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IPL 2022: Halfway Through, Playoffs Qualification Scenarios for Ten Teams
The Indian Premier League's 15th season began on March 26, with 10 franchises competing in this year's edition. A total of 74 matches are to be played in the IPL 2022, with 38 of them already finished. With half of the league stage matches completed, the current position of each team in the point standings is becoming apparent. The Gujarat Titans currently top the points table with 12 points, while the Mumbai Indians, the five-time champions, are in the last position with no wins. Let's have a look at the ten-team IPL 2022 playoffs qualification scenarios.
Scenarios for the IPL 2022 Playoffs
The fifteenth season of the Indian Premier League has reached the halfway mark. The points table scenario is discussed here.
Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans are having a fantastic season in the IPL 2022. They have only lost one of their seven games so far. The Gujarat Titans are expected to win as many points as possible in the next seven matches in order to finish first in the standings and proceed to the playoff round to play qualifier 1.
Read Former South Africa cricket captain Smith cleared of racism
Remaining Fixtures:
Sunrisers Hyderabad (April 27), Royal Challengers Bangalore (April 30), Punjab Kings (May 3), Mumbai Indians (May 6), Lucknow Super Giants (May 10), Chennai Super Kings (May 15), Royal Challengers Bangalore (May 19)
Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, Lucknow Super Giants, and Royal Challengers Bangalore
With 10 points apiece, Hyderabad, Rajasthan, Lucknow, and Bangalore are in second, third, and fourth position, respectively. The net run rates are separating each other in the points standings. They are all in solid positions in the points table and poised to make a push for the top four.
Remaining Fixtures (Sunrisers Hyderabad):
Gujarat Titans (April 27), Chennai Super Kings (May 1), Delhi Capitals (May 5), Royal Challengers Bangalore (May 8), Kolkata Knight Riders (May 14), Mumbai Indians (May 17), Punjab Kings (May 22).
Read BAN vs SL Series 2022: Bangladesh Test Squad Analysis
Remaining Fixtures (Rajasthan Royals):
Royal Challengers Bangalore (April 26), Mumbai Indians (April 30), Kolkata Knight Riders (May 2), Punjab Kings (May 7), Delhi Capitals (May 11), Lucknow Super Giants (May 15), Chennai Super Kings (May 20)
Remaining Fixtures (Lucknow Super Giants):
Punjab Kings (April 29), Delhi Capitals (May 1), Kolkata Knight Riders (May 7), Gujarat Titans (May 10), Rajasthan Royals (May 15), Kolkata Knight Riders (May 18)
Remaining Fixtures (Royal Challengers Bangalore):
Rajasthan Royals (April 26), Gujarat Titans (April 30), Chennai Super Kings (May 4), Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 8), Punjab Kings (May 13), Gujarat Titans (May 19).
Read BAN vs SL Series 2022: Mustafizur's versatile bowling could have been beneficial for Bangladesh
Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Chennai Super Kings
Punjab are in the sixth position with eight points from eight games, followed by Delhi and Kolkata, both with six points. Chennai are in ninth place with four points. Among these clubs, Punjab have a greater chance of making the playoffs than the rest. However, Delhi and Kolkata can advance to the next round if they win their remaining games. On the other hand, Chennai have a very slim chance of making the playoffs.
Remaining Fixtures (Punjab Kings):
Lucknow Super Giants (April 29), Gujarat Titans (May 3), Rajasthan Royals (May 7), Royal Challengers Bangalore (May 13), Delhi Capitals (May 16), Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 22)
Remaining Fixtures (Delhi Capitals):
Kolkata Knight Riders (April 28), Lucknow Super Giants (May 1), Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 5), Chennai Super Kings (May 8), Rajasthan Royals (May 11), Punjab Kings (May 16), Mumbai Indians (May 21).
