Sports
Tigers to fly for Zimbabwe Tuesday
Bangladesh national cricket team is set to fly for Zimbabwe early Tuesday for one Test, three ODIs, and as many T20Is.
The series will start on July 7 with the Test; all matches will take place at Harare Sports Club.
The Tigers will board a Qatar Airways flight at 4:25am.
The players have just finished the month-long Banglabandhu Dhaka Premier Division T20 Cricket League.
First, 18 members of the Bangladesh Test squad will go to Zimbabwe. The players who will play ODIs and T20Is will leave Dhaka on July 9 and the ones who will only play T20Is will leave Dhaka on July 16.
Shakib Al Hasan, who will represent Bangladesh in every format in the series, will leave for Zimbabwe from the US.
Bangladesh team will not have to undergo any special quarantine after arriving in Zimbabwe. They will be allowed to join practice session immediately.
For this series, Bangladesh selectors brought Nurul Hasan Sohan back to all three formats of the game after a gap of three years; Shamim Hossain is a new face in the T20Is.
Bangladesh's T20I captain Mahmudullah Riyad has also been added to the Test squad.
READ: Khaled Mahmud doubtful about his position at BCB
Bangladesh team members went through a Covid-19 test and returned negative before their journey, Monjur Hossain Chowdhury, a Bangladesh Cricket Board physician, told UNB.
Bangladesh Test squad
Muminul Haque (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Shdman Islam, Saif Hassan, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das, Mahmudullah Riyad, Yasir Ali, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mehedy Hasan Miraz, Taizul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Abu Jayed Rahi, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain and Shoriful Islam
READ: BAN vs ZIM: Five Most Memorable Matches Between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe
In: Shakib Al Hasan, Nurul Hasan Sohan and Naeem Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad
Out: Mohammad Mithun
Khaled Mahmud doubtful about his position at BCB
Former Bangladesh captain and influential director of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has said he is doubtful about his position as the vice-chair of the cricket operations committee of the board.
While talking to the media on Monday, Mahmud said he has no idea about the appointment of Rangana Herath and Ashwell Prince as Bangladesh’s spin-bowling and batting consultants respectively. But as the vice chair of the cricket operation committee, he is supposed to be a part of their appointment procedures.
“I’m not sure if I’m still the vice- chair of the cricket operations department,” Mahmud told the media on Monday. “I don’t get invited to join meetings. I didn’t receive an email from the committee for two years. But I get some emails now. I was involved more with the department before.”
READ: BAN vs ZIM: Five Most Memorable Matches Between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe
Herath will play the role of Bangladesh’s spin-bowling consultant till the T20 World Cup 2021 while Ashwell will helps the batsmen in Bangladesh’s Zimbabwe tour for a Test, three ODIs, and Three T20Is.
“I’m the vice chairman of cricket operation, but I came to know from you that two consultants were appointed. Nobody from the department shared it with me. I was in bio-bubble (for Dhaka League), but I have my phone,” Mahmud added.
Mahmud thinks it would have been better if a local coach was added to the national team coaching team. He said: “I think we add a local staff as the assistant to the bowling coach Ottis Gibson. It will help him to learn and help the age-level cricketers grow.”
Mahmud played the role of the team leader during Bangladesh’s recent Sri Lanka tour for two Tests. But he is not a part of the Bangladesh team which will travel to Zimbabwe this week.
Along with being a board director, Mahmud is the vice chair of the cricket operations committee, chairman of the game development department. He also coaches Abahani Limited in Dhaka League. The former Bangladesh captain also coaches Dhaka-based franchise in Bangladesh Premier League T20— Dhaka Dynamites.
READ: Toppers of the DPL T20 2021
Bangladesh national team will fly for Zimbabwe on early Tuesday. The Tigers will face the hosts in a one-off Test, three ODIs, and as many as T20Is.
Women's Football: Bashundhara Kings crush FC Brahmanbaria 6-0
Title aspirant Bashundhara Kings crushed FC Brahmanbaria by 6-0 goals in the 2nd phase match of the "Women's Football League 2020-21" at the Kamalapur Stadium on Monday.
In the day's match, National women's team captain Sabina Khatun, who emerged as the country's first women's footballer to reach a landmark of scoring 100 plus goals in the top league, opened the floodgate for the Kings in the very 6th minute.
