Sports
Asia Cup Archery: Ruman Shana reaches recurve men's singles final
Bangladesh's celebrated archer Mohammad Ruman Shana has advanced to the recurve men's singles final of the Asia Cup World Ranking Archery Tournament (Stage-3).
He beat Sadikov Amirkhan of Uzbekistan by 6-0 sets in the semifinal in Iraq Monday.
Ruman Shana will face Chauhan Mrinal of India in the gold medal match Wednesday.
READ: Archery WC: Bangladesh recurve women’s team advance to pre-quarterfinal
On the way to the final, Ruman Shana beat Alrashidi Faisal of Kuwait 6-0, Magzhanov Vladislav of Kazakhstan by 6-2 sets and his compatriot Hakim Ahmed Rubel by 6-2 in the quarterfinal.
In the compound women's singles, Shymoly Roy and Suma Biswas of Bangladesh were eliminated from the semifinal today.
The archers will meet each other in the bronze medal match Tuesday.
Naveed sees a bright future for Shoriful, Mahmudul
Former head coach of Bangladesh U-19 national cricket team, Naveed Nawaz, sees a great future for the youngsters like Shoriful Islam and Mahmudul Hasan Joy. Both of them played in the ICC U-19 World Cup under Naveed in 2020 when Bangladesh won the title in South Africa.
Naveed left Bangladesh’s job after coaching the U-19 team in two world cups. He joined the Sri Lankan cricket board as the assistant coach of the national team.
The Sri Lanka national team arrived in Dhaka on Sunday to play a two-match Test series against the Tigers in Chattogram and Dhaka with the first match scheduled to begin on May 15 in Chattogram.
Also read: Sri Lankan cricket team arrives in Dhaka
“They have a great future,” Naveed said when he was asked about his former pupils. “Now I’m in the dressing room of their opponent, but it doesn't matter. They already proved their mettle, and they will play for Bangladesh for a longer period of time.”
Naveed will meet them in Chattogram when the Sri Lankan team travels there for the first match.
“They have the prospect to become the legends for Bangladesh. I think they will be happy to see me on Chattogram,” Naveed added.
Both Shoriful and Mahmudul spent a lot of time with Naveed during their early days of professional cricket, both have got their international caps too. Shoriful played three Tests, 10 ODIs and 19 T20Is so far while Mahmudul played four Tests.
Also read: Mustafiz should play Tests, not pick and choose: Khaled Mahmud
Mahmudul recorded his maiden Test ton during the last away series of Bangladesh in South Africa.
While the first Test of the upcoming series will begin on May 15, the second and final Test will be played in Dhaka from May 23. This series is a part of the ongoing cycle of the ICC Test Championship.
South Asian TT: Bangladesh beat Pakistan, Maldives
Bangladesh earned convincing wins against Pakistan and the Maldives on the first day of the South Asian Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championship that began on Monday (May 9) in the Maldives capital Male.
In a league basis competition, Bangladesh beat Pakistan by straight 3-0 sets in the first match and defeated hosts Maldives by 3-1 sets in the day's 2nd match.
Also read: Top 10 Free Table Tennis Ping Pong Games for Android
In the next two matches, Bangladesh will play Sri Lanka and Nepal, informed vice president of Bangladesh Table Tennis Federation Khondakar Hasan Munir from Male.
After the day's matches, Sports Minister of the Maldives congratulated the Bangladesh team for their feat.
Also read: JPC Table Tennis: Mahbub Reza earns double crown
Asian Games Qualifier: Bangladesh to face Sri Lanka on Tuesday
Bangladesh will face Sri Lanka in their 2nd Pool B match of the Men's Asian Games Hockey Qualifier in the Thai capital Bangkok Tuesday afternoon.
The match will kick-off at 2:30 pm Bangkok time.
Earlier on Saturday, Bangladesh team made a good start in the nine-nation Asian Games Qualifier beating Indonesia by 3-1 goals with medio Sarwar Hossain, forward Pushkar Khisha Mimo and midfielder Fazle Hossain Rabbi scoring one field goal each for Bangladesh.
Also read: Men's Asian Games Hockey Qualifier 2022: Bangladesh's Full Fixtures, Squad
Earlier in the AHF Cup Hockey Tournament held in Indonesia last March, Bangladesh outplayed hosts Indonesia by 7-2 goals.