Read IPL 2022: Jos Buttler's Record-Breaking Knock Helps Rajasthan Reach the Top
Remaining Fixtures (Kolkata Knight Riders):
Delhi Capitals (April 28), Rajasthan Royals (May 2), Lucknow Super Giants (May 7), Mumbai Indians (May 9), Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 14), Lucknow Super Giants (May 18)
Mumbai Indians
The most successful team in IPL history, Mumbai Indians are yet to win a game this season. They presently have 0 points and are at the bottom of the standings. In reality, the Rohit Sharma-led team has no chance of progressing to the next round.
Aftermath
The top four teams in the points table will advance to the playoffs. As a result, teams compete against one another to finish in the top four positions in the standings. As of now, the Gujarat Titans are in a prime position to qualify for the playoffs as the first team. Apart from that, the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, Lucknow Super Giants, and Royal Challengers Bangalore are all in fine shape in their quest for a playoffs berth. Mumbai Indians, who have failed to gain a point after eight IPL 2022 group matches, are virtually out of playoffs contention among the bottom teams.
Read Sheikh Jamal, Legends of Rupganj in Pole Position to Win DPL 2022
Liverpool vs Villarreal 2022: Champions League Semi-Final Preview, Team News, Prediction
Liverpool will host Villarreal in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on Thursday (April 28) at 1 a.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time). Liverpool are one of the best clubs in Europe, and they are currently on fire. On the other hand, Villarreal astonished everyone by defeating two heavyweights, Juventus and Bayern Munich in the Round of 16 and Quarter-Final stages respectively. Villarreal knocking Liverpool out of the semi-finals would be one of the biggest upsets of the season. The match preview, team news, and prediction for Liverpool vs Villarreal 2022 are discussed in this article.
Liverpool vs Villarreal 2022: Team Lineups
Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino is in doubt for this fixture as he has been struggling with a foot injury, which kept him out of the Merseyside derby on Sunday (April 24). Apart from that, the rest of the Liverpool players from the squad would be available for selection.
Predicted Starting XI (Liverpool)
Alisson Ramses Becker (GK); Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB), Ibrahima Konate (CB), Virgil van Dijk (CB), Andrew Robertson (LB); Jordan Henderson (MF), Fabinho (MF), Thiago Alcantara (MF); Mohamed Salah (FW), Sadio Mane (FW), Luis Diaz (FW).
Read Manchester City vs Real Madrid 2022: Champions League Semi-Final Match Preview
Former Liverpool full-back Alberto Moreno and star forward Gerard Moreno are both in doubt for this match due to injury issues. Therefore, one of the major dilemmas in this fixture for Villarreal would be to pick an ideal partner for Arnaut Danjuma.
Predicted Starting XI (Villarreal):
Geronimo Rulli (GK); Juan Foyth (RB), Raul Albiol (CB), Pau Torres (CB), Pervis Estupinan (LB); Dani Parejo (MF), Francis Coquelin (MF), Etienne Capoue (MF); Giovani Lo Celso (FW), Samuel Chukwueze (FW), Arnaut Danjuma (FW)
Villarreal vs Liverpool: Head-to-Head Record
Villarreal and Liverpool have never met in the UEFA Champions League; therefore, Thursday's match will be their first. However, both teams have previously played each other in the 2016 Europa League semi-finals. Liverpool reached the final by defeating Villarreal 3-1 on aggregate in the semi-final, but they were defeated by Sevilla in the championship match. In all, Villarreal and Liverpool have met twice in official matches, with both teams winning once.
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So far, Liverpool have scored three goals against Villarreal, while Villarreal have only scored once. Villarreal's highest goal scorer in the UCL is Arnaut Danjuma, who has six goals, whereas Liverpool's top scorer is Mohamed Salah, who has 34.
Liverpool vs Villarreal First Leg of Semi-Final 2022: Match Prediction
Liverpool have won their previous three matches. More importantly, all those three matches were against their bitter rivals. They beat Manchester City 3-2 in the FA Cup semi-final, followed by a 4-0 win over Manchester United and a 2-0 win over Everton in the Premier League. So, the Red Devils squad has a positive vibe at the moment.