READ: BPL Football: Abahani, Mohammedan play out 1-1 draw
Krishna Rani Sarkar struck twice in the 18th and 21st minutes, Sirat Jahan Swapna also netted two goals in the 49th and 90+3 minutes while Sultana scored the other goal for the Kings in the 89th minute
The day's other league match between Ataur Rahman Bhuiyan College SC and Kachiihuli Sporting Club could not held as per schedule at the same venue as the later team did not appeared at the match venue in time.
READ: Denmark beats Wales 4-0 at Euro 2020
BAN vs ZIM: Five Most Memorable Matches Between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe
Bangladesh have played 105 international matches against Zimbabwe in the last three decades, including 75 ODIs, 17 Tests, and 13 T20Is. Bangladesh's most international victories (63) have also come against Zimbabwe, including 47 ODIs, 9 T20Is, and 7 Tests. Over the years, we've seen some spectacular encounters between these two countries, and a few of them are worth mentioning. Bangladesh have steadily evolved as a cricketing nation, and they currently hold the dominant position over Zimbabwe. According to recent statistics, they haven't lost a bilateral series against Zimbabwe since 2014. This article highlights the five most memorable matches between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.
Bangladesh's Five Memorable Victories Against Zimbabwe
There have been a number of exciting cricket matches between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, but picking the best games is always difficult. We've made a list of the five most memorable matches between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.
1) 1-Match T20I Series (2006)
Venue: Khulna
Result: Bangladesh won by 43 runs
It was Bangladesh's first-ever T20I match, which thankfully they had won by 43 runs against Zimbabwe. In that perspective, this match was significant in Bangladesh's cricket history because it is the only format in which they win the very first match. MashrafeMortaza played really well in this match. He not only took a key wicket to help defend a decent 166-run total but also played an important 36-run knock with the bat. Left-arm spinner AbdurRazzak had a fantastic game as well, taking three wickets for 17 runs.
Read:Toppers of the DPL T20 2021
2) 3rd ODI of the Series (2020)
Venue:Sylhet
Result: Bangladesh won by 123 runs (D/L Method)
This match was significant for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it was veteran MahsrafeMortaza's final international match as both captain and player. So, it was an emotional day for both Bangladesh cricket fans and players. We also saw two magnificent innings from the country's best opener Tamim Iqbal, and the elegant Liton Das in this match.The pair had a record-breaking 292-run first-wicket partnership, allowing Bangladesh to defend a huge 322-run total. Tamim stayed undefeated with 128* runs, and Liton played the highest ODI innings (176) for Bangladesh. Team tigers eventually won the contest by 123 runs (D/L Method) and the series 3-0.
Read:England Clinch Series Against Sri Lanka; Windies Stun South Africa in the First T20I
3) 3rd ODI of the Series (2004)
Venue: Harare
Result: Bangladesh won by 8 runs
Bangladesh's first international victory came against Zimbabwe in an ODI series away from home in 2004. It was the third match of a five-match ODI series between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. The first two matches were called off due to inclement weather.
Despite being the favorite, Zimbabwe lost the match by 8 runs due to a fantastic team effort by the Bangladeshi players. Bangladesh scored 238/7 in their innings, thanks to skipper Habibul Bashar (61), RajinSaleh (57), and Mohammad Ashraful's 51 off 32 balls knock. Later, Tareq Aziz (3), Mushfiqur Rahman (2), and Mohammad Rafiq (2) bowled brilliantly, restricting Zimbabwe to 230/9 in 50 overs. Bangladesh took a lead in a bilateral series for the first time in their cricket history.
Read BAN vs ZIM 2021: Significant Test and T20I Records Between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe
4) 1st Test of the Series (2014)
Venue: Mirpur
Result: Bangladesh won by 3 wickets
It was one of Bangladesh's most closely contested Test matches, which they finally won by three wickets. Bangladesh and Zimbabwe played the first of a three-match Test series at the SBNCS, Mirpur. The match lasted just three days because the surface was strongly suited for spinners and batters had a difficult time dealing with the variations of slower bowlers.
