United News of Bangladesh

Sri Lanka’s white-ball captain Charith Asalanka and pacer Asitha Fernando have been sidelined from the T20 tri-series in Pakistan due to illness. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced on Monday that Dasun Shanaka will lead the team in the tournament, which also features Zimbabwe. Top-order batter Pavan Rathnayake, who made his ODI debut in Sunday’s third and final match against Pakistan, has been added to the T20 squad. In that game, Pakistan completed a 3-0 ODI series sweep over Sri Lanka, with Rathnayake scoring 32 runs off 37 balls. The tri-series begins on Tuesday with host Pakistan facing Zimbabwe. Each team will play the others twice, with the top two sides advancing to the final on Nov. 29. All seven matches will be held in Rawalpindi. SLC confirmed that Asalanka and Fernando will return home to “receive proper care and adequate time to recover ahead of upcoming assignments.” The tri-series also serves as preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup, for which Zimbabwe has qualified after missing the 2024 edition. Sri Lanka’s white-ball tour had faced uncertainty following a suicide bombing in Islamabad last week that killed 12 people, hours before the first ODI in nearby Rawalpindi. However, the team continued after the Pakistan Cricket Board assured SLC of adequate security measures.

Barcelona will finally return to their eternal home, Spotify Camp Nou, this weekend, with the club confirming that Saturday’s LaLiga match against Athletic Club will be played at their historic home ground. In a statement, the Catalan Club said that the match for LaLiga matchday 13 against Athletic Club, scheduled for Saturday, November 22 at 16:15, will indeed be held at Spotify Camp Nou. The decision follows the club’s receipt of the first occupancy license corresponding to Phase 1B, which permits an increased capacity of up to 45,401 spectators. Although renovation work is still underway, Barça received a key license from the local council on Monday, allowing matches to be hosted with a limited capacity of 45,401 spectators. Camp Nou has been closed for major refurbishment since 2023, forcing Barcelona to play their home fixtures at the city’s Olympic Stadium. The original plan was to return by the end of 2024, but multiple delays pushed the timeline back. With the new approval, the Spanish champions will once again play in front of a sizeable home crowd. The club initially received permission in October to reopen the venue, but the capacity limit at the time, within 25,991, was deemed financially unviable for an immediate return. Earlier this month, Barcelona held a test event at Camp Nou with just under 23,000 fans attending an open training session, which president Joan Laporta described as a success. Following the test event, Barça submitted documentation last week to extend the capacity limit and received clearance on Monday. Saturday’s match against Athletic will also kick-start a busy run of fixtures for the Catalan side. Barcelona are scheduled to travel to Chelsea in the Champions League next, before hosting consecutive home games against Alavés and Atlético Madrid—now cleared to be played at Camp Nou. However, uncertainty remains over whether the Champions League tie against Frankfurt on December 9 will be held at Camp Nou or return to the Olympic Stadium. UEFA has different regulations from La Liga regarding mid-season venue changes, though Laporta has expressed optimism, saying the club has plans in place to meet all requirements, including covered seating for officials. At present, the stadium’s lower two tiers are complete, while construction continues on the third tier and the new roof structure. Full renovation is expected to be completed by 2027, when the stadium’s capacity will expand to 105,000.

Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar has been released from the hospital five days after being admitted with a heart-related issue. His current club, São Paulo, said in a statement that the player was discharged on Sunday. The club added that extensive tests showed Oscar had experienced “an episode of vasovagal syncope,” a common cause of fainting triggered by a sudden drop in blood pressure or heart rate. “Stable and clinically well throughout his hospital stay, the athlete will now follow a medical program of rest for the next few days,” the statement continued. Oscar was taken by ambulance to Einstein Hospital Israelita on Tuesday after collapsing during pre-season testing. He was reportedly unconscious for about two minutes and his club said at the time that he “presented a complication with cardiac changes.” The 34-year-old has a contract with Sao Paulo until 2027. He returned to his boyhood club on a free transfer last December after a long spell in China. Oscar won one Europa League title and two Premier League trophies with Chelsea, which he joined in 2012. He moved to Shanghai in the middle of Chelsea’s 2016-17 season for a transfer fee reported to be $73 million. He won three Super League titles in China and became a fan favorite in Asia. Oscar played for Brazil at the 2014 World Cup where he scored the only goal in its 7-1 semifinal defeat to Germany, which went on to win the tournament.