On the other hand, after drawing a UCL match against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, Villarreal overcame Getafe 2-1 and Valencia by 2-0. So, the confidence level of the Villarreal team is also very high at the moment.
Read English Premier League 2021-22: Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United Race for Top Four
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp's ideal formation is 4-3-3. However, he prefers heavy metal football, which means high pressure, high defensive line, and fluid forward. He demands counter-pressing or gegenpressing from his players. It basically encourages players to recover the ball immediately after losing it. So, it is expected that Kloop will deploy the same tactics against Villarreal in the first leg of their semi-final match.
Villarreal head coach Unai Emery loves to build-up play and encourages his full-backs to support the attacking players. Emery usually deploys a traditional 4-4-2 system, and he was successful against both Bayern Munich and Juventus in the previous phases. However, he can also switch his system to 4-4-1-1, 4-2-3-1, or 4-3-3. It will be interesting to see what tactics Emery will deploy against Liverpool at Anfield. But one thing is certain: he will make every effort to limit the number of goals conceded.
Read Juventus to Face Inter Milan in the Coppa Italia Final 2022
Match Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Villarreal
Verdict
The hosts will start as favourites in the first leg of the Liverpool vs Villarreal 2022 semi-final encounter. However, the Yellow Submarine still have a chance if they play to their full potential in both legs. To take Villarreal to the final for the first time, Unai Emery will need to craft a better plan to counter Liverpool's, Jurgen Klopp. Despite being favourites, Liverpool will be put to the test as Villarreal attempt for the third time in a row to shock football fans.
Read Argentina vs Brazil 2022: MCG to host a SuperClasico match in June
BPL Football: Dhaka Abahani regains 2nd slot beating Muktijoddha SKC 4-3
Coming from 0-2 behind, six-time champions Dhaka Abahani Limited regained the 2nd slot in their opening 2nd phase match of the 12-team Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football '2021-22 beating Muktijoddha Sangsad KC by 4-3 goals at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj Monday afternoon.
The popular sky-blue Dhanmondi outfit Abahani were trailing by 0-2 goals in the first half against the lowly ranked freedom fighters team Muktis in nerve shattering match.
Japanese forward T Misawa put the freedom fighters team Muktijoddha ahead in the 35th minute from a penalty (1-0) while Japanese midfielder Soma Otani doubled the Muktijoddha margin in the 50th minute (2-0).
Russian World Cup playing Costa Rica booter Daniel Colindres made the match exciting one scoring first goal for Abahani in the 64th minute (1-2).
Rakib Hossain scored two quick successive goals in the 66th and 69th minutes to put Abahani ahead from behind (3-2).
Brazilian medio Raphael Augusto further sounded the Abahani margin in the 75th minute scoring the 4th goal (4-2).
T. Misawa reduced the Muktijoddha margin again in the stoppage time of the match scoring his 2nd goal from his 2nd penalty (4-3).
After the day's 12th round matches, Dhaka Abahani were in the 2nd slot securing 26 points, four points behind the league leader Bashundhara Kings, who bagged 29 points.
In the day's another match, Saif Sporting Club beat Bangladesh Police FC by 6-1 goals at Muktijoddha Smriti Stadium in Rajshahi.
READ: BPL Football: Holders Bashundhara Kings make good start in 2nd phase beating Swadhinata KS 2-0
Uzbek defender Asror Gafurov struck twice in the 39th and 69th minutes, two Nigerian forwards Mfon Udoh and Emeka Ogbugh, Faisal Ahmed Fahim and Sajjad Hossain scored one goal each for Saif SC in the 25th, 31st, 78th and 82nd minutes respectively.
DM Djawa netted the consolation goal for Police FC in the stoppage time of the first half (45+2) minute.
In the day's other match, Dhaka Mohammedan SC played to a 1-1 draw with Sheikh Russel KC at the Bashundhara Sports Complex here.
Jewel put Sheikh Russel KC ahead in the 22nd minute while Jafar leveled the margin for the black and whites Mohammedan in the 88th minute.
Sujon of Mohammedan got marching order after receiving two yellow cards in the match.
