sports
45th National Athletics: Imranur, Sumaiya emerge as fastest man, woman
Imranur Rahman of Bangladesh Army emerged as the new fasted man of Bangladesh by clinching men’s 100-meter sprint title with new national record in the Sheikh Kamal 45th National Athletics Championship’ 2021 that began on Monday at Bangladesh Army Stadium in Banani here.
Bangladesh Athletics Federation has organized the national meet marking the Birth Centenary of Bangabandhu and the Silver Jubilee of the country’s Independence,
State Minister for Social Welfare Ministry M Ashraf Ali Khan Khasru inaugurated the three-day meet Monday afternoon.
READ: 3-day Bangabandhu 44th National Athletics commences
Imranur, a 28-year-old dual citizen of the UK and Bangladesh, clinched the men’s 100-meter gold with a time of 10.50 seconds breaking late Mahbub Alam’s 22-year old event record of 10.54 seconds set in 1999.
Sumaiya Dewan of BKSP emerged as the new fastest woman of the country by clinching women’s 100-meter sprint title clocking 12;30 seconds.
They dethroned Mohammad Ismail and Shirin Akhter, both of whom finished second to bag silver in their respective event this time.
READ: Bangabandhu 44th National Athletics begins Friday
Fed Cup Football: Rahmatganj reach semis eliminating Sheikh Russel 4-3
Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society reached the semifinals of the Bashundhara Group Federation Cup Football Tournament ’21 eliminating Sheikh Russel KC by 4-3 goals in the 3rd quarter-finals at the Bir Shreshta Shaheed Shipahi Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur on Monday.
They will play Dhaka Mohammedan SC in the first semifinal on January 6 at the same venue while Saif Sporting Club will play in the other semifinal, also on January 6, against the winners of Sheikh Jamal DC and Dhaka Abahani Limited.
The day’s match between Sheikh Russel KC and Rahmatganj MFS was locked in 3-3 goals in the stipulated period.
Also read: Fed Cup Football: Saif, Mohammedan reach semifinals
Later, the fate of the match was decided in extra time as local striker Ashraful Islam guided Rahmatganj to the semifinal scoring match winner in the 119th minute to the frustration of formidable Russel KC.
In the day’s match, Ghanaian forward Philip Tettey struck twice in the 28th minute and first half injury time, and Nigerian striker Sunday Chizoba and local forward Ashraful Islam netted one goal each for the old Dhaka outfit Rahmatganj MFS in the 89th and 119th minute respectively.
On other hand, Brazilian medio Thiago Amaral, Kyrgyz defender Aizar Akmatov and Brazilian forward Ailton Rosa scored one each for the Sheikh Russel KC in the 63rd, 82nd and 84th minutes respectively.
Also read: Fed Cup Football: Mohammedan reach semifinal eliminating Ctg Abahani
Bangamata Football: Nilphamari emerge group champions beating Rangpur
Nilphamari District emerged Group F champions in the Bangamata National Women’s Football Championship defeating Rangpur District by 2-0 goals in the final at the Bir Muktijoddha Shirajul Islam Stadium in Panchagarh on Monday.
After a barren first half, Sabita scored first for Nilphamari in the 49th minute (1-0) while Mitu confirmed the winners’ victory scoring one more goal in the 59th minute (2-0).
In Group A, Rangmati District moved into the final beating Khagrachhari District by 2-1 goals at the Bhasha Shaheed Abdus Salam Stadium in Feni on Monday.
Also read: Fed Cup Football: Saif, Mohammedan reach semifinals
After a goalless first half, Crowching put Khagrachhari team ahead in the 56th minute (1-0) while Julekha leveled the margin for Rangamati District in the 66th minute (1-1) .
Malini scored the match-winner for Rangmati in the 77th minute (2-1) .
In the day’s other Group A match, Cox’s Bazar District reachedthe semifinal eliminating Lakshipur District by 6-0 goals at the same venue.
Also read: Fed Cup Football: Mohammedan reach semifinal eliminating Ctg Abahani
Maria made a hattrick scoring three goals in the 36th, 40th nd 51st minutes, Sumaiya struck two in the 56th and 82nd minutes while Salma scored the remaining goal for Cox’s Bazar in the 13th minute.
BCL Final: Farhad flourishes with ball after Zakir, Mithun smash ton
Farhad Reza grabbed four wickets inside just 14 runs in the final of the Bangladesh Cricket League between BCB South Zone and Walton Central Zone on Monday, probing once again his credentials as one of best all-rounders in domestic play.
Before his late outburst with the ball on day two, Zakir Hasan of BCB South Zone scored the fourth First-calls ton in his last five innings in the format.
