Sports
NSC to introduce Sheikh Kamal National Sports Council Award this year
The National Sports Council (NSC) will introduce the annual Sheikh Kamal National Sports Council Award this year.
A maximum of eleven awards will be distributed every year in different categories. Eleven awards in seven categories will be given in the inaugural year, said the NSC.
The awards will be handed over on August 5 on the occasion of the birthday of Sheikh Kamal at a function at the Sheikh Kamal auditorium of NSC Tower in the capital.
Also read: Handball Federation honour six persons with MA Hamid Awards
Seven categories of awards for the inaugural year are lifetime achievement (one), sportsman (three), sports organiser (two) emerging sportsman (two), federation/association/sangstha (one), sports journalist (one) and patron (one).
Each awardee will get Tk75,000, a crest and a certificate.
Argentina beats Ecuador at Copa, plays Colombia in semifinal
Lionel Messi scored his 76th international goal and is now only one shy of Pele for the South American record as Argentina beat Ecuador 3-0 on Saturday to progress to the semifinals of the Copa America.
Messi scored from a late freekick and earlier laid on two assists as Argentina eventually subdued Ecuador and kept the superstar’s dream of winning his first major international title alive.
Argentina’s rival at the Mané Garrincha Stadium on Tuesday will be Colombia, which earlier overcame Uruguay on penalties. The other semifinal will feature defending champions Brazil and Peru.
Rodrigo de Paul opened the scoring at the Olimpico Stadium in Goiania in the 39th minute, tapping into an empty goal before Lautaro Martinez added the second in the 84th with a blast from close range. Messi, in his first match since his contract with Barcelona expired, assisted both of them.
Also read: Brazil beats Chile at Copa America despite 2nd-half red card
In the dying moments of the match Messi scored Argentina’s third from a free kick from the edge of the box. It was his fourth goal in the tournament.
Heavily favored Argentina wasted several opportunities at 1-0 to cruise to a comfortable victory. Ecuador then hit the post in the second half before Martinez doubled Argentina’s lead. But Messi became more influential after 71 minutes when Ángel di Maria stepped in replacing Giovani lo Celso.
Ecuador also lost defender Piero Hincapié to a red card near the end of the match after a foul on Di Maria that gave Argentina the free kick scored by Messi.
It was his 76th goal in his 149th match for Argentina, one short of Pelé’s record as top goal scorer of a South American national team. It was also his 58th career goal on a free kick for club and country, moving one ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Also read: Messi breaks Argentina’s record for caps at Copa America win
Messi said being in the semifinals was one of Argentina’s objectives for the tournament.
“Now we have to rest and think of Colombia. They defend well, they have quick counters,” the striker said. Asked about his performance, he was brief: “Individual awards are secondary.”
Martinez seems to have understood the message.
“We all follow Messi’s leadership. Today we saw once again how he sets the difference, we are all following him,” he said. “We saw an Argentina as a protagonist. Today we made the difference. It was a demanding match.”
Euro2020 semi-finalists have been determined
The semi-finalists of the UEFA Euro 2020 have been determined. The final matches of the quarter-finals were held on Saturday.
In the quarterfinals, Italy beat Belgium in Munich (2:1), the Spanish national team defeated the Swiss team in St. Petersburg (1:1, 3:1 - on penalties), Denmark in Baku beat Czech Republic (2:1), and England defeated Ukraine in Rome (4:0).
Also read: Denmark beats Czechs 2-1 to reach Euro 2020 semifinals
The semi-finals will have the matches between Italy - Spain on July 6 and England vs. Denmark on July 7. Both meetings will take place in London at Wembley Stadium. The final will take place in the same arena on July 11.
The current European champion is the Portuguese national team, which in 2016 beat the hosts of the tournament, France (1:0).
Also read: Italy advances to semifinals at Euro 2020
Argentina, Italy Keen to End Continental Trophy Droughts
Prior to the start of Copa America 2021, Brazil were a clear favourites to retain the title. As the tournament progressed, Argentina have shown more consistency and a stronger determination to win their first Copa America championship in 28 years.On the other side, Italy were considered one of the outsiders to lift the UEFA EURO 2020, with many football experts predicting Belgium and France as the favourites.However, Italy have shown more maturity and have played some of the most exciting football in the competition. Argentina and Italy are both keen to end their continental trophy droughts, as discussed in this article.
Why Argentina are favourites to win the Copa America 2021?
Argentina have always been one of the favorites in the South American Championship, but they haven't won the Copa America since 1993 despite reaching the final four times during this time.This is Lionel Messi's final Copa America tournament, and they should win it in his honor.