The day's another match between Chittagong Abahani and Rahmatganj MFS ended in a goalless draw at the Sylhet District Stadium.
Former South Africa cricket captain Smith cleared of racism
Former South Africa cricket captain Graeme Smith was cleared of racism allegations on Monday by an independent investigation that looked into claims that he used his influence to ensure a Black player wasn't selected while leading the team a decade ago.
Smith had also been accused of being “racially biased” against Black colleagues in his role as South Africa's director of cricket after he retired from playing. And a third allegation was made against him that he was guilty of “unfair racial discrimination” when, in his role as director of cricket, he appointed former teammate Mark Boucher, who is white, as head coach of South Africa in 2019 ahead of another coach, Enoch Nkwe, who is Black.
The accusations were made late last year in a report that emanated from a series of hearings designed to look into the culture of South African cricket as far back as the 1990s to establish if there was racism. That initial report made “tentative findings” against Smith but recommended a full investigation.
Smith was cleared of all three accusations in a decision released Monday. Two independent lawyers ruled on the allegations and found no evidence of racism against Smith. With regard to the accusations against Smith while he was captain of the team, the investigation found that he had opposed the selection of Black player Thami Tsolekile for South Africa from 2012-14 but it was not proved “he did so by reason of Mr. Tsolekile’s race.”
Also read: Sabbir denies allegation of racism against him by Elias
The South African cricket federation had pursued the allegations and was ordered to pay Smith's legal costs.
Smith's contract as director of cricket expired at the end of last month and Cricket South Africa board chairman Lawson Naidoo said he would be leaving the role for “new challenges.”
Naidoo also said that “CSA appreciates it has been difficult for Mr. Smith to endure the unwarranted public disclosures of his personal information." Details of Smith's salary became public during the course of the investigation.
Boucher, who is still South Africa coach, also faces allegations of racism in a disciplinary hearing that is scheduled for next month and could cost him his job. One of the allegations against the former South Africa wicketkeeper revolves around him singing a song in the changing room while he was a player in the 1990s that referenced the race of a Black teammate.
Also read: Racism in Cricket: Five Racist Incidents in the Gentleman’s Game
Smith and Boucher were stalwarts of the South Africa team during their playing days. Smith played 117 tests from 2002-14 and is the Proteas' longest-serving test captain. Boucher played 147 tests from 1997-2012, when his career was ended by a serious eye injury he suffered in a game.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid 2022: Champions League Semi-Final Match Preview
The first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final match between Manchester City and Real Madrid will take place at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, April 27 at 1 a.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time). This matchup promises to be intriguing, as Real Madrid is one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Champions League this season, while Manchester City's team is one of the heavy favourites to win the elite club football championship in Europe. Take a look at the team news and preview for the Manchester City vs Real Madrid 2022 match.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid 2022: Team Lineups
Manchester City's regular fullback this season, Joao Cancelo will miss the first leg due to suspension. Right-back Kyle Walker and center-back John Stones are both questionable for this match due to injury. Apart from that, the rest of the players should be ready for selection in the match against Real Madrid.
Predicted Starting XI (Manchester City)
Ederson Moraes (GK), Oleksandr Zinchenko (RB), Ruben Dias (CB), Aymeric Laporte (CB), Nathan Ake (LB), Bernardo Silva (CM), Rodri (CM), Kevin De Bruyne (CM), Riyad Mahrez (RW), Phil Foden (CF), Raheem Sterling (LW)
Read: BPL Football: Holders Bashundhara Kings make good start in 2nd phase beating Swadhinata KS 2-0
Real Madrid have no suspension issues, but they do have some serious injury concerns. David Alaba, Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Mariano Diaz, Casemiro, and Ferland Mendy are among the players who have sustained injuries. It remains to be seen how many of them will be fit to participate in the Manchester City encounter.
Predicted Starting XI (Real Madrid):
Thibaut Courtois (GK), Dani Carvajal (RB), Eder Militao (CB), Nacho (CB), Marcelo (LB), Toni Kroos (CM), Eduardo Camavinga (CM), Luka Modric (CM), Rodrygo (RW), Vinicius Junior (LW), Karim Benzema (FW) .
