Sports
BAN vs SL Series 2022: Bangladesh Test Squad Analysis
The national men's cricket team of Sri Lanka is set to arrive in Bangladesh in the second week of May for a two-match Test series against the hosts. The series will begin in Chattogram on May 15 and will be part of the ICC Test Championship's second edition. The Bangladesh Cricket Board named a 16-man team for the longer-version contest on Sunday. The squad includes all of the expected names, ensuring that a full-strength team will challenge the Sri Lankan Test side. Check out Bangladesh's squad for the BAN vs SL series 2022.
Bangladesh’s Test Squad for BAN vs SL Series 2022
The BCB named a 16-man squad on April 24 for the Test series against Sri Lanka. Shadman Islam and Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi were not selected for the upcoming series because of their recent performances on the international stage.
In-form Taskin Ahmed was not selected due to an injury. Oppositely, Shoriful Islam was picked, although his participation in the series will be contingent on his fitness. Furthermore, left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman was not considered for this longer-version contest.
Read: BAN vs SL Series 2022: Mustafizur's versatile bowling could have been beneficial for Bangladesh
The ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who missed the South Africa series due to family obligations, has returned to the Test team. Promising cricketer Rejaur Rahman Raja has also been included in the squad as the fifth pacer.
All of the anticipated names were selected for the Sri Lanka series, which will be led by Mominul Haque. Tamim Iqbal is poised to open Bangladesh's innings alongside promising youngster Mahmudul Hasan Joy. Bangladesh will have a good chance of winning the Test series because the Sri Lankan team is likely to be inexperienced.
Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Test Series 2022 Fixtures
First Test: May 15-19 May | Venue: ZACS, Chattogram
Second Test: 23-27 May | Venue: SBNCS, Dhaka
Read IPL 2022: Jos Buttler's Record-Breaking Knock Helps Rajasthan Reach the Top
Bangladesh Squad:
Mominul Haque (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nurul Hasan, Yasir Ali, Mahedi Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shohidul Islam, Shoriful Islam.
The Major Highlights of the Declared Squad
Shadman Islam and Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi dropped
The selectors decided to leave both Shadman Islam and Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi out of the series against Sri Lanka since they have struggled in the recent international Test series for Bangladesh. Shadman Islam has scored 284 runs in his past 14 innings, including a century and a half-century, according to statistics dating back to January 2021. On the other hand, Abu Jayed Rahi has only taken 6 wickets in his last six innings since 2021.
Read: Bangladesh announces squad for Sri Lanka series
Shakib Al Hasan is back in the squad
Due to family obligations, Shakib Al Hasan was unable to participate in the Test series against South Africa. Shakib's mother was ill, and his mother-in-law died of cancer in April. Shakib's inclusion in the Bangladesh squad will undoubtedly benefit the team.
Mustafizur Rahman overlooked
Bangladesh's most talented pacer, Mustafizur Rahman last played a Test match in early 2021 against the West Indies, and he hasn't played any of Bangladesh's past ten Test matches. Mustafizur Rahman isn't interested in playing the longer-version format, preferring instead to concentrate on the shorter formats. However, Mustafizur's bowling could have been quite effective against Sri Lanka in Bangladesh's conditions. Mustafizur should have been selected for the series by the selectors.
Read Mosharraf Hossain Rubel: The late cricketer's major achievements as a player
Uncapped Rejaur Rahman Raja included
Pacer Rejaur Rahman Raja was named for the Pakistan series in December but did not play a single international match. The right-arm medium-fast bowler has 36 first-class wickets at an average of 24.61 in 11 matches. Rejaur Rahman's bowling abilities might surprise everyone if he is given a chance to play against Sri Lanka.
Bottom Line
Bangladesh team is expected to start the series against Sri Lanka as favourites, thanks to a full-strength Test lineup. Bangladesh will be able to overcome a relatively weak Sri Lankan Test side if they play to their full potential. Furthermore, this Sri Lankan squad recently suffered a humiliating defeat in a Test series against the Indian team.
As a result, their confidence level would be a little lower when they encounter the hosts. Aside from that, there's a lot to play for, since this will be Bangladesh's fourth bilateral Test Championship contest. Bangladesh's standing in the ICC World Test Championship would improve significantly if they whitewash Sri Lanka.
Read Sheikh Jamal, Legends of Rupganj in Pole Position to Win DPL 2022
Tamim, Bijoy help Prime Bank secure top place
Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim Iqbal hit 90 and his opening partner Anamul Haque Bijoy scored 52 to guide the Prime Bank Cricket Club to the top place of the Super League of Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League on Sunday.
