Sports
Messi seeks 1st goal against Brazil in World Cup qualifying, hosts try to avert crisis in Rio
Lionel Messi has few barriers yet to break in soccer. One of them will be in reach Tuesday, when Argentina visits Brazil in a South American World Cup qualifying match.
The 36-year-old Messi has scored 31 goals for Argentina in World Cup qualifying encounters, but none of those came against Brazil, home or away. He has five goals against the archrival, all in friendly matches.
Brazil’s soccer confederation said all 69,000 tickets for the clash at the Maracana Stadium are sold. Both teams will play after defeats in the previous round; the locals lost 2-1 at Colombia and the World Cup champion was defeated at home 2-0 by Uruguay.
Many Brazilian fans are keen to watch Messi in a match that could be his last in Rio de Janeiro playing for Argentina. In the same arena, the star lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany, and beat the host in the decider of the 2021 Copa America.
Argentina leads the 10-team South American qualifying group with 12 points from five matches. Uruguay is second with 10 points. Colombia has nine and Venezuela eight. Brazil will host the World Cup champions in fifth position, with seven points.
Read: FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Maclaren's hattrick helps hosts Australia to crush Bangladesh 7-0 in opener
Ecuador, Paraguay and Chile have five points each. Bolivia has three and Peru one.
The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada will include 48 teams, meaning direct entry for the top six teams from South America. The seventh-place team can earn a berth in an intercontinental playoff.
BRAZIL vs. ARGENTINA
Optimism is in short supply in Brazil, which lost its two latest matches and is struggling under new coach Fernando Diniz. A defeat to Argentina could be the team's first ever in a home match of World Cup qualifying, and the hosts will have several absences for that encounter.
Carlos Augusto is likely to start as left-back for the first time, Jesus will take the role of injured Vinicius Júnior up front and teenage sensation Endrick is likely to play in the second half.
The 17-year-old Endrick, who will join Real Madrid next year, spoke in a press conference about his expectations of playing against Messi for the first time.
“For me, Pelé is the king and no one will get near him. Messi is phenomenal, the best in the world again, and I want to enjoy playing against him, a man I only saw in the videogames,” the striker said. “I am more of a Cristiano Ronaldo fan, but it will be wonderful to see Messi up close.”
Read: Bangladesh team to leave for Melbourne to play Australia in FIFA World Cup qualifiers
Argentina will arrive in Brazil late on Monday and have its final training session for the clash in Buenos Aires. Coach Lionel Scaloni did not speak after Sunday's training, and had most of the practice behind closed doors, but gave hints of where his doubts are.
Ángel di Maria, Nicolás González and Leandro Paredes are in contention for a place in the midfield and Lautaro Martínez, who did not score for the national team in his previous 14 matches, could replace Julián Álvarez up front.
Read: Man City, Bayern, Madrid and Barcelona can advance in Champions League by extending perfect starts
Also on Tuesday, Paraguay will host Colombia; Uruguay will take on Bolivia; Ecuador welcomes Chile; and Peru plays host against Venezuela. The seventh and eighth rounds of South American qualifying will take place in September after the next edition of Copa America in the United States.
8th President Bangabandhu Cup Fencing Tournament: Ansar-VDP crowned champions
The closing ceremony and prize distribution program of Bangabandhu 8th President Cup Fencing Tournament 2023 were held in Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium in city’s Mirpur 10 area on Sunday.
Professor Emeritus of Dhaka University, Bangabandhu Chair and Bangladesh Bank’s former Governor Dr. Atiur Rahman attended the event as the chief guest.
Dr. Shaikh Shamsuddin Ahmed, Commissioner of Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), Khurshid Alam, Executive Director (Grade 1) of Bangladesh Bank, AKM Shameem Chowdhuri, former Press Secretary to the Prime Minister and Ziaul Hasan, Deputy Director General (Training) of Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) joined the event as special guests.
Ansar-VDP became champions in the above tournament while Mirpur Fencing Club became first runners-up and Bengal Sports Academy turned out to be the second runners-up.
AKM Shameem Chowdhury extended compliments to the fencers who contested the tournament.
He spoke very high of the fencing officials including Bangladesh Fencing Federation (BFF) President Shoeb Chowdhury for organizing this contest in the middle of the ongoing political instability across Bangladesh.