Read PSG Secure 10th Ligue 1 Trophy Courtesy of Lionel Messi's Amazing Strike
Real Madrid vs Manchester City: Head-to-Head
In the UEFA Champions League, Manchester City and Real Madrid have played six times. Both teams have beaten each other twice, with two matches ending in draws. Interestingly, both teams have scored seven times against each other. In their most recent meeting, Manchester City defeated Real Madrid 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium in the second leg of the Round of 16 in the 2019-2020 Champions League. With 39 goals in the Champions League, Sergio Aguero of Argentina leads Manchester City, while Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal leads Real Madrid with 105 goals.
Man City vs Real Madrid Semi-Final 2022: First Leg Match Prediction
Both Manchester City and Real Madrid have won their previous two matches and will be in high spirits when they meet on April 27 at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City trounced Watford 5-1 at home in the Premier League on Saturday (April 23), with Brazilian Gabriel Jesus scoring four goals. On the other hand, Real Madrid defeated Osasuna 3-1 away from home on Thursday (April 21).
Manchester City like to play in a 4-3-3 system, but Pep Guardiola's team always has a backup plan in case things go wrong. They will be well prepared for the match against Real Madrid, as the Los Blancos have proven in the past with some stunning late comebacks. Man City will anticipate having more possession than Madrid. The Citizens will be able to create more opportunities if they execute their plan properly.
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Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti also likes to use the 4-3-3 formation. However, they may alter their strategy if necessary. Two methods appear to have worked successfully against Manchester City this season. One strategy may be to press Man City's defense high up the pitch, while another could be to defend deep in the backline. However, Real Madrid must be confident in its ability to execute the strategy against Manchester City.
Match Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Real Madrid
Verdict
Manchester City and Real Madrid are two of Europe's top football clubs right now. Therefore, the Manchester City vs Real Madrid 2022 Champions League match is expected to be a high-voltage affair on Wednesday at midnight. Both sides will aim to outwit each other in tactical combat. However, Manchester City may start as favourites to beat Real Madrid owing to the strength of their squad.
Read English Premier League 2021-22: Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United Race for Top Four.
BAN vs SL Series 2022: Bangladesh Test Squad Analysis
The national men's cricket team of Sri Lanka is set to arrive in Bangladesh in the second week of May for a two-match Test series against the hosts. The series will begin in Chattogram on May 15 and will be part of the ICC Test Championship's second edition. The Bangladesh Cricket Board named a 16-man team for the longer-version contest on Sunday. The squad includes all of the expected names, ensuring that a full-strength team will challenge the Sri Lankan Test side. Check out Bangladesh's squad for the BAN vs SL series 2022.
Bangladesh’s Test Squad for BAN vs SL Series 2022
The BCB named a 16-man squad on April 24 for the Test series against Sri Lanka. Shadman Islam and Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi were not selected for the upcoming series because of their recent performances on the international stage.
In-form Taskin Ahmed was not selected due to an injury. Oppositely, Shoriful Islam was picked, although his participation in the series will be contingent on his fitness. Furthermore, left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman was not considered for this longer-version contest.
Read: BAN vs SL Series 2022: Mustafizur's versatile bowling could have been beneficial for Bangladesh
The ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who missed the South Africa series due to family obligations, has returned to the Test team. Promising cricketer Rejaur Rahman Raja has also been included in the squad as the fifth pacer.
All of the anticipated names were selected for the Sri Lanka series, which will be led by Mominul Haque. Tamim Iqbal is poised to open Bangladesh's innings alongside promising youngster Mahmudul Hasan Joy. Bangladesh will have a good chance of winning the Test series because the Sri Lankan team is likely to be inexperienced.
Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Test Series 2022 Fixtures
First Test: May 15-19 May | Venue: ZACS, Chattogram
Second Test: 23-27 May | Venue: SBNCS, Dhaka
Read IPL 2022: Jos Buttler's Record-Breaking Knock Helps Rajasthan Reach the Top
Bangladesh Squad:
Mominul Haque (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nurul Hasan, Yasir Ali, Mahedi Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shohidul Islam, Shoriful Islam.
The Major Highlights of the Declared Squad
Shadman Islam and Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi dropped
The selectors decided to leave both Shadman Islam and Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi out of the series against Sri Lanka since they have struggled in the recent international Test series for Bangladesh. Shadman Islam has scored 284 runs in his past 14 innings, including a century and a half-century, according to statistics dating back to January 2021. On the other hand, Abu Jayed Rahi has only taken 6 wickets in his last six innings since 2021.
Read: Bangladesh announces squad for Sri Lanka series
Shakib Al Hasan is back in the squad
Due to family obligations, Shakib Al Hasan was unable to participate in the Test series against South Africa. Shakib's mother was ill, and his mother-in-law died of cancer in April. Shakib's inclusion in the Bangladesh squad will undoubtedly benefit the team.
Mustafizur Rahman overlooked
Bangladesh's most talented pacer, Mustafizur Rahman last played a Test match in early 2021 against the West Indies, and he hasn't played any of Bangladesh's past ten Test matches. Mustafizur Rahman isn't interested in playing the longer-version format, preferring instead to concentrate on the shorter formats. However, Mustafizur's bowling could have been quite effective against Sri Lanka in Bangladesh's conditions. Mustafizur should have been selected for the series by the selectors.
Read Mosharraf Hossain Rubel: The late cricketer's major achievements as a player
Uncapped Rejaur Rahman Raja included
Pacer Rejaur Rahman Raja was named for the Pakistan series in December but did not play a single international match. The right-arm medium-fast bowler has 36 first-class wickets at an average of 24.61 in 11 matches. Rejaur Rahman's bowling abilities might surprise everyone if he is given a chance to play against Sri Lanka.
Bottom Line
Bangladesh team is expected to start the series against Sri Lanka as favourites, thanks to a full-strength Test lineup. Bangladesh will be able to overcome a relatively weak Sri Lankan Test side if they play to their full potential. Furthermore, this Sri Lankan squad recently suffered a humiliating defeat in a Test series against the Indian team.
As a result, their confidence level would be a little lower when they encounter the hosts. Aside from that, there's a lot to play for, since this will be Bangladesh's fourth bilateral Test Championship contest. Bangladesh's standing in the ICC World Test Championship would improve significantly if they whitewash Sri Lanka.
Read Sheikh Jamal, Legends of Rupganj in Pole Position to Win DPL 2022
Tamim, Bijoy help Prime Bank secure top place
Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim Iqbal hit 90 and his opening partner Anamul Haque Bijoy scored 52 to guide the Prime Bank Cricket Club to the top place of the Super League of Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League on Sunday.
Riding on their performance, Prime Bank beat Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club by eight wickets.
With this win, Prime Bank now have four points from three matches in this phase of the Dhaka League. Sheikh Jamal and Legends of Rupganj also have the same amount of points, but Prime Bank are ahead of them for their better run rate.
Also read: DPL Super League: Sheikh Jamal secure top spot, Abahani suffer 2nd defeat
Sheikh Jamal batted first on Sunday and scored 232 for eight in 50 overs. Nurul Hasan Sohan, the captain of Sheikh Jamal posted 71 for them while Mehidy Hassan Miraz scored 47.
For Prime Bank, Taijul Islam scalped three wickets while Rakibul Hasan picked up two wickets.
In reply, riding on the batting performance of Tamim and Bijoy, Prime Bank chased down the target in 40.2 overs with eight wickets in hand. Along with Tamim and Bijoy, Shahadat Dipu also hit a fifty. He ended up on 52.
In the same round, Ababahi Limited beat Legends of Rupganj by 81 runs. Abahani batted first and posted 279. Najmul Hossain Shanto hit 86 for them while Afif Hossain scored 62. For Legends of Rupganj, Shakib Al Hasan bagged three wickets.