Argentina's Copa America campaign in 2021 started with a 1-1 draw against Chili, but they went on to win the remainder of their group stage matches and the quarter-final encounter against Ecuador.
Read UEFA EURO 2020: Quarter Finals Preview
Argentina will play against Colombia in their semifinal match at EstádioNacionalManéGarrincha in Brasilia on Wednesday. Argentina should easily qualify for the final based on their current form, and we can anticipate them to face Brazil in the championship match.
So the question remains, how will this rejuvenated Argentina team perform against the Brazilian side in this year's final?
Consistency is one of the most important factors. Argentina have improved and displayed more consistency in the competition. Initially, they were shaky, but Argentina have since played with a lot of confidence. Importantly, this set of players believes they can win the tournament.
Read Copa America 2021: Quarter Finals Preview
On the other hand, Brazil have struggled in their past two matches and would need to re-establish their rhythm before the crucial final. If they can't, Argentina will seize the opportunity to win a record 15th South American Championship.
Three important players for Argentina
Romero (Defender), Lionel Messi (Forward), Lautaro Martinez (Forward)
Probable Playing XI
Martinez (GK), Tagilafico, Romero, Molina, Pezzella, Rodríguez, Di María, Paredes, Lionel Messi, Gómez, Lautaro Martinez
Read Denmark beats Czechs 2-1 to reach Euro 2020 semifinals
Copa America 2021 Semifinal & Final Fixtures
Date
Match
Venue & Time (BST)
Semifinal
July 6 (Tuesday)
Brazil vs Peru
Rio de Janeiro (5 AM)
July 7 (Wednesday)
Argentinavs Colombia
Brasília (7 AM)
Third place play off
July 10 (Saturday)
Loser Match 25 vs Loser Match 26
Brasília (6 AM)
Final
July 11 (Sunday)
Winner Match 25 vs Winner Match 26
Rio de Janeiro (6 AM)
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Copa_Am%C3%A9rica
Read Brazil beats Chile at Copa America despite 2nd-half red card
Why Italy are favourites to win the UEFA EURO 2020?
Italy haven't won a major trophy since the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and they haven't won the European Championship since 1968. So, Italy will be hoping to win their second UEFA EURO Championship this year.
Many experts anticipated that Italy would have a slim chance of winning the tournament, but they have surpassed expectations by playing the most entertaining brand of football in the game.
They finished top in the group stage points table but struggled a bit in the Round of 16 match against Austria. However, Italy had demonstrated their true capabilities in the quarter-final match against hot favourites Belgium, winning 2-1 and securing a spot in the semifinal.
Read Italy advances to semifinals at Euro 2020
Italy should win against Spain in the semifinal, but they will have to fight hard against England, who are in great form at the moment. While, after defeating Belgium, Italy are full of confidence and will make it difficult for England to win their first European Championship trophy.
Argentina and Italy are both confident that they will end their continental trophy droughts with their current form.
Three important players for Italy
Donnarumma (GK), Chiellini (Defender), Insigne (Forward)
Probable Playing XI
Donnarumma (GK), Chiellini, Bonucci, Di Lorenzo, Spinazzola, Barella, Jorginho, Chiesa, Verratti, Insigne, Immobile
Read Spain beats Switzerland in penalty shootout
UEFA EURO 2020 Semifinal & Final Fixtures
Date
Match
Venue & Time (BST)
Semifinal
July 7 (Wednesday)
Italyvs Spain
Wembley Stadium, London (1 AM)
July 8 (Thursday)
Englandvs Denmark
Wembley Stadium, London (1 AM)
Final
July 12 (Monday)
Winner Match 49
vs
Winner Match 50
Wembley Stadium, London (1 AM)
Sources: https://www.uefa.com/
Read BPL, BCL Football matches postponed
Verdict
After analyzing the qualities of the teams and current form, it is clear that Argentina and Italy are both keen to end their continental trophy droughts. Argentina are the overwhelming favourites to win Copa America 2021. But their most likely final opponent, Brazil will make it difficult for them.On the other hand, England are in excellent condition and will give it their best to win their first European championship. However, Italy are now a strong favourites to win their second UEFA EURO Championship, especially after eliminating Belgium in the quarter-final. Overall, we expect the best teams will win their respective tournaments.
