top-Order: Tamim Iqbal (captain), Anamul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Middle-Order: Mushfiqur Rahim (wicket-keeper), Mahmudullah Riyad, Afif Hossain, Mosaddeck Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Lower-Order: Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed
Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwean team had only won one ODI in 2022 prior to the first game. Therefore, this win will certainly boost the team's morale. Zimbabwe can sense that they have a real opportunity to shock Bangladesh and win an ODI series against them for the first time in nine years. Sikandar Raza and Innocent Kaia's batting displays in the first ODI gave the batting unit confidence to be more aggressive against Bangladesh's bowling unit.
Read India’s women reach Commonwealth Games cricket final
The two batters each scored a century during the game, creating a 192-run partnership that secured the victory for the home team. Sikandar Raza, in particular, was aggressive and hindered the Bangladesh bowling unit from settling down. He will once again play a significant role for the Chevrons in the next game. The hosts are not likely to make any adjustments for the game on Sunday.
Probable playing XI
Top-Order: Regis Chakabva (captain & wicket-keeper), Tarisai Musakanda, Innocent Kaia, Middle-Order: Wessley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Luke Jongwe, Milton Shumba, Ryan Burl, Lower-Order: Victor Nyauchi, Richard Ngarava, Wellington Masakadza
Aftermath
The Tamim Iqbal-led Bangladesh side must promptly come together after the first ODI loss in order to perform well in the second match of the BAN vs ZIM ODI Series 2022. However, this would be a fantastic chance for the Zimbabwean team to complete a remarkable ODI series triumph. They will strive to give it their best in order to win the series with a game remaining against the Tigers. Therefore, the second ODI is surely going to be a fiercely contested affair.
Read BAN vs ZIM 1st ODI 2022: 5 Talking Points
BAN vs ZIM 1st ODI 2022: 5 Talking Points
Zimbabwe overcame Bangladesh by 5 wickets in the BAN vs ZIM 1st ODI 2022 on Friday and have taken a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series. Bangladesh’s fielding was poor throughout the match, which eventually proved costly for the visitors. On the other hand, all-rounder Sikandar Raza played a massive role for Zimbabwe, helping his side to seal the contest with 10 balls remaining. Let’s take a look at five important talking points from the first ODI match.
Five noteworthy points from the first ODI between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe
The opening match of the ODI series was a nicely-contested affair which Zimbabwe eventually quite comfortably won with 5 wickets in hand. Here are the five key discussion points from the BAN vs ZIM 1st ODI 2022.
Zimbabwe’s first ODI victory against Bangladesh in nine years
When had Zimbabwe last defeated Bangladesh in an ODI match prior to their victory over Bangladesh by five wickets in the first game of the series on Friday? One needs to go back to May 2013, when Zimbabwe last defeated Bangladesh by 7 wickets and won a bilateral series 2-1.
After nine long years and 19 consecutive losses, Zimbabwe finally managed to beat Bangladesh in an ODI contest on August 5, 2022. Chasing a massive 304-run target, a 192-run partnership between Innocent Kaia and Sikandar Raza in the fourth wicket eased the victory for Zimbabwe. Young Kaia made 110, while Raza contributed an unbeaten 135*.
Read BAN vs ZIM ODI Series 2022: Bangladesh aim to level the series in 2nd ODI
Tamim Iqbal becomes the first Bangladesh player to score 8,000 ODI runs
Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim Iqbal was only 57 runs shy of completing his 8,000 ODI runs prior to the BAN vs ZIM 1st ODI 2022. The Southpaw achieved the milestone by scoring 62 runs in the match. He became the first Bangladesh player and the 33rd overall to score 8,000 runs in one-day internationals. He also became the ninth player as an opener to score more than 8K ODI runs. Besides, prior to Tamim, only four Asian batters scored more than 8,000 runs as an opener in 50-overs international cricket.
Five Asian cricketers who have amassed more than 8,000 ODI runs serve as the opener
Player
Innings
Runs
HS
Avg
SR
100s
Sachin Tendulkar
340
15,310
200*
48.29
88.04
45
Sanath Jayasuriya
383
12,740
189
34.61
92.48
28
Sourav Ganguly
236
9,146
183
41.57
73.59
19
Saeed Anwar
220
8,156
194
39.98
79.93
20
Tamim Iqbal
227
8,005
158
37.06
78.55
14
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Also read: Will do what it takes to beat Zimbabwe in ODIs: Tamim
Bangladesh team needs to improve its fielding
Bangladesh’s fielding has deteriorated in recent international series. In particular, dropping catches is one of the major areas of concern for Bangladesh players. In the first ODI against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh fielders dropped four catches, including two in the 33rd over by Shoriful Islam. On both occasions, Innocent Kaia was the batter who was well set at the crease. Bangladesh fielders need to work on their catching and ground fielding in order to be more prepared for international contests.
