United News of Bangladesh

Vita Annafsa, Keyla Annisa Putri of Indonesia earned the doubles crown in the Yonex Sunrise Bangladesh Junior International (Badminton) Series 2024 clinching men's/women's doubles and mixed doubles titles at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium here on Sunday. Senior Secretary of Dr Mohammad Muklesur Rahman was the chief guest at the day's ceremony and distributed prizes Sunday afternoon Vita Annafsa and Keyla Annisa pair won mixed double crown beating another Indonesian pair by 21-14, 18-21 and 21-15 points in the event's final Earlier, Vita Annafsa shared the men's doubles crown with another Indonesian Grendly Alkatib while Keyla Annisa shared the women's doubles title also with another Indonesian Micha Leona. The men's singles crown went to Denis Azzarya of Indonesia while the women's singles title also went to Thalita Ramadhani of Indonesia. The Yonex- Sunrise Bangladesh International Badminton Challenge ' 2024 (Senior) billed for December 17- 21 here.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has arranged Victory Day Friendly Cricket, an annual program of the board on the occasion of the Victory Day, Monday (December 16). Former star cricketers, under the banner of Shaheed Mustaque Eleven and Shaheed Jewel Eleven will compete in the day-long meet at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. The friendly cricket match with the participation of former national captains and star cricketers, virtually a reunion of former cricketers, will kick-off at 10:30 am at the Mirpur Stadium. Selected cricketers of two participating teams are: Shaheed Mustaque X1 : Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu, Akram Khan, Minhajul Abedin Nannu, Mehrab Hossain Opi, Khan Abdur Razzak, Hasibul Hossian Shanta, Mushfiqur Rahman Babu, Abdul Hannan Sarkar, Fahim Muntasir Summit, Hasanuzzanan Jhoru, Khondakar Saidul Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Rana, Mohammad Ali, Sajjad Ahmed Shipon and Nazmul Hossain. Shaheed Jewel Xl : ASM Raquibul Hasan, Habibul Bashar Sumon, Khaled Mashud Pilot, Enamul Haq Moni, Mohammad Rafiq, Shahriar Nafees, Ehsanul Haque Sezan, Harun Ur Rashid Liton, Foysal Hossain Dickens, Javed Omar Belim, Mohammad Salim, Salim Shahed, Niamul Rashid Rahul, Talha Jubair and Sanaul Hossain.

Fast bowler Nahid Rana has been included in Bangladesh’s T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against the West Indies, set to take place on December 16, 18, and 20 at Arnos Vale Ground in St. Vincent. The 22-year-old pacer, yet to make his T20I debut, joins the team as Bangladesh seeks to strengthen its pace attack following a disappointing ODI series. The T20I series represents an opportunity for Bangladesh to bounce back after a tough start to their Caribbean tour. They managed a 1-1 draw in the two-match Test series but were whitewashed 3-0 in the ODIs. Bangladesh captain Litton Das, who is stepping in for the absent Nazmul Hossain, acknowledged the challenge ahead. “T20Is have always been tough for us, especially on the West Indies’ home ground. It will be difficult, but we are focused on our preparation,” Litton said. Bangladesh’s last outing at Arnos Vale during the ICC T20 World Cup Super Eight stage in June ended on a high note, as they defeated Afghanistan. They also faced Nepal and the Netherlands in the first round at the same venue. However, West Indies have not played at this ground since 2013, making it a fresh challenge for the hosts. Historically, Bangladesh has struggled in T20Is against the West Indies, losing nine of their 16 encounters, including four of the eight matches played in the Caribbean. Despite this, Litton remains hopeful of a strong performance. “Our preparation has been good. Most of our players have been active in Tests and ODIs. While a few are new, they’ve had sufficient practice,” he added. Bangladesh T20I Squad: Litton Das (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain Patwari, Sheikh Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Ripon Mondol, Nahid Rana.

