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Bangladesh concede second defeat to Sri Lanka in Asia Cup
In a disheartening turn of events, Bangladesh have suffered yet another defeat against Sri Lanka in the ongoing Asia Cup. This setback came on the heels of their loss to the same opponent in the group stage, this time in the Super Four stage of the competition.
Opting to bowl first in the match held in Colombo, Bangladesh managed to contain Sri Lanka to a total of 257 runs.
Also read: Bangladesh need 258 to stay alive in Asia Cup, after Sadeera's brilliant knock guides Sri Lanka
However, the story took a turn for the worse as Bangladesh's top order once again faltered in their pursuit. In the middle, Mushfiqur Rahim and Towhid Hridoy forged a commendable partnership, though ultimately it fell short of carrying them to victory.
Eventually, Bangladesh found themselves 21 runs adrift.
Mohammad Naim, who managed to score 21 off 46 deliveries, failed to substantiate his place in the squad. Litton Das, too, failed to make an impression, while in the latter stages of the innings, Shamim Hossain was given an opportunity that ultimately went to waste.
Also read: Asia Cup: Bangladesh bowl first vs Sri Lanka with one change
After losing four wickets for 83 runs, Bangladesh was in dire need of a substantial partnership to keep their fight alive. At that juncture, Mushfiqur and Towhid mustered a resilient 72-run stand.
However, after Mushfiqur's dismissal, Bangladesh lost their way, losing wickets at regular intervals. Towhid departed after a valiant 82 out of 97 deliveries.
For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dasun Shanaka, and Matheesha Pathirana each clinched three crucial wickets.
Earlier, Sadeera Samarawickrama fell short of what could have been his maiden century in ODIs. Nonetheless, his composed performance steered Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 257 runs.
Bangladesh claimed an early breakthrough by dismissing Dimuth Karunaratne for a mere 17 in the sixth over.
Also read: Preview of Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka ODI in Asia Cup 2023
The partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, however, saw the Sri Lankan side stabilise, contributing 74 runs to the scoreboard.
Regrettably, Bangladesh's fielding exhibited signs of sloppiness throughout the match. A crucial opportunity slipped through Mushfiqur Rahim's grasp behind the wicket, and a dropped catch by Shamim Hossain in the deep resulted in a costly six.
Shoriful Islam's strategic use of short balls saw the back of Nissanka. Subsequently, Sri Lanka encountered a string of setbacks. Nissanka departed after a gritty 40, while Kusal's contribution culminated at 50.
Sadeera, however, remained resolute at one end, ensuring the scoreboard continued to tick.
Bangladesh's captain, Shakib Al Hasan, demonstrated astute tactical acumen in his selection of bowlers.
Nasum Ahmed, the left-arm spinner included in the XI in lieu of Afif Hossain, delivered a disciplined spell, conceding a mere 31 runs in his quota of 10 overs, albeit without managing to claim a wicket.
Bangladesh's next challenge awaits them against India on September 15th, in the same venue.
AFC U-23 Asian Cup: Bangladesh suffers 2nd consecutive defeat losing to host Thailand
Bangladesh suffered its second consecutive defeat in the group H match of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2024 Qualifiers, losing to hosts Thailand by 0-3 goals at the Chonburi Stadium in Thailand on Saturday evening.
Bangladesh started their campaign in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers with 0-2 defeat against Malaysia in the opening group match at the same venue on Wednesday.
Also read: AFC U-23 Asian Cup: Bangladesh start campaign with 0-2 defeat against Malaysia
Bangladesh, which was placed in Group H of the Asian Cup with hosts Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, will play the Philippines on Tuesday in the remaining group match at the same venue.
After the day's match, both Malaysia and Thailand top the group list, securing six points from two matches.
Also read: AFC U-23 Asian Cup: Bangladesh to start campaign, taking on Malaysia Wednesday
Bangladesh remained in the third slot in the four-team group without scoring a point.
Also read: AFC U-23 Asian Cup: Bangladesh drawn in Group H with Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines
In the day's match, medio Purachet Thodsanid put Thailand ahead in the 44th minute (1-0), defender Chanapach Buaphan doubled the margin in the 4th minute of the first half's added time (45+3 minutes), while captain Airfan Doloh completed the tally by scoring the third goal in 87th minutes (3-0).
SAFF U-16 Championship: Bangladesh to play India in final Sunday
Bangladesh will play India in the final match of the six-nation South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-16 Championship on Sunday.