Anamul Haque better suited to the one-day format
Anamul Haque earned a place in the Bangladesh national team squad after a tremendous performance with the bat in the one-day format 2022 DPL. However, he has been given a chance to play in the Test and T20 formats and has continuously failed to shine on the international scene.
The right-hand top order batter finally got a chance to play his ideal one-day format on Friday, and he fully capitalized on the opportunity by playing a 73 off 62 balls. With this impressive innings, Anamul justifies his selection in the ODI setup. Anamul Haque should be given more chances to earn selectors faith.
Read Rampant Raza, Innocent guide Zimbabwe home against listless Tigers
Who will replace the injured Litton Das?
Litton Das will miss the remainder of the Zimbabwe tour due to a hamstring injury sustained during the series-opening ODI. The right-handed batter’s participation in the Asia Cup 2022 is in jeopardy because of this unexpected injury. Who will replace Litton Das for the remainder of the games? The obvious choice is Najmul Hossain Shanto. However, not having Litton Das in the squad for the upcoming Asia Cup will be a huge blow for Bangladesh.
Aftermath
The Bangladesh national team has had a poor trip of Zimbabwe thus far. They fell to the hosts 2-1 in the Twenty20 International series. After winning the BAN versus ZIM 1st ODI 2022, Bangladesh have now lost to Zimbabwe in an ODI for the first time in 20 matches.
In the first match, the visiting side failed to put pressure on the opposition batters by dropping multiple catches and allowing Kaia and Raza to form a huge partnership for the fourth wicket. The Tigers need to make a strong comeback in the remaining two matches in order to win the series. The Zimbabwe team, on the other hand, sees it as a fantastic opportunity to defeat Bangladesh in a bilateral ODI series for the first time in nine years.
Read Bangladesh bat first in 1st ODI vs Zimbabwe
SAFF U-20 Champs: Bangladesh run out of gas in ET to lose 5-2
A brilliant hattrick by Gurkirat Singh guided hosts India to clinch the SAFF U-20 Championship title for the 2nd consecutive times beating last time runners-up Bangladesh by 5-2 goals in the final at the Kalinga Stadium of Bhubaneswar, India Friday night.
With the day's feat, hosts India not only clinched the SAFF U-20 Championship title for the 2nd consecutive time after 2019, but also took sweet revenge of their 1-2 goals defeat against Bangladesh in the league basis match.
The match was locked in 1-1 goals in the first half and was again locked in 2-2 goals in the stipulated 90-minute that forced the final to 30-minute extra session.
In the day's keenly contested final, Gurkirat Singh made a hattrick scoring four goals in the 2nd, 60th,93rd and 99th minutes while Himanshu Jhangta netted other goal for India in the 92nd minute
With the day's feat, Gurkirat Singh emerged as the highest scorer and most valuable player of the meet.. Indian custodian Som Kumar named as the best goal keeper while Sri Lanka team was adjudged most disciplined team.
In the stipulated time of the final, Gurkirat put hosts India ahead in the very 2nd minute of the match from a penalty (1-0).
Rajon Howlader leveled margin for Bangladesh in the 45th minute by an straight shot from goalmouth melee, utilizing a brilliant pass of right winger Rafiqul Islam (1-1).
Bangladesh took lead from behind in the 48th minute when Shahin Mia found the Indian net by a good shot from a melee (2-1).
Gurkirat Singh leveled the margin gor India in the 60th by a low shot from danger zone after receiving a ball from mouth melee (2-2) to lock the match 2-2 in schedule period.
Read: SAFF U-20 Champs: Bangladesh face holders India in final Friday
In the extra session, Himanshu Jhangta again put India ahead in the 92nd minute while Gurkirat Singh added two goals within just six minutes guiding India to their 2nd crown.
Bangladesh team, which yet to win the SAFF U-20 title (previously known as SAFF U-19 and U-18 meet) losing three consecutive finals --first against Nepal in 2017 in Bhutan, 2nd and 3rd against India in 2019 and 2022.
Earlier, Bangladesh smartly reached the final of the regional youth soccer meet as the lone unbeaten team in the ongoing meet securing 10 points from four league matches after beating Sri Lanka by 1-0 goal, hosts India 2-1, the Maldives 4-1 and playing 1-1 draw with two times champions Nepal.
India booked a seat for the final securing nine points from four matches after beating Sri Lanka by 4-0 goals, outplaying Nepal 8-0 and the Maldives 1-0 before conceding 1-2 defeat against Bangladesh in their first match.
Five South Asian nations – India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka--took part in this year's fourth edition of the regional youth soccer meet.
Nepal and India are the most successful nations in the meet winning the title twice while Bangladesh finished runners-up on third consecutive times.
Rampant Raza, Innocent guide Zimbabwe home against listless Tigers
Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh by five wickets in the first of the three-match ODI series on Friday in Harare.