Riding on their performance, Prime Bank beat Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club by eight wickets.
With this win, Prime Bank now have four points from three matches in this phase of the Dhaka League. Sheikh Jamal and Legends of Rupganj also have the same amount of points, but Prime Bank are ahead of them for their better run rate.
Also read: DPL Super League: Sheikh Jamal secure top spot, Abahani suffer 2nd defeat
Sheikh Jamal batted first on Sunday and scored 232 for eight in 50 overs. Nurul Hasan Sohan, the captain of Sheikh Jamal posted 71 for them while Mehidy Hassan Miraz scored 47.
For Prime Bank, Taijul Islam scalped three wickets while Rakibul Hasan picked up two wickets.
In reply, riding on the batting performance of Tamim and Bijoy, Prime Bank chased down the target in 40.2 overs with eight wickets in hand. Along with Tamim and Bijoy, Shahadat Dipu also hit a fifty. He ended up on 52.
In the same round, Ababahi Limited beat Legends of Rupganj by 81 runs. Abahani batted first and posted 279. Najmul Hossain Shanto hit 86 for them while Afif Hossain scored 62. For Legends of Rupganj, Shakib Al Hasan bagged three wickets.
In reply, Rupganj tumbled for 198. Mosaddek Hossain scalped four wickets for Abahani. Chirag Jani was the highest scorer for Legends of Rupganj with 48, but that was not enough for them to avoid a defeat.
Also read: Bangladesh announces squad for Sri Lanka series
In the other match, Fazle Mahmud Rabbi hit a ton for the Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club and helped his team to score a huge total of 314 for four. In reply, the Gazi Group tumbled for 230 and suffered a big defeat by 84 runs.
BPL Football: Holders Bashundhara Kings make good start in 2nd phase beating Swadhinata KS 2-0
Defending champions Bashundhara Kings made a good start in the 2nd phase of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football ‘2022 beating newcomers Swadhinata KS by 2-0 goals in one of the two opening day’s match at the Muktijoddha Smriti Stadium in Rajshahi Sunday afternoon. . With the day’s feat, last two times champions and star studded Bashundhara Kings not only took revenge of their 1-2 goals defeat against bottom-ranked Swadhinata KS in the league opener in last February, but also brightened their position to clinch the league crown for the 3rd time in a row.
Also read:Afghan women's team plays first game in Australia
Bashundhara Kings, which dominated the league comfortably after the eleven-match first phase, today (Sunday) further consolidated their position in the league table securing 29 points from 12 matches. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club followed them distantly with 24 points from 12 encounters while six time champions Dhaka Abahani Limited were in the 3rd slot collecting 22 points from eleven matches, playing one match less than the Kings and Sheikh Jamal DC. In the day’s match, newly recruited Brazilian midfielder Miguel Ferreira came to the lime light in his very first match scoring both the goals for the Kings in the 28th and 37th minutes respectively.. In the day’s other match, Sheikh Jamal DC advanced to the 2nd slot in the league table toppling Dhaka Abahani beating Uttar Baridhara Club also by 2-0 goals at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj Sunday afternoon. Nigerian forward Chijioke Alaekwe put Sheikh Jamal ahead in the very 2nd minute (1-0) while another Nigerian striker Musa Najere doubled the winners margin in the 21st minute (2-0).
Also read:BPL Football: Kings to play Swadhinata KS in 2nd phase opener Sunday Four matches will be held on Monday in Dhaka and other regional venues. Six times champions Dhaka Abahani Limited will meet Muktijoddha Sangsad KC in Gopalganj while Saif SC will face Bangladesh Police FC in Rajshahi, both will kick-off at 3:30 pm.
In Monday’s other matches, Chittagong Abahani will play Rahmatganj MFS at Sylhet District Stadium while Dhaka Mohammedan SC will encounter Sheikh Russel KC at Bashundhara Sports Complex in Dhaka, both will kick-off at 3:30 pm.
Int’l Rating Chess: IM Minhazuddin, CM Sharif Hossain share top spot after 6 rounds
International Master Mohammad Minhaz Uddin and Candidate Master M. Sharif Hossain of Bangladesh Navy are jointly leading the Marcel Invitational International Rating Chess Tournament securing 5 points each after the 6th round matches held at the Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room here on Sunday. Seven players are sharing the 2nd position collecting 4.5 points each.