The final match between two neighbouring countries will kick off at 6:00 pm on Sunday at the Changlimithang Stadium in the Bhutanese capital Thimphu.
Also read: SAFF U-16 Championship: Bangladesh to play Pakistan in 2nd semifinal Friday
Group A champions India swiftly reached the final, crushing Group B runners-up Maldives by 8-0 goals, while Group A runners-up Bangladesh managed a final berth, eliminating Group B champions Pakistan by 2-1 goals in the semifinals.
Earlier in the group A opener, India beat Bangladesh by a 1-0 score.
Also read: SAFF U-16 Champs: Bangladesh reach semifinal as India beat Nepal 1-0
But Bangladesh clinched the SAFF U-16 title in 2015, beating India in the final in tie tiebreaker held at the Sylhet Stadium.
Ahead of Sunday's final, the Bangladesh team held a strength and conditioning session at the team hotel on Saturday morning and a recovery and practise session at the match venue in the evening.
The Bangladesh team also addressed a pre-match press conference and attended the trophy unveiling ceremony on Saturday.
Also read: SAFF U-16 Champs: Bangladesh suffer narrow defeat against India in opener
Bangladesh coach Saifur Rahman Moni on Saturday, said, "We started the tournament losing to India by a 0-1 goal, which committed our players to be more serious about clinching the title by beating India."
"If we are able to play our best according to our ability, it will not be difficult for us to clinch the title," he further said.
"Our team has no major injury problems; our vice captain, Ashique, who missed the last game due to fever, is now recovering quickly, he added.
Earlier, Bangladesh was placed in the three-team stronger Group A with India and Nepal, while Group B teams comprise the Maldives, Pakistan, and hosts Bhutan.
Debate Triumph: Anwar Girls College, Rangpur Cantonment excel
In a testament to academic prowess, the Cantonment Public Schools and Colleges recently concluded their Parliamentary Bengali Debate Competition.
Over five days, eight Bangla Medium Schools and Colleges from various regions of the Bangladesh Army participated in the event. The final ceremony at Shahid Bir-Uttam Lt. Anwar Girls College Auditorium witnessed spirited debates.
Shahid Bir Uttam Lt. Anwar Girls College clinched the title of the school-level competition, while Rangpur Cantonment Public School and College won the top spot in the final round in the college-level competition.
Read: Curtain closes on debate tournament —The Climate Debate 2023
Sara Tasnim and Ahanf Siddique were the best debaters at the school-level, and Marzanul Jannat Medha was the best debater at the college-level competition.
Major General Md. Moin Khan graced the closing ceremony as Chief Guest and distributed awards to the deserving winners.
The competition, organized by Shahid Bir-Uttam Lt. Anwar Girls College, received enthusiastic participation, showcasing the dedication of students and educators towards fostering critical thinking and communication skills. The event garnered support from military officials, educational leaders, and members of the academic community.
Read more: Widened Dhaka-Washington relationship allows to freely debate on differences: Shahriar
Bangladesh need 258 to stay alive in Asia Cup, after Sadeera's brilliant knock guides Sri Lanka
Sadeera Samarawickrama fell just seven runs short of what could have been his inaugural century in ODIs. Nonetheless, his composed performance led Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 257 runs against Bangladesh in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup.
Opting to bowl first in the Colombo match, Bangladesh claimed an early victory by dismissing Dimuth Karunaratne for 17 in the sixth over.
The partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, however, saw the Sri Lankan side stabilizing, adding 74 runs to the scoreboard.
Read: Asia Cup: Bangladesh bowl first vs Sri Lanka with one change
Bangladesh's fielding displayed signs of sloppiness during the match. Mushfiqur Rahim missed a chance to catch Nissanka behind the wicket, and Shamim Hossain's dropped catch at deep resulted in a six.
Shoriful Islam's short-ball tactic removed Nissanka from the pitch. Subsequently, Sri Lanka experienced a series of setbacks. Nissanka departed after scoring 40, while Kusal's contribution ended at 50.
Sadeera, however, stood resolute on one end, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking.
Read: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Live Streaming Asia Cup 2023: Where and How to watch live streaming, Probable Playing 11
Bangladesh's captain, Shakib Al Hasan, exhibited shrewd tactical prowess with his bowler selections.
Nasum Ahmed, the left-arm spinner drafted into the XI in place of Afif Hossain, bowled a tight spell, conceding only 31 runs in his 10 overs, albeit without claiming a wicket.