In reply, Rupganj tumbled for 198. Mosaddek Hossain scalped four wickets for Abahani. Chirag Jani was the highest scorer for Legends of Rupganj with 48, but that was not enough for them to avoid a defeat.
Also read: Bangladesh announces squad for Sri Lanka series
In the other match, Fazle Mahmud Rabbi hit a ton for the Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club and helped his team to score a huge total of 314 for four. In reply, the Gazi Group tumbled for 230 and suffered a big defeat by 84 runs.
BPL Football: Holders Bashundhara Kings make good start in 2nd phase beating Swadhinata KS 2-0
Defending champions Bashundhara Kings made a good start in the 2nd phase of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football ‘2022 beating newcomers Swadhinata KS by 2-0 goals in one of the two opening day’s match at the Muktijoddha Smriti Stadium in Rajshahi Sunday afternoon. . With the day’s feat, last two times champions and star studded Bashundhara Kings not only took revenge of their 1-2 goals defeat against bottom-ranked Swadhinata KS in the league opener in last February, but also brightened their position to clinch the league crown for the 3rd time in a row.
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Bashundhara Kings, which dominated the league comfortably after the eleven-match first phase, today (Sunday) further consolidated their position in the league table securing 29 points from 12 matches. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club followed them distantly with 24 points from 12 encounters while six time champions Dhaka Abahani Limited were in the 3rd slot collecting 22 points from eleven matches, playing one match less than the Kings and Sheikh Jamal DC. In the day’s match, newly recruited Brazilian midfielder Miguel Ferreira came to the lime light in his very first match scoring both the goals for the Kings in the 28th and 37th minutes respectively.. In the day’s other match, Sheikh Jamal DC advanced to the 2nd slot in the league table toppling Dhaka Abahani beating Uttar Baridhara Club also by 2-0 goals at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj Sunday afternoon. Nigerian forward Chijioke Alaekwe put Sheikh Jamal ahead in the very 2nd minute (1-0) while another Nigerian striker Musa Najere doubled the winners margin in the 21st minute (2-0).
Also read:BPL Football: Kings to play Swadhinata KS in 2nd phase opener Sunday Four matches will be held on Monday in Dhaka and other regional venues. Six times champions Dhaka Abahani Limited will meet Muktijoddha Sangsad KC in Gopalganj while Saif SC will face Bangladesh Police FC in Rajshahi, both will kick-off at 3:30 pm.
In Monday’s other matches, Chittagong Abahani will play Rahmatganj MFS at Sylhet District Stadium while Dhaka Mohammedan SC will encounter Sheikh Russel KC at Bashundhara Sports Complex in Dhaka, both will kick-off at 3:30 pm.
Int’l Rating Chess: IM Minhazuddin, CM Sharif Hossain share top spot after 6 rounds
International Master Mohammad Minhaz Uddin and Candidate Master M. Sharif Hossain of Bangladesh Navy are jointly leading the Marcel Invitational International Rating Chess Tournament securing 5 points each after the 6th round matches held at the Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room here on Sunday. Seven players are sharing the 2nd position collecting 4.5 points each.
Also read:Int'l Rating Chess: CM Manon Reja Neer takes solo lead
They are: Candidate Master Manon Reja Neer of Uttara Central Chess Club, FIDE Master Khandaker Aminul & Sheikh Nasir Ahmed of Bangladesh Navy, Anata Choudhury of Rupali Bank Krira Parisad, Shafiq Ahmed of Sheikh Russel Chess Club, Candidate Master Mohammad Jamal Uddin of Sultana Kamal Smirity Pathagar and Md. Sariatullah of Sonali Bank Sports and Recreation Club. Four players are sharing the 3rd position securing 4 points each. They are: FIDE Master Syed Mahfuzur Rahman of Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society, M. Abu Hanif of Access Club, Feroz Ahmed of Sonali Bank Sports and Recreation Club and Din Mohammad. The day’s 6th round matches, IM Minhaz beat CM Neer, CM Sharif beat FM Mahfuz, FM Sheikh Nasir drew with Shafiq, FM Aminul beat Md. Nasim Hossain Bhuiyan, CM Jamal beat Jabed Al Azad, Sariatullah beat FM Mohammad Javed, Anata beat Masum Hossain, Md. Abzid Rahman drew with Abdul Momin, Hanif beat Nurul Islam Emon, Kazi Zarin Tasnim beat Showkat Hossain Pollab, Feroz beat Avik Sarker and Din Mohammad beat Md. Ariful Amin.