Also read:Int'l Rating Chess: CM Manon Reja Neer takes solo lead
They are: Candidate Master Manon Reja Neer of Uttara Central Chess Club, FIDE Master Khandaker Aminul & Sheikh Nasir Ahmed of Bangladesh Navy, Anata Choudhury of Rupali Bank Krira Parisad, Shafiq Ahmed of Sheikh Russel Chess Club, Candidate Master Mohammad Jamal Uddin of Sultana Kamal Smirity Pathagar and Md. Sariatullah of Sonali Bank Sports and Recreation Club. Four players are sharing the 3rd position securing 4 points each. They are: FIDE Master Syed Mahfuzur Rahman of Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society, M. Abu Hanif of Access Club, Feroz Ahmed of Sonali Bank Sports and Recreation Club and Din Mohammad. The day’s 6th round matches, IM Minhaz beat CM Neer, CM Sharif beat FM Mahfuz, FM Sheikh Nasir drew with Shafiq, FM Aminul beat Md. Nasim Hossain Bhuiyan, CM Jamal beat Jabed Al Azad, Sariatullah beat FM Mohammad Javed, Anata beat Masum Hossain, Md. Abzid Rahman drew with Abdul Momin, Hanif beat Nurul Islam Emon, Kazi Zarin Tasnim beat Showkat Hossain Pollab, Feroz beat Avik Sarker and Din Mohammad beat Md. Ariful Amin.
Also read: Int'l Rating Chess: GM Enamul Hossain Razib emerges unbeaten champion The 7th round matches will be held on Monday from 2:pm at the same venue.
BAN vs SL Series 2022: Mustafizur's versatile bowling could have been beneficial for Bangladesh
The BCB recently gave the left-arm bowler the go-ahead to play in the IPL instead of the Test series against South Africa. Bangladesh's selectors are not keen on Mustafizur's involvement in the Test format since the country has plenty of pace bowling alternatives and they didn’t pick him for the Sri Lanka series as well. However, Mustafizur could have led Bangladesh's pace attack in the BAN vs SL Series 2022 given the current batch of Bangladesh pacers' experience.
Mustafizur Rahman’s Test Profile
Mustafizur Rahman's recent performance in Test cricket is one of the key reasons why the Bangladeshi team management has been hesitant to pick him. The left-hand pacer hasn't been as outstanding as he was early in his career in the longer version format. Mustafizur made his Test debut in Chattogram against South Africa in 2015. He took four wickets in his first encounter and was named player of the match for his outstanding bowling performance. However, the left-hand pacer hasn't progressed much as a longer-version bowler.
Read Bangladesh announces squad for Sri Lanka series
Mustafizur's bowling average was 14.50 in 2015, which was a remarkable figure for a rookie bowler. Mustafizur had a respectable bowling average in 2017 and 2018. In 2017, he got a 36.38 bowling average, while in 2018, he had a 38.71 average. However, his Test performance has slipped in recent years, and he has only played in one Test match in each of the years 2019 and 2021. Mustafizur has yet to pick up a fifer for Bangladesh in Test format.
Many argue that Mustafizur's lack of enthusiasm for the Test format has harmed his gameplay. He is now more interested in playing limited-overs cricket and the Indian Premier League since the shorter-version format provides players with more money than the longer-version format. That is why Mustafizur Rahman prefers to play for Bangladesh in ODIs and T20Is but not in Tests. Mustafizur Rahman last played a Test match in February 2021 against the West Indies. Bangladesh have played ten Test matches since then, but Mustafizur hasn't participated in any of them.
Read IPL 2022: Jos Buttler's Record-Breaking Knock Helps Rajasthan Reach the Top
Mustafizur Rahman’s Test Stats
Match
Wickets
BBI
BBM
Average
Econ
4W
14
30
4/37
5/66
36.73
3.28
2
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Read Sheikh Jamal, Legends of Rupganj in Pole Position to Win DPL 2022
Why do Bangladesh need Mustafizur Rahman in the Test Series against Sri Lanka?
Two of Bangladesh's most skilled bowlers, Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam will be unavailable for the Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins in mid-May. Though Shoriful’s participation in the series is subject to his fitness.
Therefore, Bangladesh selectors picked Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, and Shohidul Islam for the upcoming BAN vs SL Series 2022. However, none of the bowlers are well-known wicket-takers, and the hosts needed a fast bowler who can frighten the Lankan batting line-up on Bangladesh's slow surfaces.
Read Mosharraf Hossain Rubel: The late cricketer's major achievements as a player
Mustafizur Rahman could have been a good pace-bowling option on this kind of surface in this circumstance. He has a bowling average of 31.50 in Bangladesh, and, more importantly, his bowling style is ideal for these conditions. Sri Lankan batters could have been in real danger against Mustafizur's cutter and slower deliveries.