A record 48 teams will take part in the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. On Sunday, Portugal and Norway became the latest sides to secure their spots. Portugal, playing without the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo, thrashed Armenia 9-1 to keep the 39-year-old on course to feature in a sixth World Cup — an all-time record if he appears. Norway booked their ticket with a 4-1 win over four-time champion Italy. In total, 43 teams will qualify through their regional competitions, while two more will advance from a six-team intercontinental playoff scheduled for March in Mexico. The three host nations qualify automatically. Qualification breakdown Asia: 8 direct places, 1 intercontinental playoff slotAfrica: 9 direct berths, 1 playoff slotNorth/Central America & Caribbean: 3 direct spots, plus 3 automatic host places, and 2 playoff slots No Ronaldo, no problem: Portugal seal World Cup spot crushing Armenia 9–1South America: 6 direct spots, 1 playoff placeOceania: 1 guaranteed spot for the first time — already claimed by New Zealand — with New Caledonia headed to the playoffsEurope: 16 direct qualifiersTeams already qualified Hosts: United States, Mexico, Canada Africa:Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia Asia:Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan Europe:Croatia, England, France, Norway, Portugal Oceania:New Zealand South America:Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay

Pakistan wrapped up a dominant 3-0 ODI series win over Sri Lanka with a composed six-wicket victory in the final match on Sunday, finishing the chase with 32 balls to spare. Mohammad Rizwan (an unbeaten 61) and Fakhar Zaman (55) hit their second straight half centuries, guiding Pakistan to 215-4 in 44.4 overs. Earlier, Sri Lanka squandered a quick start and were dismissed for 211 in 45.2 overs after captain Shaheen Shah Afridi opted to field first. Pakistan had edged the opening game by six runs, before Babar Azam’s first international hundred in more than two years powered a commanding eight-wicket win in the second ODI at Pindi Cricket Stadium. Afridi, who sat out that match due to fever, returned to lead the side in the finale. “Winning 3-0 is always satisfying,” Afridi said. “Senior guys like Babar and Rizwan are the backbone of our team, and they stepped up throughout the series.” Pakistan cruises in the chase Haseebullah Khan, one of four changes, departed for a 12-ball duck on his series debut, but Zaman picked up where he left off after his 78 in the previous game. He and Babar (34) steadied the innings with a 76-run partnership as Sri Lanka’s pacers struggled to grip the ball due to heavy dew. Sri Lanka’s stand-in seam attack — Eshan Malinga and Pramod Madushan — went wicketless and leaked 100 runs in 18 overs after regular quicks Dushmantha Chameera and Asitha Fernando were rested. Zaman reached his fifty off 39 balls with seven boundaries before leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay (3-42) struck in the middle overs. He removed Zaman with a sharp catch by Kamindu Mendis at deep mid-wicket, bowled Babar, and trapped Salman Ali Agha (6) LBW on review to reduce Pakistan to 115-4 in the 25th over. Sri Lanka warns players, staff of leaving Pakistan amid security concern But Rizwan, marking his 100th ODI, and Hussain Talat (42 not out) calmly sealed the win with an unbroken century stand. Sri Lanka slump after positive start Debutant Kamil Mishra (29) and Pathum Nissanka (24) put on 55 for the opening stand, but Pakistan’s quicks soon regained control. Nissanka chopped a short ball from Haris Rauf (2-38) onto his stumps, and Mohammad Wasim (3-47) removed Mishra behind the wicket. Acting skipper Kusal Mendis, leading in place of the ill Charith Asalanka, was bowled for 34. Sadeera Samarawickrama top-scored with 48 before falling to wrist-spinner Faisal Akram (2-42), playing his first ODI in a year as Pakistan rotated its squad and rested Abrar Ahmed. Newcomer Pavan Rathnayake offered some late resistance with 32 off 37 but was run out as the final wicket, leaving Sri Lanka with their lowest total of the series. “Five of our top order got starts but couldn’t carry on, and that hurt us,” Mendis said. “Vandersay bowled superbly though — he gave everything.” T20 tri-series up next Sri Lanka and Pakistan will now be joined by Zimbabwe for a T20 tri-series in Rawalpindi as part of preparations for next year’s T20 World Cup. Pakistan face Zimbabwe in the opening match on Tuesday. The tour had briefly been in doubt after a suicide bombing near a court in Islamabad killed 12 people on Tuesday, hours before the first ODI. But Sri Lanka Cricket instructed the team to continue following security assurances from the Pakistan Cricket Board. Source: AP