Khurshid Alam recollected Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members who were assassinated on 15 August 1975. Khurshid Alam assured Bangladesh Fencing Federation about giving necessary support from the banking sector.
Dr. Shaikh Shamsuddin Ahmed said that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was very fond of playing football. Bangabandhu established Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP), Bangladesh Football Federation and Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Ziaul Hasan paid tribute to the memory of Sheikh Mujib, three million martyrs who were killed during the Liberation War of 1971 and the martyrs of 15 August 1975.
BFF Vice President Borhan Uddin Ahmed conveyed greetings, best wishes and compliments to all participants of the tournament.
He highly praised BFF President Shoeb Chowdhury for promoting the sport of fencing all over Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Fencing Federation President Shoeb Chowdhury admired chief guest Dr. Atiur Rahman saying that Dr. Atiur Rahman was the most successful Governor of Bangladesh Bank during whose tenure Bangladesh obtained a great deal of socio-economic advancement.
Shoeb Chowdhury urged the authorities concerned to lay more emphasis on indoor games with references to archery and fencing.
Dr. Atiur Rahman appreciated the dynamic and proactive role by Bangladesh Fencing Federation President Shoeb Chowdhury.
He congratulated all fencing teams that took part in the contest. Dr. Atiur Rahman thanked BFF officials for naming the tournament after Bangabandhu. “Bangabandhu is the symbol of our existence,” he said.
Dr. Atiur Rahman expressed optimism that the youths of Bangladesh will drive the country forward in days to come.
Bangladesh Fencing Federation General Secretary Selim Omrao Khan said that Bangladesh gained a broad extent of momentum in sports under the leadership of Bangabandhu’s capable daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
'It Takes One Day': Australia clinch 6th World Cup title stunning India in one-sided final
"It Takes One Day"—the theme of this year’s World Cup became a harsh reality for the hosts, India.
India has emerged victorious every time they stepped onto the field in this ICC World Cup in their home backyard. However, the final on Sunday wasn't just another day for them.
On the contrary, for Australia, who began the World Cup with two consecutive defeats, it only took one day to clinch their sixth World Cup title— the most titles held by any country in cricket.
This unfolded in front of more than 130,000 home fans, including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his key ally Amit Shah, India’s Home Minister, along with many stars from India’s film industry.
Australia won the toss in the final and opted to have India bat first. Despite glimpses of hard-hitting from Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, India failed to establish a solid foundation.
Read: World Cup 2023 Final: Early wickets pose challenge for Australia in pursuit of 241
Shubman Gill was the first to fall, dismissed by Mitchell Starc, Australia’s standout bowler in the final.
India lost two more wickets before reaching even 100 runs on the board. The partnership between Sharma and Lokesh Rahul steadied the ship, although it didn't last long.
Virat Kohli, the standout batter for India in this World Cup, setting records for the most runs in a single edition and surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most centuries in an ODI career, returned with 56. Rahul contributed 66, yet it wasn't enough to guide India to a formidable total that could mentally pressure Australia.
Starc ended with three wickets for 55 runs, while Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins each took two wickets.
In response, Australia lost their first wicket in the second over when India’s best World Cup bowler, Mohammad Shami, removed David Warner. Following him, Jasprit Bumrah quickly claimed two more wickets, one of which was Steven Smith's, who opted not to review an lbw appeal by Bumrah.
Read: ICC World Cup: Champions to get $4 million in prize money besides trophy
TV replays revealed the ball had pitched outside the off-stump, indicating a missed opportunity for Smith to survive had he chosen a review.
World Cup 2023 Final: Early wickets pose challenge for Australia in pursuit of 241
Australia faced an early setback, losing three wickets within the first 10 overs in their pursuit of 241 against India in the ICC World Cup 2023 final on Sunday in Ahmedabad.
Mohammad Shami, India's most successful bowler in this World Cup, claimed the first wicket in the second over of the innings as David Warner edged, and Virat Kohli took a sharp catch at the slip cordon.