Bottom Line
Mustafizur Rahman is an outstanding medium-pacer in the limited-overs format. He understands how to succeed on slow surfaces in Bangladesh. Mustafizur's bowing could have been crucial for Bangladesh against a less-experienced Sri Lankan Test side in the upcoming BAN vs SL Series 2022, despite his Test records not being as outstanding as his ODI or T20 stats.
Read 2023 ICC Test Championship: Best batting and bowling performances thus far
Afghan women's team plays first game in Australia
Afghanistan’s women’s soccer team has played its first match since its evacuation from the Taliban-led country last year, helped by A-League team the Melbourne Victory.
The Melbourne Victory Afghan Women's Team played a 0-0 draw in its opening game Sunday in Victoria's senior women's competition, only months after 30 players and coaches were rescued as part of an evacuation operation by the Australian government as the Taliban took back control of the country after 20 years and again placed women’s sports in jeopardy.
Also read: Optimistic female Afghan students attend university classes
The Victory are providing their support to the members of the team who relocated to Melbourne. The team held its first training session in February and will play under Victory’s banner this year.
But instead of sporting Victory's traditional navy blue with a white ‘V’, the team will wear a kit which pays homage to their homeland, a red home shirt and white away shirt with the Afghanistan flag on the back
The shirts do not have the player's family names on the back which the players say is to protect family members still in Afghanistan and potentially under threat from the Taliban. Instead the players have their first names or nicknames on their shirts.
The Afghan team was created in 2007, played its first official international in 2010 against Nepal and won its first match 2-0 over Qatar in 2012.
Also read: Afghanistan's Taliban announce ban on poppy production
The rise of the Taliban and the subsequent escape of the players also led to the team withdrawing from qualifying matches for Women’s Asian Cup in India in February, which doubled as a qualifier for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Bangladesh announces squad for Sri Lanka series
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday announced a 15-member squad for the first Test of the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka.
Shakib Al Hasan, who missed the last series due to family reasons, has been included in this series. However, left-handed opener Sadman Islam is overlooked due to his off-form.
Also read:DPL Super League: Sheikh Jamal secure top spot, Abahani suffer 2nd defeat
Left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam has also been included in the team but his participation is subjected to his fitness. Along with him, uncapped pacer Rejaur Rahman Raja is also in the squad.
The first Test of the series will take place in Chattogram from May 15 while the second Test will be played in Dhaka from May 23.
This series is part of the ongoing ICC Test Championship. Bangladesh played six matches so far and won only one in New Zealand— their first in New Zealand as well.
Also read:Sheikh Jamal, Legends of Rupganj in Pole Position to Win DPL 2022
Bangladesh squad: Mominul Haque (Captain), Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Yasir Ali, Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shohidul Islam, Shoriful Islam (subject to fitness).
PSG Secure 10th Ligue 1 Trophy Courtesy of Lionel Messi's Amazing Strike
Lionel Messi scored his fourth league goal of the season on Saturday, earning PSG a point against Lens and securing their 10th Ligue 1 title. Paris Saint-Germain have won the title with four games to spare, thanks to a 16-point lead over second-placed Marseille. PSG's 2021–2022 season finished with only one silverware since they have no chance of winning any more competitions. The match between PSG and Lens, as well as the overall performance of Paris Saint-Germain in the league, are discussed in this article.
PSG vs Lens 2022: Match Report
The match was staged at the Parc des Princes in Paris. As a result, PSG had the benefit of playing at home, and they controlled the whole game. In the first half, PSG had a number of chances, but their finishing was poor. Furthermore, the Lens defense was tight and compact, preventing the PSG attacking line from scoring.
Read English Premier League 2021-22: Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United Race for Top Four
The hosts continued to push the opposition quarter in the second half, but they had continued to fail. It seemed that a brilliant effort was necessary to eventually break the deadlock. Lionel Messi of Argentina, who hasn't been in his usual form this season, stepped up and scored a stunning long-range goal. Leo fired a long-range shot from the outside of the D-BOX that curled into the right corner of the net. Messi's goal was his fourth in Ligue 1 this season, and it gave PSG a 1-0 lead in the match.
PSG had hoped to complete the game with a 1-0 win as the game neared its end, but Lens replacement Corentin Jean's late equalizer crushed their hopes. PSG players made a defensive blunder. Corentin, who was at the corner of the right goalpost, merely put the ball in the back of the net after collecting a pass from the left side.