India's pace attack triggered another top order batting collapse for Australia as the hosts struggled to 104-3 at lunch on the second day of the third cricket test. Jasprit Bumrah again underlined his stature as the current top-ranked bowler in tests as he tormented Australia's top-order batters on a Gabba pitch that was offering plenty of assistance for bowlers under patchy cloud-covered skies on Sunday. At the break, Steven Smith was unbeaten on 25, with Travis Head on 20, with the pair coming together when Australia was at a precarious 75-3. After Australia resumed at 28 without loss after rain curtailed the opening day to just 13.2 overs, it didn't take long Sunday for Bumrah (2-26) to make his mark as, like the first innings in both opening two tests, the seamer's relentless accuracy and ability to move the ball off the pitch led to early breakthroughs. First, he removed Usman Khawaja caught behind for 21 with a ball that moved late on the veteran opener to have Australia at 31-1. Nathan McSweeney made a patient 9 runs off 49 balls but could do little more than to edge another sharp delivery from Bumrah to Virat Kohli at second slip as Australia slipped to 38-2 in the 19th over. It was the fourth time in the series that Bumrah has claimed McSweeney's wicket. Smith and Marnus Labuschagne steadily put Australia back on track but Nitish Kumar Reddy teased a wild swipe from Labuschagne (12) which was well caught by Kohli in the slips with the hosts at 75-3. Smith, who has had a wretched run of outs over the past 12 months and has not made a century since the Ashes in mid-2023, looked to be playing himself slowly back into form with a composed 25 from 68 balls. Head, on the back of three first ball ducks in Gabba test matches, provided his usual attacking impetus as he raced to 20 from 35 balls in what shapes as a potentially match defining partnership with Smith for the hosts. Pace bowler Mohammed Siraj — who had a running verbal battle with Head in the second test at Adelaide which led to both players being sanctioned — left the field during his 11th over with an apparent left hamstring injury. The seamer returned to the field prior to the lunch break but did not resume bowling. India won the toss and sent Australia into bat on Saturday, but rain first halted play for about 30 minutes in the sixth over. The showers returned about a half-hour later and washed out the remainder of the opening day. India won the first test by 295 runs at Perth, while Australia came back to win the second day-night test in Adelaide by 10 wickets.

Bangladesh tasted the first victory to finish 9th in the 10-team Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup'2024 crushing Sri Lanka by 8-0 goals in a place deciding match in Muscat, Oman on Saturday. Bangladesh completed their maiden Asian Cup Hockey journey with winning note after conceding a humiliating 0-19 goals defeat against China, 1-13 goals defeat against holders India, 1-2 goals defeat against Thailand and 1-6 goals defeat against Malaysia in the Pool A matches to eliminate from the continental hockey. In the day's 9th to 10th place deciding match, Irin Ria scored four goals for Bangladesh and was adjudged the player of the match. Fatima, Orpita, Sonia and Nadira scored the remaining goal for Bangladesh. Bangladesh Women’s (Under 21) Hockey team qualified for the first-ever Junior Asia Cup Hockey as the runners-up AHF Cup Tournament held in Singapore last June, also a qualifying tournament for 2025 Women’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup. However, Bangladesh Men’s Junior Hockey team qualified for the Junior World Cup Hockey for the first time scheduled to be held in India in December next year as they finished 5th in the just concluded 10-team Men's Junior Asia Cup Hockey also held in Muscat, Oman.

Last season's treble winners Bashundhara Kings returned to winning run in the 10- team Bashundhara Group Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football outplaying Rahmatganj MFS by 4-1 goals in the last 3rd round match at the Bashundhara Kings Arena Saturday evening. Defending champions Bashundhara Kings, which made a flying start crushing Chittagong Abahani Ltd by 7-0 goals in the league opener, suffered a big blow losing to ten-man Dhaka Mohammedan SC by 0-1 goal in the 2nd league match. In the day's 3rd round match, the Kings smartly bounced back in the race beating old Dhaka outfit Rahnatganj MFS comfortably. In the day's match, Brazilian forward Jonathan Fernandes put the Kings ahead in the 10th minute (1-0). Local national coloured striker Nabib Newaj Jibon leveled the margin for Rahmatganj MFS just two minute later (1-1). Another Brazilian Miguel Figueira again put the Kings ahead in the added time of the first half (45+2 minute) from a penalty (2-1). Sohel Rana scored the 3rd goal for the Kings in the 53rd minute (3-1) while defender Topu Barman made it (4-1) in the 76th minute. After the day's 3rd round matches, Dhaka Mohammedan SC took a solo lead in the league with all-win run securing full nine points from straight three matches after beating their arch rivals Dhaka Abahani by 1-0 goal in a keenly contested match at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla Saturday afternoon.   In the day's prestige battle, Mali forward cum team captain Souleymane Diabate scored the match winning goal for Mohammedan SC against foreign booter-less Dhaka Abahani by a good header in the stoppage time of the first half (45+2 minute). With the day's maiden defeat, Dhaka Abahani Ltd went down in the league race to share the 3rd slot with Bashundhara Kings, Bangladesh Police FC and Rahmatganj MFS collecting six points each playing three matches each. The Gopibagh outfit Brothers Union Club followed the league leader Mohammedan neck and neck securing seven points from three matches. In the day's another match, Bangladesh Police FC advanced to the 3rd slot in the league outplaying Dhaka Wanderers Club by 4-0 goals at the Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur Saturday afternoon. Al Amin struck twice in the 36th and 41st minutes to dominate the first half by 2-0 goals. Dipok Roy and Syed Shah Quazem Kirmani scored the remaining two goals for Police FC in the 79th and 84th minutes respectively.