Zimbabwe batted first and scored 240 runs, while Bangladesh earned a 14-run lead after being bowled out for 254 in their first innings. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 114 after setting Bangladesh a 101-run target. Bangladesh had to fight really hard to get those runs, and they eventually reached the target after losing seven wickets. For Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan picked 6 wickets in the first innings, while Taijul Islam bagged 8 wickets in the second innings.
Read:Bangladesh’s Test, ODI, T20 Squads Analysis for BAN vs ZIM Series 2021
5) 1st Test of the series (2005)
Venue: Chattogram
Result: Bangladesh won by 226 runs
Bangladesh’s first-ever Test victory came against Zimbabwe back in 2005 at the MA Aziz Stadium, Chattogram. So, it was one of the most historic moments in Bangladesh cricket. Bangladesh batted first and scored 488 runs, while in reply, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 312.
Bangladesh declared their second innings at 204/9d, setting a 381-run target for Zimbabwe. But Zimbabwe were bundled out for only 154 after chasing a huge total. Bangladesh eventually registered their first-ever Test victory by 226 runs. Mohammad Rafique took 5 wickets in the first innings while EnamulHaque took 6 wickets in the second for Bangladesh.
Read BAN vs AUS: How Ashraful, Shakib shocked Australia
Bottom Line
The aforementioned matches between these two Test-playing nations are some of the finest in all formats to date, and they have earned a place among the five most memorable matches between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. We hope that the players from both sides will put up even better performances in the forthcoming bilateral series, and we'll be able to witness even more unforgettable matches between these two sides.
Read BAN vs. ZIM 2021: Individual Milestones expected to Reach
Toppers of the DPL T20 2021
The Dhaka Premier League T20 2021 featured a total of 84 matches, including some outstanding performances in the tournament's second season.Abahani Ltd have crowned champion after winning their last super league stage match against Prime Bank Ltd, while Legends of Rupganj avoided relegation and will compete in the DPL next season.Among the players, Brothers Union batsman Mizanur Rahman finished first in the most run-scorers list with 418 runs to his name, while Abahani's medium pacer Mohammad Saifuddin bagged the highest 26 wickets in just 16 innings. Let's take a look at the toppers list of the DPL T20 2021.
Complete Toppers List of the DPL T20 2021
1. Champion: Abahani Ltd
Abahani Ltd won their first DPL T20 league title after finishing at the top of the super league points table with 24 points. In the Super League stage, they only lost one game and won the rest of the four matches
Super League Points Table
Team
Points
Abahani Ltd
24
Prime Bank Cricket Club
22
Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club
21
Gazi Group Cricketers
19
Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club
19
Mohammedan Sporting Club
15
Source:ESPNCricinfo
.
Read:England Clinch Series Against Sri Lanka; Windies Stun South Africa in the First T20I
2. Most Runs: Mizanur Rahman
Mizanur Rahman finished top of the most runs scorers list. He had the most runs (418) in 11 innings with a century.
Top 3 Most Runs
Player
Innings
Runs
Mizanur Rahman (Brothers Union)
10
418
MahmudulHasan Joy (Old DOHS Sports Club)
12
392
Nurul Hasan (Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club)
15
389
Source:ESPNCricinfo
.
Read:Bangladesh’s Test, ODI, T20 Squads Analysis for BAN vs ZIM Series 2021
3. Most Wickets: Mohammad Saifuddin
Abahani's all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin was exceptional with the ball. The medium-pacer took 26 wickets in 16 innings with an amazing 15.80 average.
Top 3 Most Wickets
Player
Innings
Wickets
Mohammad Saifuddin (Abahani)
16
26
Kamrul Islam Rabbi (Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club)
16
25
Shoriful Islam (Prime Bank Cricket Club)
16
22
Source:ESPNCricinfo
.
Read BAN vs ZIM 2021: Significant Test and T20I Records Between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe
4. High Scores: Hasanuzzaman
The best score in the competition was 105 runs by Partex Sporting Club batsman Hasanuzzaman against Old DOHS Sporting Club.
Top 3 Highest Scores
Player
Runs
Oppositions
Hasanuzzaman (Partex)
105
Old DOHS
Mizanur Rahman (Brothers)
100
Sheikh Jamal
MehediMaruf (Legends of Rupganj)
94
Partex
Source:ESPNCricinfo
.