Sri Lanka also made a flying start in the Asian Games qualifier outplaying Singapore by 5-2 goals in their first match last Saturday.
Bangladesh team, which was placed in four-team Pool B of the Asian Games Qualifiers with Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Singapore, will play lowly Singapore on May 12 in their remaining group match.
On completion of the Asian Games qualifier, Bangladesh team led by new captain Khorshedur Rahman will travel to Indonesia directly from Thailand to compete in the Men's Asia Cup Hockey to be held in Jakarta from May 23 to June 1.
In the eight- nation Hero Men's Asia Cup Hockey, Bangladesh team was placed in Pool B with Malaysia, Korea and Oman.
Also read: Asian Games hockey qualifiers: Bangladesh beat Indonesia 3-1
Bangladesh will face Korea on May 23, Oman on May 24 and Malaysia on May 26.
Earlier, Bangladesh qualified for the Hero Men’s Asia Cup Hockey by clinching the Men's AHF Cup Hockey title for the fourth consecutive time in Jakarta last year.
BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: What would the combined XI look like?
The BAN vs SL Test Series 2022 will be a part of the ICC’s World Test Championship. Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka can improve their current standings in the World Test Championship at the conclusion of this series. As a result, players will be motivated to give their all during the competition. Furthermore, players on both sides are usually eager to give their all whenever these two teams meet due to their history. Let's take a look at who can make it to a combined Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Test XI.
2022 Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Test Series: The best combined XI
The Bangladesh cricketers have been granted a little preference in the combined XI selection because they are playing on home soil. One of the reasons for this is their relatively strong performance in Bangladeshi conditions. Moreover, Sri Lankan cricketers' success in sub-continental conditions is noteworthy. This has been considered as well.
1) Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh)
Test Inn: 125 | Runs: 4,848 | HS: 206 | Ave: 39.41 | 100s: 9
The veteran Tamim has one of the best batting records among the Bangladesh batters. He could be one of the major headaches for the Lankan side during the series. Tamim will play the anchor role for Bangladesh and he can single-handedly take the game away from the opposition.
Read BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Who holds the advantage in records?
2) Dimuth Karunaratne (Sri Lanka)
Test Inn: 147 | Runs: 5,620 | HS: 244 | Ave: 39.57 | 100s: 14
Sri Lankan captain Karunaratne has the highest number of centuries (14) on both sides. He is the most consistent Test batter among the Lankan players. Dimuth Karunaratne will have to play a crucial role for the visitors during the series.
3) Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)
Test Inn: 93 | Runs: 3,078 | HS: 196 | Ave: 34.58 | 100s: 7
Two years ago, Kusal played a match-winning knock against South Africa away from home. Since then, he has had a special place on the Lankan side. Kusal is a big-match player and can step up when needed.
Read Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2022: Squad comparison
4) Mominul Haque (Bangladesh)
Test Inn: 95 | Runs: 3,514 | HS: 181 | Ave: 39.48 | 100s: 11
Bangladesh skipper Mominul Haque has a brilliant record at home. He has more than a 50 average in 49 innings in Bangladesh. Mominul’s captaincy and his batting performance in the middle-order will be crucial for the hosts.
5) Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh)
Test Inn: 148 | Runs: 4,932 | HS: 219* | Ave: 36.26 | 100s: 7
Mr. dependable Mushfiqur Rahim is the heart of Bangladesh's middle-order. He can be lethal with the bat during the BAN vs SL Test Series 2022.
Read Mosaddek or Nayeem: Who Should Play in CTG Test of BAN vs SL Series 2022?
6) Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
Test Match: 59 | Runs: 4,029 | HS: 217 | Ave: 39.50 | 100s: 5 | Wickets: 215 | BBI: 7/36 | Ave: 31.30 | 5Ws: 18
Shakib is an automatic choice for the number six spot. He is the best player between the two teams and will be vital in the series’ final outcome. Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal are also experienced players and can easily find a place in the playing XI. However, given their recent performances, others deserve more than them.
7) Litton Das (Bangladesh)
Test Inn: 53 | Runs: 1,730 | HS: 114 | Ave: 33.26 | 100s: 2
Wicket-keeper batter Litton Das has been one of the most consistent batters since 2021. He has matured a lot as a genuine Test batter. Litton can play a vital role lower down the order for Bangladesh.