Chattogram, Dhaka Metro, Rangpur and Barishal won their respective matches in the National Cricket League T20 on Saturday in Sylhet. Najmul Hossain Shanto was the star of the day with an 80. He just returned to play competitive cricket after recovering from an injury. Chattogram Dominate Dhaka Division: Chattogram Division cruised to a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over Dhaka Division. Dhaka’s batting collapsed for just 64 runs in 16.4 overs, with Fahad Hossain (4 for 11) dismantling the lineup. Chattogram’s openers, Mahmudul Hasan Joy (44*) and Tamim Iqbal (21*), chased down the target in just 11 overs. Dhaka Metro Edges Past Khulna Division: In a tense finish, Dhaka Metro secured a 6-run win against Khulna Division. Imranuzzaman’s 46 off 28 and Al Islam’s all-round brilliance (3 for 24) proved decisive as Dhaka Metro posted 146 for 9 in 18 overs. Despite a fighting 29 by Azizul Hakim and contributions from the lower order, Khulna fell short at 140 for 8. Al Islam’s exceptional bowling earned him the Player of the Match award. Rangpur Clinch Victory Over Sylhet: Rangpur Division defeated Sylhet Division by 5 wickets with 26 balls to spare. Chasing 121, Naeem Islam anchored Rangpur’s innings with a commanding 50 off 35 balls. Abdullah Al Mamun's quickfire 29 off 12 solidified the chase. Earlier, Sylhet’s Tofael Ahmed (51*) fought well, but Rangpur’s bowlers, led by Arif Ahmed (2 for 17) and Mohammad Enamul (2 for 10), restricted them to 120 for 6. Naeem Islam’s half-century earned him the Player of the Match award. Barisal Triumphs Over Rajshahi in a High-Scorer: Barisal Division overcame Rajshahi Division in a thrilling chase, winning by 5 wickets with 3 balls remaining. Rajshahi’s skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto dazzled with an 80 off 54, leading his team to 184 for 5. Barisal’s response was powered by Abdul Mazid (53 off 39) and Player of the Match Fazle Mahmud (56 off 34), who ensured a successful chase, finishing at 188 for 5 in 19.3 overs. After three rounds of matches, Rangpur Division and Dhaka Metro are leading the table with perfect records, each securing three wins from three games and accumulating six points. Chattogram Division follows in third with two wins, while Dhaka Division, Barisal Division, Rajshahi Division, and Khulna Division share fourth place with one win each and two points. Sylhet Division remains at the bottom, struggling with three consecutive losses and no points.

Dhaka Mohammedan SC took a solo lead in the 10- team Bashundhara Group Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football with all-win record beating their arch rival Dhaka Abahani Limited by 1-0 goal in a keenly contested match at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla on Saturday. After the day's 3rd consecutive victory, traditional black and whites Mohammedan SC  secured full nine points from straight three matches to dominate the league comfortably . In the day's prestige battle, Mali forward cum team captain Souleymane Diabate scored the match winning goal for Mohammedan SC against foreign booter-less Dhaka Abahani by a good header in the stoppage time of the first half (45+2 minute). With the day's maiden defeat, Dhaka Abahani Ltd went down in the race to share the 3rd slot jointly with Bangladesh Police FC and Rahmatganj MFS collecting six points each playing three, three and two matches respectively. The Gopibagh outfit Brothers Union Club followed the league leader neck and neck securing seven points from three matches. In the day's another match, Bangladesh Police FC advanced to the 3rd slot in the league outplaying Dhaka Wanderers Club by 4-0 goal at the Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur Saturday afternoon. Al Amin struck twice in the 36th and 41st minutes to dominate the first half by 2-0 goals. Dipok Roy and Syed Shah Quazem Kirmani scored remaining two goals for Police FC in the 79th and 84th minutes respectively.