Read:Dhaka League ends with Gazi Group's 35-run win
5. Best Bowling Figures (Innings): Salauddin Sakil
Sheikh Jamal bowler SalauddinSakil's 5/16 vsPartex Sporting Club was the best bowling figure in the competition.
Top 3 Best Bowling Figures
Player
BBI
Oppositions
Salauddin Sakil (Sheikh Jamal)
5/16
Partex
Ruyel Miah (Mohammedan)
5/21
Prime DSC
Mustafizur Rahman (Prime Bank)
5/22
Mohammedan
Source:ESPNCricinfo
.
Read BAN vs. ZIM 2021: Individual Milestones expected to Reach
6. Most Dismissals: Akbar Ali
Gazi Group Cricketers wicket-keeper Akbar Ali had the most dismissals (15) in the competition.
Top 3 Most Dismissals
Player
Innings
Dismissals
Akbar Ali (Gazi Group)
16
15
Imran Uzzaman (Prime Doleshwar)
16
14
Mahidul Islam Ankon (Shinepukur)
10
12
Source:ESPNCricinfo
Read:Abahani lift Dhaka Premier League T20 title
7. Most Catches: Sabbir Rahman
Legends of Rupganj'sSabbir Rahman had the most (14) catches.
Top 3 Most Catches
Player
Innings
Catches
Sabbir Rahman (Rupganj)
13
14
Farhad Reza (Prime Doleshwar)
16
13
Afif Hossain (Abahani)
16
12
Source: ESPNCricinfo
.
Read BAN vs Zim 2021: BCB May Use the Zimbabwe Series as an Opportunity to Find New Talents
8. Highest Partnerships: Sabbir Rahman
MehediMaruf and Jaker Ali put on the highest first-wicket partnership of 169 runs against Partex.
Top 3 Highest Partnerships
Partners
Runs
Oppositions
MehediMaruf, Jaker Ali (Rupganj)
169
Partex
Rakin Ahmed, Mohaiminul Khan (Old DOHS)
131*
Partex
Mizanur Rahman, Zahiduzzaman (Brothers)
124
Sheikh Jamal
Source: ESPNCricinfo
.
Read:Rangana Herath, Ashwell Prince join Bangladesh coaching team
9. Most Sixes: NurulHasan
Sheikh Jamal's Nurul Hasan hit the most (26) sixes in the competition.
Top 3 Most Sixes
Partners
Innings
Sixes
Nurul Hasan (Sheikh Jamal)
15
26
Parvez Hossain Emon (Mohammedan)
14
21
SaifHasan (Prime Doleshwar)
14
20
Sources: ESPNCricinfo
.
Read BAN vs AUS 2021: Australia Announce Squad For The Bangladesh T20 Series
10. Highest Match Aggregates
Top 3 Highest Match Aggregates
Matches
Runs
Old DOHS vsPartex
375
RupganjvsPartex
373
Abahanivs Sheikh Jamal
348
Source: ESPNCricinfo
.
Read:Mohammedan clinch a consolation win to end Dhaka League
Bottom Line
This was the second season of the newly established twenty20 Dhaka Premier League, and fans were particularly interested in this year's event because it featured all of Bangladesh's national team players.In addition to the excitement and attraction of the DPL T20 2021 cricket competition, there was also criticism over the biased umpiring during the tournament. World-class all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was punished once again for breaking the stamp on the field in protest at bad umpiring. However, the competition came to a successful conclusion, with the best team emerged as the tournament champion.
Belgium edges Portugal, reaches quarterfinals at Euro 2020
Belgium stopped Cristiano Ronaldo on one end, and had just enough attacking power on the other.
The top-ranked Belgians held Ronaldo scoreless Sunday and held onto a first-half lead to beat Portugal 1-0 and advance to the quarterfinals of the European Championship.
Read: Denmark beats Wales 4-0 at Euro 2020
Ronaldo, who threw his captain’s armband to the ground in despair after the final whistle, is still one goal shy of becoming the all-time men’s top scorer in international soccer. He came into the match tied with former Iran striker Ali Daei at 109 goals.
Belgium, which has never before won a major soccer title, will next face Italy on Friday in Munich.