It was Zimbabwe’s first ODI win against Bangladesh in nine years— the last was in 2013 in Bulawayo.
The hosts chased down a target of 304 with 10 balls in hand. Sikandar Raza hit his fourth ODI hundred and remained unbeaten for 135 of 109 balls with eight fours and six sixes.
Align with Raza, Innocent Kaia also hit a ton for Zimbabwe, which was his maiden ton in the format.
In reply to Bangladesh’s total of 303 runs, Zimbabwe lost two early wickets. But they never looked out of the race. In the third wicket stand, Wesley Madhevere and Innocent added 60 runs.
After recovering from the early damage, Zimbabwe made a solid foundation. In the fourth wicket stand, Raza and Innocent added 192 runs on the board. It was the third highest partnership for Zimbabwe in ODIs, and it was the highest ODI partnership of Zimbabwe against Bangladesh.
For Bangladesh, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Mosaddek Hossain and Mehidy Hasan bagged a wicket each.
Earlier, Opener Liton Das hit 81 and Anamul Haque scored 73 in his ODI comeback to guide Bangladesh to 303 for two after losing the toss and being inserted to bat first.
Read: Bangladesh bat first in 1st ODI vs Zimbabwe
Bangladesh lost the three-match T20I series ahead of the ODIs. Right after switching the format, Bangladesh started to display their ODI prowess.
Tamim Iqbal and Liton added 119 runs in the opening stand before Sikandar Raza got Tamim for 62 off 88 balls. Anamul, struggling to bring his domestic form into international cricket, finally hit a fifty. He made 73 off 63 balls with six hours and three sixes.
After Liton retired hurt, Mushfiqur Rahim, who skipped the previous series against the West Indies due to personal reasons, came to the wicket and scored 52 off 49 balls. Mahmudullah Riyad remained unbeaten for 20 off 12 balls.
Bangladesh fielded a three-bowler pace attack that included Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Mustafizur Rahman.
The Tigers had won 19 ODIs on the trot against Zimbabwe prior to today's contest.
But these stats did not help them to make a good start to the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. The hosts have finally broken the drought of not winning an ODI against Bangladesh for a long time.
“I didn't think we had enough on the board,” Tamim, the Bangladesh captain said after the match. “We could have pushed a little more, we were 15-20 runs short. We knew we had to bat like a Test match in the first 10-15 overs.”
Bangladesh’s opener Liton had to retire hurt with a hamstring problem. Had he not left the crease at 81, Bangladesh would have got a few more runs on the board.
Read: BAN vs ZIM ODI Series 2022: What to expect from Bangladesh and squad preview
The batter might not be able to take part in the remaining matches of this series as the captain has indicated after the match. The last two matches will be played on August 7 and 10 at the same venue.
Regis Chakabva, the Zimbabwe captain, praised Raza and Innocent for their outstanding effort with the bat.
“The way they kicked on after losing early wickets, couldn't ask for anything better. We were happy with the first 20 overs despite not getting any wickets, we felt they were 20-30 short,” he said.
Liton, Anamul power Bangladesh to 303 against Zimbabwe
Opener Liton Das hit 81 and Anamul Haque 73 to guide Bangladesh to 303-2 in the first ODI against Zimbabwe Friday at the Harare Sports Club.
Tamim Iqbal and Liton added 119 runs in the opening stand. The Tigers captain, who scored 62 off 88 balls, fell to Sikandar Raza.
Anamul, who was struggling to bring his form in the domestic arena to international cricket, finally hit a fifty. He made 73 off 63 balls with six fours and three sixes.
Read: BCB yet to name a captain for Asia Cup
After Liton retired hurt, Mushfiqur Rahim, who skipped the previous series against the West Indies for personal reasons, came to the wicket and scored 52 off 49 balls. Mahmudullah Riyad remained unbeaten on 20 off 12 balls.
Bangladesh fielded three pacers: Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Mustafizur Rahman.
The Tigers won all of their last 19 ODIs against Zimbabwe. Also, they won six of their last seven ODI series at home and abroad.
Ahead of the ODIs, Bangladesh lost the three-match T20I series against the hosts.
US stays top of FIFA women's rankings; England up to No. 4
The United States women’s soccer team extended its five-year reign atop the FIFA rankings on Friday and new European champion England moved up to No. 4.
The U.S. won its regional championship for the third straight time in July and leads No. 2 Germany, which rose three places despite losing the Euro 2022 final on Sunday.
Read:England beats Germany in extra time to win Euro 2022
Sweden, the 2020 Olympics silver medalist, drops one place to No. 3 after being beaten by England in the semifinals at Euro 2022.
Fifth-place France and No. 6 Netherlands both dropped two spots. Olympic champion Canada is No. 7.
New African champion South Africa jumped four places to No. 54 in the rankings which now include a record 185 of the 211 FIFA member federations.