Cristiano Ronaldo may have been missing, but Portugal hardly felt his absence as Roberto Martínez’s men stormed into next year’s FIFA World Cup, annihilating Armenia 9–1 in their final qualifier at the Estadio do Dragão in Porto. On a night brimming with goals and confidence, experienced playmaker Bruno Fernandes and rising star João Neves each bagged hat-tricks. Renato Veiga, Gonçalo Ramos and Francisco Conceição added their names to the scoresheet to complete the nine-goal rout. Ronaldo was serving a suspension after receiving a red card in Thursday’s shock 2–0 loss to Ireland, a defeat that briefly rattled the Portuguese camp. But on Sunday, Fernandes and company flipped the script from the opening whistle. Portugal needed only seven minutes to break the deadlock. Fernandes’ wicked free-kick was pushed onto the post by the Armenian goalkeeper, but the rebound looped perfectly for Veiga, who nodded home into the bottom-right corner. Armenia, however, responded brightly. Eduard Spertsyan levelled in the 18th minute after Grant-Leon Ranos powered down the flank, outmuscling João Cancelo before cutting the ball back for his teammate to sweep into the net. Three minutes later, Ramos had a golden chance to restore the lead but fired straight at the goalkeeper. Portugal kept pressing, and in the 30th minute their patience paid off. A move sparked by Nélson Semedo flowed through Fernandes before Neves drilled a low strike past the keeper. Portugal nearly added another in the 40th minute when a clever Fernandes ball found Bernardo Silva, only for the Armenian goalkeeper to deny him with the faintest of touches. The hosts didn’t have to wait long, though. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Rúben Dias was dragged down in the box, winning a penalty. Fernandes stepped up and coolly slotted down the middle, sending Portugal into the break with a commanding 5–1 lead. Fernandes went on to grab a hat-trick with goals in the 52nd and 72nd minutes. Neves later joined him, sealing his own treble in the 81st minute with a brilliant nutmeg finish inside the box. Substitute João Félix missed a golden opportunity in the 89th minute, but in stoppage time Francisco Conceição ensured Portugal ended with a flourish, striking in the 92nd minute to wrap up a dominant victory—one that sends Portugal confidently toward football’s biggest stage next June. In the other fixture of the group, a spirited Ireland side overcame Hungary 3–2 despite falling behind twice. The Irish found their second equalizer ten minutes before the final whistle, and then stunned Hungary with a dramatic winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time to book their place in the play-offs. Hungary, despite being favourites for most of the group stage, ultimately finished the qualifying round in tears.

Bangladeshi swimmer Sheikh Jamil Hasan, a third-year student of Political Science at the University of Dhaka, successfully completed the 10-kilometer open water swim at the international “Oceanman Thailand 2025” competition held in Phang Nga province, Thailand. He finished the race in nearly five hours. The event saw participants from 36 countries, with two swimmers representing Bangladesh—Sheikh Jamil Hasan and Pijus Mishra. Competing on an international stage is considered a major achievement for the country. The race took place in the open waters of the Andaman Sea, where strong currents, tides, and natural sea challenges posed additional difficulties for the swimmers. Overcoming these obstacles, Sheikh Jamil completed the 10-kilometer course successfully. The Oceanman series is a globally recognized open water swimming competition that attracts world-class athletes, professional swimmers, and long-distance swimming experts. Although Bangladesh has had limited participation in recent years, young swimmers are beginning to make their mark internationally.

A team of Palestinian footballers played a friendly match on Saturday against a selection of Basque players in Bilbao, drawing a crowd of around 50,000 amid strong political symbolism linked to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. San Mames Stadium — home to Athletic Bilbao — was nearly full, with organizers confirming tens of thousands of ticketed spectators. Supporters filled the stands waving Palestinian flags as well as flags representing Spain’s northern Basque Country. Thousands also marched with flags in the streets ahead of kickoff. Spain has witnessed sustained demonstrations against Israel's military actions following the October 2023 Hamas attack. Bilbao previously hosted one of the earliest major protests in September, when activists targeted an Israeli-owned cycling team during the Spanish Vuelta. MLS fans get full access on Apple TV without extra fees next season Saturday’s Basque lineup featured players from Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad and other professional clubs. Members of Spain’s national team were not available due to a World Cup qualifying fixture. The Palestinian squad is scheduled to play another friendly on Tuesday in Barcelona against a team representing Catalonia, Spain’s northeastern region. Source: AP 