Belgium’s potent attack, led by Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku, also struggled, but Thorgan Hazard scored the winning goal in the 42nd minute with a swerving shot from outside the area. Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patrício was left wrong-footed and was late to swat the ball away.
“In these kinds of games you have to grab your chances with both hands,” Thorgan Hazard said. “The goalkeeper expected me to choose the other corner, so the ball went in.”
Read: Denmark on the road for 1st time to face Wales at Euro 2020
Belgium played most of the second half without De Bruyne, who had to be substituted after being tackled from behind and injuring his left ankle. De Bruyne missed the team’s first game at Euro 2020 while recovering from a facial injury sustained in the Champions League final.
Portugal had several good chances to equalize late in the match, including a header by Rúben Dias saved by Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and a shot by Raphael Guerreiro that hit the post.
The Portuguese did most of the attacking in the second half, finishing the match with 24 attempts. Belgium had six in total and scored the only time it hit the target.
“Looking at that second half, we are lucky to win,” Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen said. “Portugal made it really hard for us. We had to really stay focused. It has cost us a lot of energy, but we have some time to recover and now we are looking forward to the game against Italy.”
While Portugal’s run for a second consecutive European title ended, Belgium stayed on track to end its title drought. The Belgians lost in the European Championship final in 1980 and finished third three years ago at the World Cup for their best finish at that tournament.
The Red Devils have won all four matches so far at Euro 2020 and won all 10 qualifiers for the tournament. The team is unbeaten in 13 consecutive matches in all competitions, since a loss to England last year in the Nations League. Belgium has lost only one of its last 27 international matches.
“We showed incredible concentration and defended really well,” Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said. “We scored a very good goal and then in the second half, as you would expect, the momentum went to Portugal more. We had to show an incredible mentality.”
Ronaldo was kept in check for most of the match, with his best scoring chance coming from a free kick saved by Courtois in the 25th minute. He also was off target with a free kick in the 74th, and then only managed a weak shot on goal from inside the area a few minutes later.
The Juventus striker seemed frustrated by the lack of opportunities, and he also couldn’t do much to help his teammates, with Diogo Jota misfiring from close range after a pass from Ronaldo in the 56th.
“We have some players crying in the changing room, and I’m sure that many Portuguese fans are as well,” Portugal coach Fernando Santos said. “We were confident with our chances of winning the European title and we thought we could win it. Portugal deserved to win this match but it didn’t happen.”
It had been a slow start at La Cartuja Stadium on a hot night in southern Spain, with neither team threatening much offensively.
Portugal kept Belgium’s attack under control until Thorgan Hazard scored after a failed clearance in front of the area. The buildup to the goal started with Courtois dummying Ronaldo inside his own area. The forward tried to put pressure on the goalkeeper but he cut back with the ball as Ronaldo went past him.
The game grew heated at times, with a small altercation starting in the 76th after Portugal defender Pepe came in hard on Thorgan Hazard while play was stopped as Lukaku waited to be attended by doctors after being hit on the head by an opponent’s foot.
BPL Football: Abahani, Mohammedan play out 1-1 draw
Six-time champions Dhaka Abahani split points with their arch-rivals Dhaka Mohammedan, as Sunday's second phase match of the 13-team Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football ended in a 1-1 draw.
The first phase match between the two teams concluded in a 2-2 draw in Cumilla in January this year.
Both goals of the day's match were scored by two foreign booters at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in the first half.
Also read: BPL Football: Arambagh KS pull off biggest upset outplaying Sheikh Jamal DC 3-1
Cameroon forward Yassan Quatching put Mohammedan ahead in the 30th minute, silencing the Abahani fans (1-0).
Haitian striker Kervens Belfort restored the parity for Abahani in the 41st minute, capitalising on a misunderstanding between Mohammedan defenders and goalkeeper (1-1).
On Saturday, the second phase of BPL matches resumed after one and half months as the national team was busy with Group E 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup joint qualifiers.
Also read: BPL Football: Baridhara taste 2nd victory crushing Brothers 3-0
With the day's result, former champions Dhaka Abahani remained at the second spot in the league table after securing 33 points from 16 matches and Dhaka Mohammedan at the fourth slot with 29 points from as many encounters.