World Cup 2023: Kohli Falls as Australia Take Control
In the fifth over of the innings, Mitchell Marsh fell victim to Jasprit Bumrah. The delivery, positioned outside the off-stumps, saw Marsh making no foot movement, resulting in an edge to the wicketkeeper after scoring 15 off 15 balls.
World Cup 2023 Final: India stumble, lose 3 wickets before reaching 100
Bumrah struck again to dismiss Steven Smith. This time, it was an offcutter outside off stumps. Smith missed, and the ball hit his pad, leading to an lbw appeal. The umpire raised his finger, but TV replays showed that the impact was outside off.
If Smith had opted for a review, he would have been declared not out. But Smith decided to walk off instead of going for a review.
ICC World Cup 2023 Final: Australia sniffing at 6th title after restricting India to 240 in Ahmedabad
After 12 overs, Australia were at 68 for three, with Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head at the crease.
ICC World Cup: Champions to get $4 million in prize money besides trophy
The Champions of the 10-team 13th Edition of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup will get prize money of USD 40,00,000 (Forty Lakh), (approximately Rs 33 crore) along with the glittering trophy.
ICC World Cup 2023 Final: Australia sniffing at 6th title after restricting India to 240 in Ahmedabad
Two former champions Australia and India squared off in the final again for the World Cup trophy at the world's largest cricket venue, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, on Sunday (Nov 19) evening.
The runners-up team will be richer with USD 20,00,000 (Twenty Lakh), (approximately Rs 16.5 crore).
The two losing semi-finalists (New Zealand and South Africa) will get USD 800,000 (Eight lakh) (Rs 6.5 crore approximately) each.
World Cup 2023 Final: India stumble, lose 3 wickets before reaching 100
The remaining six teams who failed to qualify for the knockout stage will receive USD 100,000 (One lakh) (Rs 83 lakh approximately) each as appearance money.
Besides, the winner of each group stage match will get an incentive amount of USD 40,000 (Forty Thousand) (Rs 33 lakh approximately).
The apex body of World Cricket said that the prize money also sets the precedent for the upcoming ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in 2025, with ICC announcing equal sums of amount for both men's and women's events during the Annual Conference held in Durban, South Africa in July 2023.
ICC World Cup 2023 Final: Australia ask India to bat first
The ICC this time allocated a total prize money of US Dollar One Crore (Rs 83 Crore approximately) for the six-week 48- match ICC World Cup held in 10 different venues across India.
Ten teams played each other once in the round-robin league format from where top four teams qualified for the semifinals.
ICC World Cup 2023 Final: Australia sniffing at 6th title after restricting India to 240 in Ahmedabad
In a remarkable display of sustained disciplined bowling, Australia restricted India to 240 all-out in 50 overs in the final of the ICC World Cup 2023 on Sunday in Ahmedabad.
India was asked to bat first after losing the toss - a huge call by Pat Cummins that defied conventional wisdom.
World Cup 2023: Kohli Falls as Australia Take Control
The hosts struggled to establish effective partnerships when they needed them most. Credit goes to the Australian pace attack, which denied the Indian batting line-up the chance to settle in.
Virat Kohli and Lokesh Rahul both secured half-centuries, and the responsibility rested on them to carry India's hopes further. However, they couldn't defy the disciplined Australian attack.
World Cup 2023 Final: India stumble, lose 3 wickets before reaching 100
Mitchell Starc led the charge, taking three wickets for 55 in 10 overs. He initiated the breakthrough by dismissing Shubman Gill.
India lost three wickets before even reaching 100 runs. As on other occasions, Rohit Sharma had a promising and explosive start, but the Indian captain couldn't sustain his aggression.
Shreyas Iyer, like Gill, failed to deliver on the biggest match of their lives.
ICC World Cup 2023 Final: Australia ask India to bat first
Josh Inglis, the Australian wicketkeeper, took five catches behind the wicket.
For Australia, Starc claimed three wickets, while Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins took two wickets each.
Prior to this match, Australia and India faced each other in another final of the ICC World Cup, which Australia won.
World Cup 2023: Kohli Falls as Australia Take Control
Virat Kohli departed for 54 as Australia asserts control in the final of the ICC World Cup 2023 in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Following Kohli's dismissal, India found themselves at 149 for four at the conclusion of 29 overs.