Read Australia names full-strength squads for Sri Lanka tour
8) Praveen Jayawickrama (Sri Lanka)
Test Match: 4 | Wickets: 25 | BBI: 6/92 | Ave: 19.48 | 5Ws: 2
Bangladesh’s pitches could be ideal for Lankan young left-arm orthodox spinner Jayawickrama to shine with the ball. He could put pressure on the Bangladesh batters at the crucial stages of a contest.
9) Lasith Embuldeniya (Sri Lanka)
Test Match: 15 | Wickets: 70 | BBI: 7/137 | Ave: 34.77 | 5Ws: 5
Embuldeniya has had a brilliant start to his Test career. He has picked up 70 wickets in just 15 matches, showing his wicket-taking ability. Bangladesh’s batters should be watchful against Lasith Embuldeniya.
Read Men's Asian Games Hockey Qualifier 2022: Bangladesh's Full Fixtures, Squad
10) Taijul Islam (Bangladesh)
Test Match: 36 | Wickets: 153 | BBI: 8/39 | Ave: 32.01 | 5Ws: 10
Among the Bangladesh bowlers, Taijul Islam has the best record in home conditions. Taijul has picked up 115 wickets in just 23 matches in Bangladesh, which shows his effectiveness on slow pitches.
11) Vishwa Fernando (Sri Lanka)
Test Match: 16 | Wickets: 43 | BBI: 5/101 | Ave: 37.30 | 5Ws: 1
Pace bowling is the weakest link for both sides. Lankan left-arm pacer Vishwa Fernando has the most wickets among the two teams’ pace bowlers. Fernando's stats show that he is more capable of picking up wickets than others.
Read 2022 Happy Mother’s Day: Five Athletes Who Make a Big Comeback After Becoming Mothers
Afterward
Finding the best-combined XI from a pool of excellent players is never an easy task. The combined Test XI for Bangladesh and Sri Lanka was selected depending on their recent bilateral series performances and overall contribution to their respective country in the longer-version format. The picked players have shown consistency, and their performances have had a significant influence on their respective teams' outcomes. The BAN vs SL Test Series 2022 is expected to be a highly contested affair.
BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Who holds the advantage in records?
The Sri Lanka cricket team arrived in Dhaka on Sunday (May 8) afternoon to take part in a Test series against Bangladesh. The Lankans should feel confident ahead of the contest as they have a way better Test record than the tigers. However, Bangladesh team’s performance has been improving, and they have minimized the gap in recent years. Will Sri Lanka maintain their dominance, or will Bangladesh end their hegemony and make history in the BAN vs SL Test Series 2022? Let's take a look at head-to-head Test records between the two teams.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Head-to-head Bilateral Test series record
The Sri Lanka Cricket Board announced the best possible squad for the Bangladesh series, which includes some uncapped players. On the other hand, all the expected names were included in the Tigers Test squad.
The eleventh bilateral Test series (BAN vs SL):
This will be their eleventh Test series together. Both sides had played 10 bilateral Test series previously. Sri Lanka hosted six series, while Bangladesh hosted four. Nine series have been won by Sri Lanka, with one series ending in a draw. In fact, Bangladesh have only defeated Sri Lanka once.
Read Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2022: Squad comparison
Noteworthy Test records between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
The following are some of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka's most noteworthy Test records.
Significant Test Records between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
Bangladesh
Sri Lanka
Matches Played (22)
1
17
Most Runs
Mohammad Ashraful (1090 runs in 26 innings)
Kumar Sangakkara (1816 runs in 21 innings)
Highest Score
Mushfiqur Rahim (200)
Kumar Sangakkara (319)
Most Hundred
Mohammad Ashraful (5)
Kumar Sangakkara (7)
Most Wickets
Shakib Al Hasan (29)
Muthiah Muralidaran (89)
Best Bowling Figures
Shakib Al Hasan (5/70)
Rangana Herath (7/89)
Most Matches
Mushfiqur Rahim (15)
Kumar Sangakkara (15)
Highest Partnership
Mohammad Ashraful and Mushfiqur Rahim (267)
FDM Karunaratne and DM de Silva (345)
Most Catches
Shahriar Nafees (8)
Mahela Jayawardene (17)
Most Dismissals
Litton Das (16)
Prasanna Jayawardene (29)
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Read Mosaddek or Nayeem: Who Should Play in CTG Test of BAN vs SL Series 2022?