Star-studded Kings stayed at the top of the table with 46 points from 16 matches, 13 points ahead of nearest rivals Dhaka Abahani.
England Clinch Series Against Sri Lanka; Windies Stun South Africa in the First T20I
After winning the Test series (2-0) against the West Indies, a rejuvenated South African team is currently taking part in a 5-match twenty20 series against the Windies. But the visitor lost the series-opening match against the host Windies quite comprehensively by 8 wickets on Saturday at the National Cricket Stadium, Grenada and have taken a 1-0 lead in the T20I series. Meanwhile, England have whitewashed (3-0) Sri Lanka in a twenty20 series after winning a one-sided third match by 89 runs on Saturday at the Rose Bowl stadium, Birmingham. The results of these two T20I matches are discussed in this article.
Report of the ENG vs. SL Third T20I Match
England had already clinched the Twenty20 series after winning the first two matches. So, the third match was crucial for Sri Lanka to earn a consolation win and avoid a whitewash. However, it was a one-sided affair, with England winning by a massive 89-run margin to complete the clean sweep (3-0).
Batted first, England amassed a huge 180/6 in their allotted 20 overs, courtesy of a 105-run partnership between openers Jonny Bairstow (51) and Dawid Malan (76). The pair were aggressive from the start of the innings, and at one stage it appeared like England would score more than 200 runs.
Read:Bangladesh’s Test, ODI, T20 Squads Analysis for BAN vs ZIM Series 2021
Sri Lanka came back strong after the openers departed, and England struggled to keep up the run rate later in the innings. Lankan pacer Dushmantha Chameera was brilliant with the ball, taking four wickets for 17 runs in four overs and assisting Sri Lanka in restricting England to under 200 runs.
In the chase, Sri Lanka started to lose wickets early in the innings and were eventually bowled out for 91 runs with seven balls to spare. Lower-order batsman Binura Fernando (20) was the top scorer for Sri Lanka while pacer David Willey picked up the most 3 wickets for England.
Dawid Malan was named player of the match for his excellent batting in the third match, and Sam Curran was named player of the series.
Read:BAN vs ZIM 2021: Significant Test and T20I Records Between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe
Report of the WI vs SA First T20I Match
After winning the Test series, South Africa were overconfident heading into the first Twenty20 match against the Windies. But the Caribbean team came out with a lot of aggression on Saturday and won the game by 8 wickets with 30 balls to spare.
South Africa batted first and scored a respectable 160/6, which was ultimately not enough to win the match. Middle-order batsman Rassie van der Dussen played a quick-fire of 56 runs in 38 balls, while Quinton de Kock added 37 runs. Spinner Fabian Allen was brilliant with the ball, taking two wickets for 18 runs in four overs.
In reply, the Windies chased down the target with 5 overs in hand thanks to a fiery 85-run opening wickets stand between Evin Lewis and Andre Fletcher (30). Player of the match-winner Evin Lewis went on to score 71 off 35, including seven huge sixes, before succumbing to TabraizShamsi in the 12th over.
Read BAN vs. ZIM 2021: Individual Milestones expected to Reach
The Windies had already scored 124 runs at that point, and it was a straightforward thing for Chris Gayle (32) and Andrew Russell (23) to seal the victory for the Caribbean side. The second T20Imatch between the two sides will take place at the same venue on 28th June (Monday).
Bottom Line
During the opening match of the bilateral T20I series between West Indies and South Africa, the Proteas suffered their 58th T20I defeat while the Windies earned their 59th T20I victory.
Meanwhile, one of the best limited-overs teams in the world, England crushed Sri Lanka in the just-concluded bilateral Twenty20 contest. England outplayed Sri Lanka in every department throughout the series and the host side eventually won the bilateral series 3-0.
Read:T20 WC shifted to UAE from India
Bangladesh’s Test, ODI, T20 Squads Analysis for BAN vs ZIM Series 2021
Bangladesh team will leave the country for Zimbabwe on June 29 to play a bilateral series against the host starting from next month. BCB has already announced squads for the tour on Wednesday (23rd June). Although some of the decisions were predictable, others caught the eyes of many cricket fans and pundits. The biggest surprise of the squad was the inclusion of newbie Shamim Hossain in the twenty20 squad. Apart from that, all the expected names have been selected for the tour. Bangladesh's Test, ODI, and T20 squads for the BAN vs ZIM Series 2021 are discussed in this article.