Read BPL Football: Dhaka Abahani earn 2-0 victory over Ctg Abahani
Windies vs South Africa T20I Series 2021: SA Clinch the Series Against WI
The Windies came back strong in the T20I series against South Africa after losing the Test series 2-0 last month. However, West Indies lost the series 3-2 to South Africa after failing to win the fifth match on Saturday at the St George's stadium, Grenada.South Africa dominated for the majority of the match and comprehensively won the contest by 25 runs. South Africa remain in sixth place in the ICC's T20I team standings, while the Windies slipped to eighth place. The report of the fifth match of the Windies vs South Africa T20I Series 2021 is discussed in this article.
Windies vs. South Africa T20I Series 2021: The Fifth Match Report
The fifth game was the series decider because both sides had won two matches in the previous four games of the series. So, the expectation was that the Windies will really go for it against South Africa to win the series, but their performances disappointed the home crowd.
South Africa scored 168/4 in their allocated 20 overs after electing to bat first, courtesy of a 128-run partnership between Quinton de Kock (60) and Aiden Markram (70) for the second wicket.
Read England vs Sri Lanka ODI Series 2021: Eng Seal the Series Against SL
The Proteas lost opener Temba Bavuma to a superb length delivery by pacer Fidel Edwards in the third ball of the innings. Edwards was the Windies' most successful bowler, taking two wickets for 19 runs in three overs. However, none of the West Indies bowlers were able to take wickets when the team needed them the most.
The De Kock-Markram pair pushed the total to 128 in the 15th over before the Windies took control of the contest by capturing three more wickets in the next few overs and allowing only a few runs in the final five overs.
The Windies only managed to score 143/9 in their allotted 20 overs while chasing a modest target to win the series. They reached 103/3 in 14 overs and were in a strong position until the middle of the innings. Wiann Mulder dismissed both Kieron Pollard and Andrew Russell in the 15th over, shifting the balance in South Africa's favor.
Read What Bangladesh Cricket Fans Can Expect From Herath and Prince?
The Windies then found themselves in a tough situation and started losing wickets at regular intervals till the end of the innings. The Windies came 26 runs short of victory despite playing all of their overs and losing the series 3-2.
After winning the series, South Africa has remained in sixth place in the ICC Twenty20 team rankings, while West Indies has dropped to eighth place. Bangladesh are presently ranked tenth with 225 points. If Bangladesh win their next bilateral series against Zimbabwe, they will move up to the ninth position in the ICC rankings.
Bottom Line
Lately, South Africa and the Windies have struggled to play to their full potential on the international stage, so this series was crucial for both sides. It was a closely contested series, and in the end, the best team have won the Windies vs South Africa T20I Series 2021. Dwayne Bravo returned to the Windies national team and had an immediate impact, taking 10 wickets in five matches. On the other side, the 'player of the series' winner South African TabraizShamsi took 7 wickets with a only 4 economy rate. West Indies will face Australia in their next international series, which begins on Friday (July 9).
Read Copa America 2021: Teams Qualified For Quarter Finals, Fixtures
Denmark beats Czechs 2-1 to reach Euro 2020 semifinals
Denmark’s journey at the European Championship is headed to London.
The Danes, who have developed into a surprise contender after their tournament began with midfielder Christian Eriksen suffering cardiac arrest on the field, advanced to the Euro 2020 semifinals on Saturday by beating the Czech Republic 2-1.
They didn’t need long to take control against the Czechs on a hot and humid night in Azerbaijan.
Also read: Brazil beats Chile at Copa America despite 2nd-half red card
Jens Stryger sent an outswinging corner in the fifth minute to Thomas Delaney, standing in space by the penalty spot. Delaney’s bouncing header went in past the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Tomáš Vaclík.
Denmark doubled the lead just before halftime. Joakim Maehle hit a cross from the left using the outside of his right foot. The ball eluded Martin Braithwaite’s attempt at a header but Kasper Dolberg got past his marker and beat Vaclík in the 42nd.
Czech Republic forward Patrik Schick scored his fifth goal at the beginning of the second half, putting him even with Cristiano Ronaldo as the tournament’s leading scorers. Schick was given plenty of space by defender Jannik Vestergaard to hit a first-touch shot off Vladimir Coufal’s curled pass.
Also read: Copa America 2021: Teams Qualified For Quarter Finals, Fixtures
The Czechs pushed hard to level the score in a physical game which finished with Tomas Soucek and Jan Boril both with their heads wrapped in bandages after collisions with Danish players.
Denmark lost its first two games at Euro 2020 and was on the verge of elimination before beating Russia, Wales and the Czechs in succession. This is farthest Denmark has gotten at a major tournament since winning the European title in 1992.
Lankan Premier League: Shakib, Tamim included in draft line-up
Six Bangladeshi cricketers, including Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, have been included in the player draft of the upcoming Lankan Premier League (LPL).