BAN vs SL Test series 2022: Venue Stats
First Test (15-19 May):
The first Test match of the forthcoming BAN vs SL Test Series 2022 will be played at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.
Test Matches: 21 | Highest Individual Innings: 319 (Kumar Sangakkara) | Best Bowling Figure in an Innings: 7/36 (Shakib Al Hasan) | Highest Team innings: 713/9d | Lowest Team Innings: 119
Bangladesh’s Test record (ZACS): Win: 2 | Lost: 13 | Draw: 6
Sri Lanka’s Test record (ZACS): Win: 2 | Lost: 0 | Draw: 2.
Read Australia names full-strength squads for Sri Lanka tour
Second Test (23-27 May):
The second Test match of the series will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.
Test Matches: 22 | Highest Individual Innings: 226 (Azhar Ali) | Best Bowling Figure in an Innings: 8/39 (Taijul Islam) | Highest Team innings: 730/6d | Lowest Team Innings: 87
Bangladesh’s Test record (SBNCS): Win: 6 | Lost: 13 | Draw: 3
Sri Lanka’s Test record (SBNCS): Win: 3 | Lost: 0 | Draw: 0.
Read Nayeem added to Test squad to replace injured Mehidy
Recent Test records of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
Neither team has had a good record in the longer-version format in recent years. Bangladesh have lost eight of their eleven Test matches since 2021, winning only two. On the contrary, Sri Lanka have lost five of their eleven Test matches since 2021, while winning three.
Both sides have failed to perform well in the Test format. Some of Bangladesh's prominent players have continued to skip Test series following the post covid-19 phase. On the other hand, Sri Lanka have failed to compete as a unit. The hosts should be in a stronger position to put the visitors under strain since all of Bangladesh's senior players are available for this series.
Read Sri Lankan cricket team arrives in Dhaka
Bottom Line
Sri Lanka have the upper hand against Bangladesh in a head-to-head battle. A relatively inexperienced Lankan side will play a competitive Tigers Test team in the BAN vs SL Test Series 2022. This group should be confident about winning a Test series against Sri Lanka for the first time since they showed some potential in their previous away Test series.
However, this Sri Lankan team isn't as good as it once was, and their recent results have been disappointing. The visitors would face huge pressure from the hosts during the series. Therefore, Sri Lanka's chances of dominating Bangladesh in the next series are slim.
Read Mustafiz should play Tests, not pick and choose: Khaled Mahmud
BPL: 6-goal thriller ends even between Ctg Abahani, Dhk Mohammedan
Two mediocre teams -- Chittagong Abahani Ltd and Dhaka Mohammedan -DC -- shared points with each other as their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football encounter ended in 3-3 draw at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla on Sunday.
Malian striker Souleymane Diabate made a hattrick for the traditional black and whites Mohammedan in the match scoring all the three goals in the 2nd, 67th and 90+5 minutes.
Shakhawat Hossain scored twice in the 12th and 26th minutes while Nigerian forward Peter Thankgod netted the remaining goal for the port city team Ctg Abahani in the 59th minute from a penalty.
In the day's other match. Uttar Baridhara Club beat newcomers and bottom ranked Swadhinata KS by 2-0 goals at the Muktijoddha Smriti Stadium in Rajshahi.
Mustafa scored both the goals for Baridhara team in the 27th and 90+4 minutes.
After the day's match, Chittagong Abahani remained at the 5th slot with 23 points while Dhaka Mohammedan are in the 6th place with 22 points, playing 14 matches each.
After the day's 14th round matches, Bashundhara Kings further consolidated their solo lead in the league table securing 35 points, Dhaka Abahani Ltd followed the leader distantly collecting 31 points while Sheikh Jamal DC are in the 3rd slot with 27 points.
Also read: Bashundhara Kings, Dhaka Abahani win; Sheikh Jamal taste first defeat in BPL
Women's Rating Chess: Four players share top spot
Four players shared the top spot in the Begum Laila Alam 12th FIDE Rating Women's Chess Tournament, securing 3.5 points each, after the fourth round matches at the Bangladesh Chess Federation in Dhaka Sunday.
They are WIMs Sharmin Sultana Shirin, Rani Hamid; WFM Nazrana Khan Eva and Nusrat Jahan Alo.