Major Highlights From the Declared Squads
NurulHasan and pacer Shoriful Islam have been picked in all three formats
Wicket-keeper batsman NurulHasanSohan has been one of the top performers in the domestic circuit, but he has been ignored in the last two years. Finally, he has been selected for the forthcoming series against Zimbabwe in all three formats. Sohan has a chance to win a spot in the playing XI because of Rahim's injury and he will be keen to show his worth if given the opportunity.
Pacer Shoriful Islam has been selected in all three formats for the next series, and he is likely to play several matches during the tour. Shoriful has been consistent in the domestic circuit over the last two years, and the selectors believe he has the potential to be a long-serving member of Bangladesh cricket.
Read BAN vs ZIM 2021: Significant Test and T20I Records Between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe
Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah are back in the Test lineup
Shakib has returned to the Test setup for the Zimbabwe series after missing the last Test series against Sri Lanka. His inclusion in the Test squad is a major boost for Bangladesh, particularly Shakib's bowling will be important for the team tigers. Shakib may complete his 4,000 Test runs and 12,000 international runs in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe.
Only three days after announcing the squads, BCB has included veteran Mahmudullah Riyad to the Test squad who last played for Bangladesh in a Test match against Pakistan in February 2000. Mahmudullah will play his 50th Test match if given the opportunity.
Mustafizur Rahman dropped from the Test squad
As we all know, Mustafizur Rahman is an injury-prone player that is why the selectors were hesitant to take a chance on him. He has been picked for the ODI and T20 formats and will lead Bangladesh's limited-overs teams bowling attack during the tour.
READ: T20 WC shifted to UAE from India
Soumya Sarkar has been selected only for the T20 squad
Soumya Sarkar has only been selected for the Twenty20 squad, and the next series will be a litmus test for him to reclaim his place in the Bangladesh national team. Apart from him, Aminul Islam Biplob and MahadiHasan have been picked for the shorter version format.
Najmul Hossain has been selected only for the Test squad
Talented top-order batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto will only play in the Test series. It remains to be seen if he will be given an opportunity in the starting XI because Shakib Al Hasan is expected to start at number three.
Shamim Hossain has earned a maiden international call-up
U19 World Cup-winning all-rounder Shamim Hossain has been called up to the Bangladesh national team for the first time, and he will most likely make his international debut during the Twenty20 series. He is a powerful hitter who has the potential to play for Bangladesh for many years.
Read New Zealand Win Inaugural ICC Test Championship Final
Probable Bangladesh starting XI for the one-off Test
This announced team is excellent; there are no flaws or players who do not deserve to be on this team. Mominul Haque must take charge as captain in order to revive the team.
Tamim Iqbal, Shadman Islam, MominulHaque (Captain), Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib al Hasan, Liton Das, MehidyHasanMiraz, NayeemHasan, Taijul Islam, Abu Jayed, Taskin Ahmed
Probable Bangladesh starting XI for the ODI series
This is the strongest Bangladesh ODI squad at the moment. The team is stronger in every position in comparison to Zimbabwe. Captain Tamim Iqbal has done well since becoming the permanent captain of Bangladesh's limited-over side.
Tamim Iqbal (Captain), Liton Das, Shakib al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, MahmudullahRiyad, Mosaddek Hossain, MehediHasanMiraz, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain.
Read BAN vs AUS: How Ashraful, Shakib shocked Australia
Probable Bangladesh starting XI for the T20I series
Shamim Hossain has been called up to the Bangladesh national team for the first time, which is fantastic news for this young man. He may make his international debut for the tigers in the upcoming BAN vs ZIM series 2021.
Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, MahmudullahRiyad, MahediHasan, Afif Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Aminul Islam Biplob, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed
Bottom Line
Bangladesh will play a one-off Test, 3 ODIs, and 3 T20Is during the BAN vs ZIM series 2021. For that, BCB has announced separate squads for each format. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has prioritized the inclusion of young players in the Twenty20 format while allowing experienced cricketers to participate in the Test format. The Cricket Board seems to have a clear strategy for the selection process, which is a positive sign to take the team forward.