Read Argentina vs Brazil 2022: MCG to host a SuperClasico match in June
Even though the match finished in a 1-1 draw, PSG went on to win their 10th Ligue 1 title. PSG were the dominant side in this contest. They had 18 shots on goal, while Lens only had 8. PSG had control of the ball for 66% of the time, while Lens had control for 34%. Paris Saint-Germain made 734 passes against Lens' 373. However, PSG had a poor performance in terms of disciplinary issues. Four yellow cards were given to the Parisians, but none to Lens.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Performance in the 2021-2022 Ligue 1 Season
Despite winning the league, PSG will still have to play four more games. In the 34 games that Paris Saint-Germain has played thus far, they have won 24, lost 4, and drawn 6. PSG's biggest win this season came against Clermont (6-1). Kylian Mbappe has 22 goals for the club this season, while Neymar has 11.
Read Liverpool vs Chelsea 2022: Who is the favourite to win the FA Cup?
Bottom Line
PSG have won their tenth Ligue title, equaling them with Saint-Etienne for the most titles in the league. However, Saint-Etienne haven't won a French league title since 1981, meaning they haven't won a trophy in 41 years. On the other hand, PSG have won eight of their ten league titles in the past decade, indicating their current supremacy in French club football.
PSG started their 2021–2022 campaign with the aim of winning the Champions League trophy. That is why, in the summer of 2021, they signed the experienced Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and a few other quality players. However, PSG once again failed to perform well in the UEFA Champions League and were knocked out by Real Madrid in the Round of 16. So, there is a sense of dissatisfaction among the PSG players and management. It’s understandable that they will be even more charged up for the next season to win European club football’s most elusive trophy, but before that, they should cherish their 10th Ligue 1 triumph.
Read Favourites to reach the UEFA Champions League 2022 Finals
Ronaldo scores on return to United team after death of son
Cristiano Ronaldo scored on his return to the Manchester United team on Saturday after missing a game while grieving the death of his newborn son.
The Portugal star raised his left arm and pointed to the sky in a subdued celebration of his 100th Premier League goal, coming in the first half at Arsenal after the home fans had risen to applaud United’s No. 7 when the clock hit the seventh minute in a show of solidarity.
Read: English Premier League 2021-22: Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United Race for Top Four
Ronaldo and partner Georgina Rodriguez announced on Monday that one of their newborn twins had died. He was left out of the squad that lost 4-0 at Liverpool on Tuesday.
His goal at the Emirates Stadium came in the 34th minute to trim Arsenal’s lead to 2-1 but the north London club went on to win 3-1. With four games remaining, Ronaldo has 16 Premier League goals this season since rejoining from Real Madrid, on top of the 84 goals in his first spell at United from 2003 to 2009.
Int'l Rating Chess: CM Manon Reja Neer takes solo lead
Candidate Master Manon Reja Neer of Uttara Central Chess Club took the sole lead in the points table securing 4.5 points after the 5th round matches of the Marcel Invitational International Rating Chess Tournament now being held at the Bangladesh Chess Federation Hall-room here on Saturday.
Five Players share the 2nd position with 4 points each.
They are: International Master Mohammad Minhaz Uddin, FIDE Master Sheikh Nasir Ahmed & Candidate Master Md. Sharif Hossain of Bangladesh Navy, FIDE Master Syed Mahfuzur Rahman of Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society and Shafiq Ahmed of Sheikh Russel Chess Club.
Read: Archery WC: Bangladesh recurve women’s team advance to pre-quarterfinal
Seven other players share the 3rd position with 3.5 points each.
They are: FIDE Master Khandaker Aminul and FIDE Master Mohammad Javed, Anata Choudhury of Rupali Bank Krira Parisad, Jabed Al Azad of Manha’s Castle, Candidate Master Mohammad Jamal Uddin of Sultana Kamal Smirity Pathagar Md. Sariatullah & Md. Nasim Hossain Bhuiyan of Sonali Bank Sports & Recreation Club.
In the day's 5th round games, CM Neer beat FM Nasir, IM Minhaz beat CM Jamal, Jabed drew with Anata, FM Aminul drew with Sariatullah, CM Sharif beat Md. Masum Hossain, FM Mahfuz beat Kazi Zarin Tasnim, Shafiq beat Md. Ariful Amin, FM Javed beat Din Mohammad, Nasim beat Md. Sajidul Haque and Md. Abzid Rahman beat SwarnavoChoudhury.
The 6th round games will be held on Sunday from 2-00 pm at the same venue.