New Zealand steadily squandered a good start, slumping from 172-2 to 231-7 before rallying to 315-9 at stumps Saturday on the first day of the third test against England. Mitchell Santner hit the last ball of the day for six to reach his fourth test half century and was 50 not out while Will O’Rourke had yet to score. The New Zealand tail added 76 runs in the last eight overs of the day to bring some balance back into the game after the failure of the middle order. After a 105-run opening partnership between Tom Latham and Will Young, New Zealand enjoyed the rare experience of holding the upper hand over England in a series which so far has been one-sided in favor of the tourists. England holds an unassailable 2-0 lead, winning the first test in four days by eight wickets and the second in three days by 323 runs. In those seven days, New Zealand only occasionally had a dominant session. Shakib Al Hasan suspended from bowling in ECB-run competitions But England won the toss and chose to bowl and by lunch New Zealand was 93-0 At that point it appeared England captain Ben Stokes might have misread or over-estimated the conditions when he decided to send New Zealand in. The pitch at Seddon Park had a slight green hue and warm conditions and puffy clouds seemed to offer the promise the ball would swing. Instead, there was a firm brown surface under a thin cover of grass and the day warmed quickly, burning off the overcast so that the ball neither seamed or swung to any great extent. Latham and Young set a sound platform for the New Zealand innings when they put on 105 for the first wicket, the Kiwis’ best opening partnership in 28 tests. Young was selected in place of Devon Conway whose wife has just given birth to their first child. There already was a clamor for his selection as Conway had made only 21 runs in four innings in the first two tests of this series and Young was Player of the Series and averaged almost 50 when New Zealand swept India 3-0 at home in October and early November. Young played with boldness from the start Saturday and was 42 not out at lunch including 40 runs from boundaries. At 42 he surpassed 1,000 runs in test cricket and became the first New Zealander since Stephen Fleming to achieve that milestone without making a test century. Rachin Ravindra made 18 with four well-hit boundaries and seemed set when he played loosely at a wide ball from Brydon Carse and was caught by Ben Duckett in the gully. There was an anxious pause when the television umpire checked for a no ball but there was no reprieve for Ravindra and this time no bad news for Carse who bowled Williamson with a no-ball in the second test. Australia 28-0 at lunch on a rainy 1st morning of the 3rd cricket test against India Kane Williamson reached 44 with every sign of authority on his home pitch on which he averages 94. Then he clamped down on a ball from Matthew Potts which bounced back onto his stumps and he tried vainly to kick it away. Potts marked his return in place of the rested Chris Woakes with figures of 3-75 and the prized wicket of Williamson. “I didn’t have a great view of it. I was a bit confused but then I saw a bail drop down by his feet and it was pure elation after that,” Potts said. “It was a massive wicket at that point in the innings. It’s less about personal milestones and achievements of getting good players out but, at that key point in time, Kane could have taken the game away from us." In quick succession New Zealand lost Daryl Mitchell (14), Glenn Phillips (5) and second test century-maker Tom Blundell (21), all to unwise shots. Santner and Matt Henry put on 41 for the eighth wicket before Henry (8) was brilliantly caught by Harry Brook off Stokes. Brook first caught the ball standing on the boundary rope at fine leg, threw it up in the air and stepped over the boundary, then caught it again as he stepped back into the field of play. Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim retires from international cricket That brought out Tim Southee in his 107th and last test for New Zealand. Southee will retire at the end of the series aged 36 and as New Zealand’s second-highest test wicket-taker with 389. Southee, who received a guard of honor from the England fielders when he walked out, hit the second ball he faced for the 96th six of his career and the fourth ball for the 97th. England took the second new ball and Southee hit the first ball bowled with it for his 98th six. He also hit a four in his 23 from 10 balls before skying a ball.

Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan has been suspended from bowling in competitions organized by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after independent testing at Loughborough University found his action illegal, further complicating his availability in international cricket.  His elbow extension exceeded the ICC’s permissible 15-degree limit during a County Championship match for Surrey in September. This is the first time Shakib's bowling action has been reported in his long career. The suspension has broader implications for his international career. Under ICC regulations, if a national cricket board imposes a ban following certified testing, the ruling can extend to international cricket and domestic tournaments under other boards. Consequently, Shakib’s eligibility to bowl for Bangladesh or in franchise leagues like the BPL remains uncertain. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) retains the authority to allow him to bowl in domestic competitions.  Shakib must now undergo reassessment to prove the legality of his action. Until then, his role as a bowler remains suspended. This is a big blow for him, given the fact that his batting form has waned in recent months due to health issues, including vision problems. The controversy adds to an already tumultuous year for Shakib. His political career as a Member of Parliament for the now-ousted Awami League government and the violent protests in Bangladesh during July and August have further complicated his public image. He has not played international cricket since withdrawing from a farewell Test in October amid political unrest. Shakib’s future as a bowler is now dependent on his ability to correct his action and clear ICC-mandated tests. Without his bowling, the veteran cricketer’s international and franchise career faces an uncertain road ahead.