By the innings' close, Sri Lanka had amassed a challenging total of 257. Bangladesh's track record in ODIs against Sri Lanka when chasing 257 or more stands without a victory.
Read more: Bangladesh suffers big defeat after dismal batting display
Asia Cup: Bangladesh bowl first vs Sri Lanka with one change
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl first against Sri Lanka in their second Super Four clash of the Asia Cup on Saturday in Colombo.
In the group phase, Bangladesh lost to Sri Lanka by a big margin.
Bangladesh were also defeated in their first Super Four match against Pakistan in Lahore.
The Tigers came to this match aiming to win, with a change in the playing XI, including Nasum Ahmed to replace Afif Hossain.
Read: Preview of Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka ODI in Asia Cup 2023
Bangladesh (Playing XI): Mohammad Naim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Shamim Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nasum Ahmed
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana.
Read more: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Live Streaming Asia Cup 2023: Where and How to watch live streaming, Probable Playing 11
Neymar breaks Pele's Brazil goal-scoring record in 5-1 win in South American World Cup qualifying
Neymar became the top goal scorer for Brazil's national team after surpassing the total of three-time World Cup winner Pelé on Friday.
The goal that put the 31-year-old Neymar on the top of Brazil's scoring record with 78 came in the 61st minute in a World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia in the Amazon city of Belém.
It was Brazil's fourth goal of the match in a 5-1 win, with the last goal of the game also being scored by Neymar during injury time.
Read : Neymar completes Saudi move to Al Hilal after 6 seasons with Paris Saint-Germain
Neymar's record-breaking goal came after a low cross into the penalty box, which the striker finished with accuracy from close range. He celebrated with a punch in the air, as Pelé usually did.
Earlier, the Al-Hilal striker missed a penalty in the 17th minute, which goalkeeper Billy Viscarra saved.
Neymar's second goal in the match came in similar fashion near the final whistle, with another low cross by Raphinha.
Brazil's soccer confederation considers Pelé as its top goal scorer with 95 goals in 114 matches. FIFA does not count goals the three-time World Cup winner had at national team friendlies against clubs.
Read : Neymar’s publicity representative Robin Miah meets Brazilian envoy in Dhaka
"78 times Neymar," the Brazilian soccer body said on social media after Neymar's record-breaking goal. "Neymar scores the fifth for the Selecao," it said after the striker's second goal against Bolivia.
Pelé's Foundation, however, acknowledged Neymar's achievement.
"Congratulations, Neymar Jr, for surpassing the King in goals for the Brazilian National Team in official FIFA matches," it said on social media. "Surely Pelé is applauding you today!"
Pelé died from cancer on Dec. 29 in Sao Paulo at the age of 82.
Striker Rodrygo, who also scored two goals against Bolivia, said he's still very much a Neymar fan.
"Neymar is very much a hero of mine," Rodrygo said. "This will be in my memory, this was a very special day."
Read : Messi scores from a free kick to give Argentina 1-0 win in South American World Cup qualifying
Neymar's most-recent match for Brazil before the victory over Bolivia was the World Cup quarterfinal loss last year to Croatia. He left Qatar with doubts about his future in the national team and did not play the Selecao's first three games this year.
New Brazil coach Fernando Diniz said Neymar came to play for Brazil "to score goals, break records, show that he is very much willing to live this (the national team.)"
"He is a great hero," Diniz said. "People have to recognize it and accept it. He doesn't do anything to get this adoration he gets from the crowd, it is because of the natural talent he has."
Preview of Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka ODI in Asia Cup 2023
The Super Four round of Asia Cup 2023 started with the Bangladesh vs Pakistan match on September 6. Bangladesh will also play the second match of the Super Four. This time, the Tigers will face Sri Lanka on September 9, 2023. The Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka match will take place at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, at 3:30 pm Bangladesh time. Let’s see what to expect from this match.
BAN vs SL ODI 2023 Match Preview
After the big win against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup group stage, Bangladesh faced defeat against Pakistan on September 6. With poor batting, Bangladesh set Pakistan a target of 194 runs. In reply, Pakistan, one of the hosts of the tournament, easily reached the target by losing 3 wickets in 39.3 overs. Pakistan won the match by 7 wickets.
After winning the toss at Lahore, the Tigers batted first but were all out for 193 runs. The initial wickets loss was responsible for the collapse. Pakistan's bowling has smacked four wickets for 47 runs. After that, Shakib-Mushfiqur Rahim made a pair, and they also turned around. Bangladesh's innings did not last long after Shakib's dismissal for the team’s 147 runs.