Mehdy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar have also been added to the draft.
Also read: Shakib shines ahead of Zimbabwe Test
Despite concerns over coronavirus in the Asia-Pacific region, the league is set to commence on July 30, and it will run for three weeks.
"Last year's success has certainly made a difference, with more players from many cricket playing countries looking forward to playing in the LPL, which is a very good sign for the league and Lankan cricket," Sri Lanka Cricket Vice-President Ravin Wickremaratne told the media.
Also read: Shakib inclusion to boost team’s confidence: Minhajul
Australia's Usman Khawaja, James Faulkner, the West Indies' Sherfane Rutherford, Nicolas Pooran; Pakistan's Haris Sohail, Waqas Maqsood, Muhammed Hasnain, Mohammed Irfan; South Africa's Temba Bavuma, Rilee Rossouw, David Wiese; Afghanistan's Asghar Afghan, Mohammed Shahzad, Naveen Ul Haq, Usman Shinwari are also part of the LPL draft line-up.
Shakib shines ahead of Zimbabwe Test
Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan scored 74 on the first day of the two-day practice match against Zimbabwe Select XI Saturday at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare.
Shakib has been going through a bad patch for a while. He was a shadow of his former self during the Bangabandhu Dhaka Premier Division Twenty20 Cricket League last month.
But coming into the practice game, Shakib hit fifty along with Saif Hassan, 65, and Najmul Hossain Shanto, 52.
Riding on their batting performance, Bangladesh ended day one at 313 for two wickets. Mahmudullah Riyad and Mehidy Hasan Miraz remained unbeaten on 40 and 5.
Apart from Shadman Islam, who was dismissed for a duck, and Test captain Mominul Haque, 29, all other batsmen retired not out.
Also read: Shakib inclusion to boost team’s confidence: Minhajul
Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Taijul Islam, and Yasir Ali are not the part of this game.
The lone Test will take place on July 7 at the Harare Sports Club. The three ODIs will take place on July 16, 18, and 20, while the T20Is will be played on July 23, 25, and 27 at the same venue.
Test and ODIs will start at 1:30pm (Bangladesh time) and T20Is at 4:30pm.
Bangladesh were last in Zimbabwe in 2013 when the Tigers ended the series in a draw, winning one match of the two-match series.
Also read: Shakib banned for three matches, fined Tk 5 lakh
After 2013, Zimbabwe played three Test series against the hosts Bangladesh and lost two of them; the other series ended in a draw.
Overall, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe took on each other in nine Test series. Of them, Zimbabwe won four, and Bangladesh three; the other two series ended in draws.
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, Shakib Al Hasan, Nurul Hasan Sohan and Naeem Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad.
Brazil beats Chile at Copa America despite 2nd-half red card
Defending Copa America champions Brazil defended strongly with 10 men to advance to the semifinals with a 1-0 win on Friday against Chile. Substitute Lucas Paquetá scored the only goal of the match only seconds before Gabriel Jesus was sent off early in the second half.
Paquetá’s winner to the left corner of Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo in the 46th minute gave Brazil fans some hope that the Selecao would ease into the next stage. But only two minutes later Jesus was sent off after hitting Chile’s Eugenio Mena with a flying kick.
Neymar and Brazil coach Tite said after the match that Jesus didn’t see Mena and accidentally kicked him as he tried to recover possession in the midfield.
Brazil worked so hard defensively that Chile had fewer shots on goal after Jesus was sent off than during the time he played; two against three.
“Defending well is a characteristic of ours,” Brazil’s Thiago Silva said. “Regardless of what we did today we concede few goals. Ever down to 10 we created clear opportunities. I am very proud of this team, for its fighting spirit.”
Also read: Copa America 2021: Quarter Finals Preview
Paquetá came onto the pitch after a tense first half with few opportunities for both sides. He replaced Roberto Firmino.
Brazil didn’t stop threatening Chile with Neymar’s dribbles and quick counter-attacks. But Chile was much closer to the equalizer; it had an Eduardo Vargas goal disallowed for offside and English-Chilean Ben Brereton hit the bar with a header in the 68th minute.
An exhausted Neymar said after the match that playing with 10 men was a great test for Brazil. He was not close to scoring as in other Copa America matches, but he was key by holding possession.
“Every match we need to get some tests to make us stronger, show we can do it in every circumstance,” Neymar said. “We had to stand together. It was very hard to do it.”
Chile’s Arturo Vidal said his team will leave the tournament with some pride.