Also read: Int'l Rating Chess: GM Enamul Hossain Razib emerges unbeaten champion The 7th round matches will be held on Monday from 2:pm at the same venue.
BAN vs SL Series 2022: Mustafizur's versatile bowling could have been beneficial for Bangladesh
The BCB recently gave the left-arm bowler the go-ahead to play in the IPL instead of the Test series against South Africa. Bangladesh's selectors are not keen on Mustafizur's involvement in the Test format since the country has plenty of pace bowling alternatives and they didn’t pick him for the Sri Lanka series as well. However, Mustafizur could have led Bangladesh's pace attack in the BAN vs SL Series 2022 given the current batch of Bangladesh pacers' experience.
Mustafizur Rahman’s Test Profile
Mustafizur Rahman's recent performance in Test cricket is one of the key reasons why the Bangladeshi team management has been hesitant to pick him. The left-hand pacer hasn't been as outstanding as he was early in his career in the longer version format. Mustafizur made his Test debut in Chattogram against South Africa in 2015. He took four wickets in his first encounter and was named player of the match for his outstanding bowling performance. However, the left-hand pacer hasn't progressed much as a longer-version bowler.
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Mustafizur's bowling average was 14.50 in 2015, which was a remarkable figure for a rookie bowler. Mustafizur had a respectable bowling average in 2017 and 2018. In 2017, he got a 36.38 bowling average, while in 2018, he had a 38.71 average. However, his Test performance has slipped in recent years, and he has only played in one Test match in each of the years 2019 and 2021. Mustafizur has yet to pick up a fifer for Bangladesh in Test format.
Many argue that Mustafizur's lack of enthusiasm for the Test format has harmed his gameplay. He is now more interested in playing limited-overs cricket and the Indian Premier League since the shorter-version format provides players with more money than the longer-version format. That is why Mustafizur Rahman prefers to play for Bangladesh in ODIs and T20Is but not in Tests. Mustafizur Rahman last played a Test match in February 2021 against the West Indies. Bangladesh have played ten Test matches since then, but Mustafizur hasn't participated in any of them.
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Mustafizur Rahman’s Test Stats
Match
Wickets
BBI
BBM
Average
Econ
4W
14
30
4/37
5/66
36.73
3.28
2
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
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Why do Bangladesh need Mustafizur Rahman in the Test Series against Sri Lanka?
Two of Bangladesh's most skilled bowlers, Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam will be unavailable for the Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins in mid-May. Though Shoriful’s participation in the series is subject to his fitness.
Therefore, Bangladesh selectors picked Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, and Shohidul Islam for the upcoming BAN vs SL Series 2022. However, none of the bowlers are well-known wicket-takers, and the hosts needed a fast bowler who can frighten the Lankan batting line-up on Bangladesh's slow surfaces.
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Mustafizur Rahman could have been a good pace-bowling option on this kind of surface in this circumstance. He has a bowling average of 31.50 in Bangladesh, and, more importantly, his bowling style is ideal for these conditions. Sri Lankan batters could have been in real danger against Mustafizur's cutter and slower deliveries.
Bottom Line
Mustafizur Rahman is an outstanding medium-pacer in the limited-overs format. He understands how to succeed on slow surfaces in Bangladesh. Mustafizur's bowing could have been crucial for Bangladesh against a less-experienced Sri Lankan Test side in the upcoming BAN vs SL Series 2022, despite his Test records not being as outstanding as his ODI or T20 stats.
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