Now Bangladesh is looking forward to the next match against Sri Lanka. However, Bangladesh lost a match in the group stage against Sri Lanka. So, Bangladesh will surely be looking for a comeback. While the Bangladesh team was shaky in the opening section, Najmul Hossain Shanto’s injury changed the whole momentum of the team.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has been at a good pace as they have won both matches in the group stage. However, they faced a challenge winning against the Afghans in their last match. Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and elected to bat first. They scored 291 runs for 8 wickets. Sri Lankan batsmen were in an aggressive mood from the start. The two openers, Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne, started very well. They scored 41 and 32 runs, respectively. However, Kusal Mendis, who started at number three, put Sri Lanka's innings on a solid foundation. He played an innings of 92 runs off 84 balls. Finished his innings with six fours and three sixes. Charith Asalanka (36), Maheesh Theekshana (28), and Dunith Wellalage (33 not out) helped Sri Lanka put up a fighting run.
So, after this performance, it can be said that the Lankan batting lineup will surely put pressure on Bangladeshi bowlers. On top of that, Sri Lanka does not have any injury updates. Hence, they will start with the regular squad against the Tigers.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: India ODI Squad Analysis
Probable Playing XI for Bangladesh
Mohammad Naim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shamim Hossain, Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Hasan Mahmud.
Probable Playing XI for Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, and Matheesha Pathirana.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: ODI Head to Head Records So Far
Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka currently hold prominent positions in the world of one-day international cricket. Nevertheless, in their encounters with each other, Sri Lanka has consistently displayed greater strength and dominance. Sri Lanka has maintained a firm grip over Bangladesh, emerging victorious in 41 out of the 52 matches played between the two teams. Although Bangladesh has demonstrated signs of progress in recent times, they have managed to secure victory in only 9 of these encounters against Sri Lanka. Two matches had no results on March 25, 2023, and March 28, 2017.
Bangladeshi Players to Watch
Shakib Al Hasan
Although Shakib could not perform well in the previous match against Sir Lanka, he contributed well in the Super Four match against Pakistan. Shakib scored only 5 runs from 11 balls against Sri Lanka in the group stage and took 2 wickets at a 2.9 economy rate. Against Pakistan, he scored 53 from 57 balls and bowled 5.3 overs but could not take any wickets. So, it seems Shakib is coming back to momentum, and we expect him to give his best against Sri Lanka.
Mushfiqur Rahim
Mushfique is tactically the best footwork dependent batsman in Bangladesh. Arguably, he is the best batsman in the last 5-6 years. He has the ability to handle all types of swing and score runs. In the last match against Pakistan, he scored 64 runs from 87 balls, and before that, he scored 25 runs from 15 balls against the Afghans. On top of that, his wicket keeping skills also helped Bangladesh in different situations. So, it is evident that Mushfiqur will surely continue his performance in the next match.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Warm-up Schedule: Full fixture list, match timings and venues
Key Sri Lankan Players to Watch
Matheesha Pathirana
The right-arm first bowler destroyed Bangladesh’s innings in the first group stage match as he took four wickets, including Shakib and Mushfique’s wicket. He also took one wicket in the next match against the Afghans. So, he might emerge as dangerous against Bangladesh again.
Charith Asalanka
He has been pretty consistent in this Asia Cup, as he scored 62 against Bangladesh and 36 against the Afghans. So, fans will have an eye on him with an expectation. Overall, he played 37 ODI matches for Sri Lanka and scored 1191 runs in total, with 110 highest score. Hence, we are expecting that Asalanka will have an impact on the next match in Sri Lanka’s middle order.
Final Word
Sri Lanka clearly has a competitive edge in the next Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2023 Super Four stage match. On top of that, Sri Lanka will play in their home ground, which will be a great confidence boost for them. Bangladesh played Sri Lanka after two years on August 31, and the Lankans showed their strength. Considering the Bangladesh team’s current situation and form in the Asia Cup, winning against the Lankans will be difficult for the Tigers.
Read more: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Live Streaming Asia Cup 2023: Where and How to watch live streaming, Probable Playing 11
Messi scores from a free kick to give Argentina 1-0 win in South American World Cup qualifying
Once again, and now as a World Cup champion, Lionel Messi came to Argentina's rescue when the team most needed him.
The 36-year-old captain scored from a free kick in the 78th minute to give Argentina a 1-0 win against Ecuador in the first round of South American World Cup qualifying on Thursday.