Ravindra Jadeja returned figures of 4-29 as South Africa collapsed to 93-7 in 35 overs by stumps on the second day of the opening Test, leaving India firmly on top after a frenetic day in which 15 wickets fell. India earlier managed 189 in their first innings, taking a narrow 30-run lead after dismissing the visitors for 159. Despite the advantage being slim, the hosts dominated the evening session to dismantle the Proteas’ top and middle order. South Africa now hold an overall lead of 63 runs on a pitch offering unpredictable bounce and turn. At close, captain Temba Bavuma was battling on 29 off 78 balls, with Corbin Bosch unbeaten on 1. Bad light forced an early end to play for the second straight day. India opened the second innings with spin from both ends, and Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav immediately found purchase. Yadav trapped Ryan Rickelton lbw for 11 at tea to make it 18-1, triggering a steady slide. Jadeja then tore through the Proteas with a disciplined spell. Aiden Markram fell for four at short leg, Wiaan Mulder nicked behind for 11, and Toni de Zorzi (2) became his second victim of the 17th over. Tristan Stubbs was bowled for five, failing to read a straight one. Axar Patel removed Kyle Verreynne for nine with a delivery that sneaked through, reducing South Africa to 75-6. Marco Jansen swung his way to 13 before Yadav picked him off, though Bavuma held up one end to push the match into Day 3. Earlier, India’s batting also faltered. Off-spinner Simon Harmer led South Africa’s attack with 4-30, while Jansen took 3-35. Starting the day at 37-1, Lokesh Rahul and Washington Sundar put on 38 runs in the opening hour. But South Africa struck three times in the next hour despite India adding 63 runs. Sundar edged Harmer for 29, and captain Shubman Gill retired hurt after feeling discomfort in his neck while hitting a boundary. He did not resume his innings and is believed to have a neck spasm, leaving vice-captain Rishabh Pant in charge. Mark Wood leaves Ashes warm-up match due to hamstring stiffness Rahul made 39 before falling to Keshav Maharaj. Pant lifted the scoring rate with a brisk 27 off 24 balls, featuring two sixes, before Bosch bounced him out just before lunch. After the interval, Dhruv Jurel chipped a simple return catch to Harmer. Jadeja contributed 27 off 45 and crossed 4,000 Test runs, becoming only the fourth all-rounder—after Kapil Dev, Ian Botham and Daniel Vettori—to pair 4,000 runs with 300 wickets. Jansen then swept aside the Indian tail, with Axar offering brief resistance for 16 before becoming Harmer’s final wicket. Despite their modest total, India tightened their grip by the close. “Batting positively is the only way here,” Axar Patel said. “You can’t just defend because you’re never fully in. You have to put away the loose balls. Patience is key. If we can keep them under 125, the chase should be manageable tomorrow.” South Africa last won a Test in India 15 years ago. The second Test begins Nov. 22 at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium, which will host a men’s Test for the first time after staging several matches in the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup. India swept West Indies 2-0 in their most recent series, while South Africa drew 1-1 in Pakistan. Source: AP

Former heavyweight champion Joseph Parker denied taking any prohibited substance and said his failed drug test from last month's loss to Fabio Wardley was “a real surprise.” The New Zealander's voluntary anti-doping test conducted on the day of the bout returned an adverse finding, promotions company Queensberry announced on Friday. Wardley stopped Parker in the 11th round at the O2 Arena in London on Oct. 25 in a fight to determine who would become the WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk. “Before my recent fight I took a voluntary test and have now been informed that it returned an adverse result. This came as a real surprise to me," Parker said early Saturday in a statement on Instagram. “I did not take any prohibited substance, I do not use performance enhancing drugs and do not support their use,” he continued. “I am cooperating fully with the process now underway, and I am confident the investigation will clear my name.” The 33-year-old Parker faces a potential lengthy ban by the British Boxing Board of Control. “Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support. It means a great deal to me and my family,” Parker’s statement added. “When the investigation is complete, I will speak openly and answer questions.” On Friday, Queensberry said the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association had informed all parties of the adverse finding. The promotions company said it won’t make any other comments “while the matter is investigated further.” Parker won the WBO title in December 2016 when he beat Andy Ruiz Jr. on a majority decision. He then lost the belt to Anthony Joshua by a unanimous decision in late March 2018 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.