Read BAN vs. ZIM 2021: Individual Milestones expected to Reach
Denmark beats Wales 4-0 at Euro 2020
Kasper Dolberg scored two goals to give Denmark a 4-0 victory over Wales and a spot in the European Championship quarterfinals.
Denmark has ridden a wave of emotion through the tournament since playmaker Christian Eriksen suffered cardiac arrest in the team’s opening group match and had to be resuscitated with a defibrillator.
Dolberg is former Ajax striker and the match was played at the club’s home stadium in Amsterdam.
Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand gave Dolberg his first start of the tournament and he scored a goal in each half. Joakim Maele scored the third goal in the 88th minute and Martin Braithwaite added the fourth in injury time.
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The Danes will play either the Netherlands or the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals in Baku on Saturday.
Spain striker Álvaro Morata says deaths threats were made against him and even his sons after his misses in the group stage of the European Championship.
Among Morata’s misses was a failed penalty kick against Slovakia on Wednesday.
Spain’s players have condemned the death threats. Forward Dani Olmo says players accept criticism but more than that is “crossing the line.”
Morata says what upsets him is when fans go to his wife and relatives to makes threats.
Spain will face Croatia in the round of 16 on Monday in Copenhagen.
A framed Wales national team shirt with Christian Eriksen’s name on it was given to Denmark captain Simon Kjaer before the teams played in the round of 16 at the European Championship.
Eriksen collapsed on the field during Denmark’s opening match at Euro 2002 and had to be resuscitated with a defibrillator.
Also read: Denmark on the road for 1st time to face Wales at Euro 2020
The Wales jersey had “CHRISTIAN” written on top of Eriken’s No. 10 and BRYSIA WELLA underneath. Brysia wella means get well soon in Welsh.
Kjaer, Wales captain Gareth Bale and the three match officials in Amsterdam then posed for a photo with the framed jersey moments before kickoff.
The vast majority of fans at the Johan Cruyff Arena are supporting Denmark in the team’s European Championship match against Wales.
Only a handful of Welsh dragon flags are visible among a sea of Danish flags being waved by about 16,000 fans in Amsterdam for the match in the round of 16.
Wales fans were warned not to travel to the Netherlands because of coronavirus restrictions.
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Denmark played all three of its group matches at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen and Saturday’s game should have a similar feel.
The Johan Cruyff Arena is the home of Ajax. The Amsterdam club has a long history of signing Danish players. One of them was Christian Eriksen. The Denmark playmaker suffered cardiac arrest in his team’s first match at Euro 2020 and was resuscitated with a defibrillator.
Czech Republic captain Vladimír Darida is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Netherlands in the round of 16 of the European Championship.
The team says Darida sustained an unspecified injury during practice on Friday and didn’t participate in pre-match training in Prague.
Czech team spokesman Petr Šedivý says the medical team has been treating Darida and it was not yet clear if he will recover in time for Sunday’s game in Budapest.
Darida’s loss would be a blow for the Czechs. The 30-year-old midfielder is the engine of the team and its most experienced player with 73 international appearances.
Also read: Finland beats Denmark at Euro 2020 after Eriksen's collapse
The team’s flight to Budapest was postponed until later in the day because of a technical problem with the plane.
Finnish health authorities have detected a spike in coronavirus cases that has been traced to soccer fans returning from neighboring Russia following European Championship matches in St. Petersburg.
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare has urged “all passengers who have traveled from St. Petersburg to Finland by any bus company to apply for a coronavirus test.”
Finland played two of its Euro 2020 group games in St. Petersburg, The team faced Russia on June 16 and Belgium on Monday. At least 2,000 Finns are estimated to have traveled to the city for those matches.
The Finns finished in third place in their group and were eliminated. Russia was also eliminated after finishing last.
St. Petersburg hosted six games in the group stage of the tournament and will host one of the four quarterfinal matches on Friday.
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The knockout stage of the European Championship has arrived.
Denmark will take on Wales in the first match of the round of 16 in Amsterdam. Italy will then face Austria in London.
The winners will advance to the quarterfinals.
Either Denmark or Wales will go to Baku to face the Netherlands or the Czech Republic on July 3. Italy or Austria will take on Belgium or Portugal on July 2 in Munich.