It was Messi's 104th goal in 176 international appearances, including his 29th in World Cup qualifying. Those 29 goals equal the record of Luis Suárez of Uruguay.
More than 83,000 fans at the nearly full Monumental de Nuñez Stadium were getting jittery until Messi scored, with their team having hit the post and the bar during the match, and offering Ecuador several chances to counter.
Also read: Messi has 2 assists in front of star-studded crowd in Los Angeles as Inter Miami beats LAFC 3-1
Ecuador kept Argentina at bay during most of the match with a defensive line of five players, led by Moisés Caicedo, which put Messi under wraps during most of the clash in Buenos Aires. But the decisive moment of the star was enough to beat the hard-working Ecuadorians.
Goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez did not move as Messi's shot from the edge of the box went to the back of the net, near the left post.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who completed five years in the job on Thursday, surprised fans with a different formation from the one that played and won the World Cup final over France in Qatar. He benched Ángel Di María and started Nicolás González.
Also read: Messi converts PK, assists on 2 goals, leading Miami past MLS-best Cincinnati in US Open Cup semi
Scaloni also used Lautaro Martínez as his center forward instead of Julián Álvarez. Argentina's coach, who is yet to lose a match in South American qualifying, brought Di María in during the second half, but Argentina continued struggling to get clear chances.
"Every match needs 100% from us in this qualifying," Messi said after the match. "This was a tough match to play, a very physical one."
Earlier, Colombia beat Venezuela 1-0 with a header by Rafael Santos Borré in the 46th minute. Paraguay and Peru drew 0-0.
Argentina and Colombia lead the standings with three points. Paraguay and Peru are next with one. Ecuador has minus three points because of a FIFA punishment that caused a deduction in South American qualifying for the falsification of birth information of defender Byron Castillo, who is of Colombian origin.
Also read: Messi leads Inter Miami to first ever trophy in Leagues Cup final
The first round of South American qualifying will be completed on Friday when Brazil hosts Bolivia and Uruguay plays against Chile.
All 10 teams in the region will play their second round on Tuesday.
The 2026 edition of the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada is expanding to a 48-team format. The leading six positions in South America will secure a direct spot. The seventh-place team will contest an intercontinental playoff for a berth.
FIFA Int' l Friendly:Coming from behind, Bangladesh play out 1-1 draw with Afghanistan
Coming from behind, Bangladesh played 1-1 draw with upper ranked Afghanistan in the 2nd and last match of the two-match FIFA Tier-1 International Friendly Football series in a rough and tough encounter at the Bashundhara Kings Arena here on Thursday.
The match was locked in goalless position in a rain-soaked and keenly contested first half.
Read : Bangladesh football team captain Jamal Bhuyan signs for Argentine Club
Bangladesh national football team played the two-match FIFA international Friendly series against their 32 ranked upper Afghanistan national side as a part of their preparation for the next month' s FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against the Maldives.
After the match, the two match series between the two teams also ended in a draw.
In the day's crucial match, striker Jabar Sharza put Afghanistan ahead in the 53rd minute of the match by a cool header from a goal-mouth melee, utilizing a corner kick of his mate (1-0).
Incidentally, it was the first goal in the country's new international football venue --Bashundhara Kings Arena --which turned as an international venue last Sunday with first FIFA int'l friendly, also against Afghanistan.
Read : Bangladesh Football Team Captain Jamal Bhuiyan becomes brand ambassador of National STEAM Olympiad 2023
Country's promising forward Shekh Morsalin, who spoiled a golden opportunity against Afghanistan in the last match, compensated his previous mistake scoring the match equaliser in the 63rd minute by pushing the ball to open net from a handshake distance , off a Bishwanath Ghosh cross from right wing (1-1).
It was also the first goal for Bangladesh national team in the new venue --Bashundhara Kings Arena.
After making the equaliser, Bangladesh team created strong pressure over Afghanistan one after another, but failed to change the fate of the match due to shakiness of the forwards as well as for the confident defense of Afghanistan.
Read : Bangladesh Football team holds training ahead of Afghan challenge
In the day's tense-packed match, Afghan coach Abdullah Al Mutahiri and Bangladesh' s Assistant Coach Hasan Al Mamun got matching order in the 23rd minute after receiving red cards for non-sportsman like behavior and for clashing with each other.
Afghan mid-fielder Faysal Shayesteh got marching order in the added time of the match after receiving 2nd yellow card.