Also read: Int'l Rating Chess: Minhaz Uddin maintains solo lead
WFMs Noshin Anjum, Zakia Sultana; Kazi Zarin Tasnim, Wadifa Ahmed, Tasnia Tarannum Orpa, Omnia Binta Yusuf Lubaba, Neelava Choudhury and Essaba Masnun shared the second position with 3 points each.
In the day's matches, WIM Sharmin drew with WIM Rani, and WFM Noshin drew with Nusrat.
Also, WFM Eva beat Warsia Khusbu, Zarin beat Israt Jahan Diba, Wadifa beat Sharmin Khan, WFM Zakia drew with Sumi Akter, Omnia beat Kaumudi Nargis, Neelava beat Raiba Sobhan Adhora and Essaba beat Mim Akter.
Also read: Int’l Rating Chess: IM Minhazuddin, CM Sharif Hossain share top spot after 6 rounds
The fifth round matches will be held Monday from 3pm at the same venue.
Djokovic playing his ‘best’ tennis ahead of French Open
Novak Djokovic is optimistic about his game going into the French Open despite going another week without a title.
The top-ranked Djokovic is yet to win a trophy this season while trying to regain his best form after not being allowed to play in the Australian Open because he was not vaccinated for COVID-19.
Also read: Djokovic heads for Belgrade after deportation from Australia
Djokovic lost to young sensation Carlos Alcaraz in three sets in the semifinals of the Madrid Open on Saturday, when he was trying to make it to his second consecutive final after losing to Andrey Rublev in Serbia last month.
Despite the loss, Djokovic said he leaves Madrid feeling good about his preparations for the upcoming French Open, where he will defend his title.
“I definitely played very good tennis, I mean, the best that I have played this year,” Djokovic said. “Probably when the disappointment of losing this match passes, I will have a lot of positives to take away from this week.”
Djokovic said he felt he could have come away with the victory against the 19-year-old Alcaraz — one the hottest players on tour this season — if he had been “able to capitalize when it mattered” during the match of more than 3 1/2 hours at the “Caja Mágica” center court.
The Madrid Open was only his fourth tournament of the year, and third on clay. He lost to 29th-ranked Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in his first match in Monte Carlo in his only other Masters 1000 appearance so far.
Djokovic did not play in Indian Wells and Miami. He will carry an 8-4 record on the season into Rome this week, with one of those victories coming after Andy Murray withdrew from their third-round match in Madrid because of a stomach illness.
Also read: Double-fault: Visa revoked again, Djokovic faces deportation
Djokovic had opened his campaign in the Spanish capital with a two-set win over Gael Monfils. He comfortably defeated Hubert Hurkacz in two sets in the quarterfinals.
The 34-year-old Djokovic said after the match against Monfils it was “his best performance of the year” considering he hadn’t played well and lacked rhythm in the few tournaments he had played.
Djokovic had reached the quarterfinals in the only other tournament he played this year, losing to 72nd-ranked Jiri Vesely in Dubai in February.
The goal now is preparing to do well in Roland Garros, where he will try to win his third French Open.
“I think it’s on the good path, definitely,” he said.
Asia Cup Archery: Bangladesh reach recurve men's, women's team finals
Bangladesh reached the finals of the recurve men's and women's team events of the Asia Cup World Ranking Archery Tournament, Stage-2, held in Iraq on Sunday.
Bangladesh reached the recurve men's team final eliminating Iran by 29-24 score in the tie- breaker as the semifinal match between two teams was locked in 4-4 sets.
Also read: Archery WC: Bangladesh recurve women’s team advance to pre-quarterfinal
Earlier Bangladesh recurve team comprising Ruman Shana, Hakim Ahmed Rubel and Abdur Rahman Alif beat hosts Iraq by 6-0 sets in the quarter final.
Bangladesh will play the final against India on May 11.
Bangladesh women's team of Nasrin Akter, Diya Siddiqui and Beauty Roy moved into the recurve women's team event final eliminating Uzbekistan by 5-1 sets in the semifinal.
Also read:Asia Cup Archery: Nasrin Akter helps Bangladesh to clinch 3 gold medals
Bangladesh will face neighboring India in the event's final, also on May 11.
In the recurve mixed team event, Bangladesh team studded with Ruman Shana and Nasrin Akter were eliminated from quarterfinal losing to Kazakhstan by 3-5 sets.