ICC World Cup 2023 Final: Australia ask India to bat first
It transpired in the first over of Pat Cummins in his second spell.
Kohli attempted to guide the ball away from his body, but the execution fell short, leading to the ball landing on his stumps.
World Cup 2023 Final: India stumble, lose 3 wickets before reaching 100
With the loss of four wickets, Australia, having opted to bowl first, maintains control in the final, commanding the proceedings in Ahmedabad before an audience exceeding 100,000 Indian supporters.
Post the 30th over, India stood at 152 for four.
ICC World Cup 2023: Stage set for grand final between Australia and India
This marks the second instance of India and Australia crossing paths in the World Cup final. In their prior encounter, Australia emerged victorious.
World Cup 2023 Final: India stumble, lose 3 wickets before reaching 100
In the final of the ICC World Cup 2023 against Australia in Ahmedabad on Sunday, India lost three wickets before reaching 100 runs on the board.
Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first.
India's Shubman Gill fell to a loose shot, caught by Adam Zampa, giving Mitchel Starc the first breakthrough.
Read: ICC World Cup 2023 Final: Australia ask India to bat first
However, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli responded aggressively. In the seventh over, Virat hit Starc for three consecutive fours, quickly finding his rhythm.
Rohit, maintaining his aggressive form throughout the World Cup, took on Glenn Maxwell in the 10th over but ended up playing a poor shot. Travis Head made a spectacular diving catch at cover, marking the catch of the match.
In the next over, India lost Shreyas Iyer to Pat Cummins with a catch behind the wicket, as Shreyas missed a good connection.
Read: ICC World Cup 2023: Stage set for grand final between Australia and India
After the 11th over, India stood at 82 for three.
This is the second time India and Australia are facing each other in the World Cup final. In their previous encounter, Australia emerged victorious.
ICC World Cup 2023 Final: Australia ask India to bat first
Australia won the toss at the ICC World Cup 2023 final today and opted to bowl, sending hosts India to bat first in Ahmedabad.
The final is being held at the Narendra Modi Stadium with a capacity of more than 130,000 people.
This marks the second time Australia and India face each other in a World Cup final. Australia has secured five World Cup victories, while India has won twice to date.
Also read: ICC World Cup 2023: Stage set for grand final between Australia and India
India reached the final by winning all 10 matches in this World Cup, while Australia had a challenging start but recovered to secure wins and qualify for the final.
Australia (Playing XI): Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis(w), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins(c), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
Also read: ICC World Cup 2023 Final: Preview of India vs Australia ODI
National Cricket League: Rangpur trail by one run against Sylhet
Rangpur Division were trailing by one run against Sylhet Division on the first day of the four-day sixth and final round Tier-1 match of the National Cricket League (NCL) at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura on Saturday.
Sent into bat first, Sylhet Division were bundled out cheaply for just 125 runs in 38.2 overs, with national cricketer Nasum Ahmed batting with 32 runs and Amite Hasan making 32 runs.
National Cricket League: Rangpur, Khulna, Rajshahi Divisions win
Abdul Gaffar Saqlain of Rangpur grabbed four wickets for 30 runs.
In reply, Rangpur Division scored 124 runs for the loss of six wickets in 40 overs, with Mahmudul Hasan batting with 34 runs and Tanbir Hyder making 33 runs.
National Cricket League: Dhaka Div earn 2nd consecutive victory, beating Sylhet Div by 7 wkts
Abu Jayed took three wickets for 33 runs.
Earlier, Dhaka Division clinched the Tier-1 National Cricket League (NCL) title with one match to spare, beating Sylhet Division by 52 runs in the fifth-round match at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdury Stadium in Chattogram last Sunday.
Dhaka Division win National Cricket League 2021
Dhaka Division is playing the sixth and last round match against Dhaka Metro at the Sylhet International Stadium on Saturday.
In the Tier-2 match, Hosts Chattogram Division (72/2 in 20.1 overs) were trailing by 117 runs against Rajshahi Division (189 all out) on the first day of the 6th round match at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Saturday.
In another Tier-2 match, Hosts Khulna Division (16/0 in 5 overs) were trailing by 223 runs against Barisal Division (239 all out) on the first day of the 6th round match at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna on Saturday.