“We lost to a great team, a favorite which is playing at home,” he said. “If we play like we played today, with some more time to work, this team will clearly have its intensity back. We hope to qualify to the World Cup. It will be hard, but we can.”
Also read: Copa America 2021: Teams Qualified For Quarter Finals, Fixtures
Peru advanced to the semifinal after beating Paraguay on penalties 4-3 after a 3-3 score in regular time, in the most thrilling Copa America match yet.
Brazil and Peru played the latest Copa America final in 2019, with the hosts winning 3-1. Jesus was also sent off in that match at Rio’s Maracana Stadium. Monday’s encounter will be at the same Nilton Santos Stadium where Brazil beat Chile.
Brazil coach Tite, who was recently fined by South American soccer body CONMEBOL for criticizing the tournament’s organization, once more criticized the quality of the Nilton Santos pitch, despite minor improvements made recently.
“If I were watching from home I would say this could have been a good match, and look what it is... Ederson had difficulties to take goal kicks,” Tite said. “Please, be responsible. I recognize people are trying to improve the pitch, but find a better pitch for us to play.”
The Copa America final will be played at the Maracana Stadium on July 10.
England vs Sri Lanka ODI Series 2021: Eng Seal the Series Against SL
After sweeping the Twenty20 series (3-0) against Sri Lanka at the end of the last month, an overconfident English team has also secured the three-match One Day International series against the Lankans with a game to spare. The second match was once again a one-sided affair, with England winning by 8 wickets at the Kennington Oval in London. England have also climbed to the top of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League table, while Sri Lanka remain at the bottom of the standings. This article discusses some significant moments from the second match of England vs. Sri Lanka ODI Series 2021.
England vs. Sri Lanka ODI Series 2021: The Second Match Report
It was a do-or-die match for the visiting Lankan side, but as predicted they had failed to come up with a solution against a very strong and aggressive English team in the second match of England vs. Sri Lanka ODI series 2021 on Thursday (June 1) at the Kennington Oval.
England's new phenomenon Sam Curran was excellent with the ball, picking up his first 5-wicket haul and assisting England in restricting Sri Lanka to under 250 runs on a batting-friendly Oval track. While despite being a bit expensive, David Willey took four wickets for England.
Read What Bangladesh Cricket Fans Can Expect From Herath and Prince?
Sri Lanka only managed to score 241/9 in their allotted 50 overs after being asked to bat first. Though the Lankan middle-order deserves a lot of credit for carrying the innings forward after a horrible start.
The Sri Lankan top order had been rocked by Sam Curran's dangerous inswinging deliveries, and at point, they were 21/4 in 7 overs. Curran had dismissed the top three Sri Lankan batsmen.
Dhananjaya de Silva and Dasun Shanaka (47) helped Sri Lanka exceed the 200-run mark with a 78-run sixth-wicket stand. Dhananjaya played the best 91-run knock, which included 13 boundaries.
Read BAN vs ZIM: Five Most Memorable Matches Between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe
England comfortably chased down a modest winning target of 242 with seven overs to spare.
Two experienced openers – Jason Roy (60) and Jonny Bairstow (29) – gave England a good start with a 76-run first-wicket partnership. Later, an unbeaten 140*-run partnership between Joe Root (68*) and skipper Eoin Morgan (75*) helped England to clinch the match as well as the series in the 43rd over.
It was another comprehensive victory for England against the visitor Sri Lanka who are now at the bottom of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup Super League points table. Sri Lanka must rediscover their limited-overs form otherwise they will be at risk of missing out on a top-eight spot.
Read England Clinch Series Against Sri Lanka; Windies Stun South Africa in the First T20I
On the other side, England are now in the top spot in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League points standings with 60 points after clinching the ODI series. Bangladesh are presently in the second position with 50 points, ahead of Pakistan (40), and Australia (40). (40).
There are a lot of ODI Super League matches this month, thus the standings might change drastically. On the other hand, Bangladesh would have a chance to reclaim first place in the points table if they whitewash Zimbabwe in their forthcoming ODI series.
Bottom Line
One of the best limited-overs sides in the world, England have shown in the ongoing England vs. Sri Lanka ODI Series 2021 that why they are the reigning ICC Cricket World Cup champion. The Lankans were outplayed by the 'Three Lions' in all three departments in the second match and the host eventually have won the bilateral series with a game in hand. If England whitewash Sri Lanka in this bilateral contest, they would have a 20-point edge over second-placed Bangladesh in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League points table, while Sri Lanka will be in serious trouble with only 8 points in the standings.
Read Bangladesh’s Test, ODI, T20 Squads Analysis for BAN vs ZIM Series 2021