He ended up on unbeaten 107, and riding on his century and fifties from Anamul Haque, Pinak Ghosh and Farhad Reza, South Zone amassed a challenging 387 in the first innings of the match at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Also read: Unfazed by names, I played deliveries, Mahmudul says after his maiden fifty vs NZ
Losing their last five wickets, South Zone added up 126 runs to their overnight total of 261. At the end of day one, Zakir and Farhad were unbeaten for 44 and 46 respectively.
While Zakir added 63 more to his innings, Farhad ended on 71 adding 25 more runs. In the sixth wicket stand, Zakir and Farhad added 119 runs to the board.
For Central Zone, left-arm spinner Hasan Murad scalped five wickets— his fifth five-wicket haul in the format. Shuvagata Hom and Abu Hider Rony bagged three and two wickets respectively.
Also read: Bangladesh hold firm after imperious batting display
While replying to South Zone’s first innings, Central Zone’s top order fell prey to Farhad. He bagged four wickets before Central Zone posted 20 runs on the board. But in the unbeaten fifth wicket, Mohammad Mithun and Shuvagata amassed 168 runs and helped the team score 184 for four at the end of day two. Central Zone are trailing by 203 runs.
Mithun remained unbeaten for 102, and Shuvagata for 67. It was the second century of Mithun in this year’s BCL. On both occasions, Mithun batted as an opener— his newest role in professional cricket.
Unfazed by names, I played deliveries, Mahmudul says after his maiden fifty vs NZ
Bangladesh’s 21-year-old top-order batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy, after his maiden Test fifty against New Zealand, said that he focused on the deliveries instead of worrying about the bowlers.
At the end of day three, Bangladesh are leading by 73 runs with four wickets in hand. In reply to New Zealand’s first innings total of 328, Bangladesh scored 401 for six at stumps.
It was only the second Test of Mahmudul (first in New Zealand) where he smashed 78 off 228 balls. Along the way he became the first Bangladeshi opener to face 200 or more deliveries in New Zealand.
Also read: Bangladesh hold firm after imperious batting display
Before this match, Mahmudul got his Test cap against Pakistan when he got a torrid initiation to Tests-- a duck and six in his first two innings.
“They have the best pace-bowling unit in the world,” he said about the pace-bowling attack of the reigning Test champions. “I just wanted to play my regular game. I did not think much over that. My focus was to play the delivers not the names of their bowlers.”
Along with Mahmudul, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque and Liton Das have also hit a fifty. Mominul and Liton had passed the 80-run mark too but fell short of a few runs from their first Test century in New Zealand.
“My plan was to face as many balls as possible, and the runs will come along the way. All of my partners in the middle have said this. It was the reason behind my calmness on the wicket. I must admit that the preparation ahead of the series has helped me a lot,” he added.
Mahmudul and Shadman Islam put up a 43-run opening stand— highest in recent times. In the absence of the veteran batter Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh’s top-order has been struggling for a long time.
Also read: Bangladesh takes lead after Mominul, Liton heroics
“Shadman and I wanted to make the ball old,” Mahmudul said while talking about playing the new ball. “If I would have thought more, there was a big chance of losing the wicket. So we kept thinking ball by ball, and it eventually resulted in a good way.”
NZ-BAN First Test draw can give Bangladesh the pleasure of victory
Bangladesh have played a total of 15 Test matches against New Zealand, losing 12 and drawing three. However, all the Test matches in which Bangladesh drew were disrupted due to inclement weather conditions. So, if Bangladesh draw the ongoing Test match, it will be a tremendous success for them. Bangladesh have been in good form since the start of this Test match. They may expect fantastic outcomes in this test if this consistency can be maintained for the following two days of the match. Let's take a quick look at Bangladesh's performance on the third day of the contest.
Match Scenario of New Zealand-Bangladesh First Test
Bangladesh finished day two with a score of 175/2, and it was uncertain if they would be able to maintain their momentum on day three. However, the batters remained steadfast on day three and continued to play in the same manner as they had on day two. Bangladesh scored 401 runs for the loss of six wickets on day three. They now have a 73-run lead against New Zealand in the first innings.
Read BPL 2022: Five Promising Young Players to Watch
Bangladesh are now hoping to expand their lead to over 150 runs in order to put pressure on New Zealand in their second innings. Will they be able to construct a healthy gap against New Zealand on day four? Given Bangladesh's performance thus far in the tournament and the nature of the pitch, it is highly likely that Bangladesh will take a lead of close to 200 runs.
Day 3 Highlights of the 2022 BAN vs NZ First Test
Bangladesh's opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy (78), Mominul Haque (88), and Liton Das (86) all returned to the pavilion on day three following good innings in the middle.
The first victim of the day was Mahmudul Hasan, who was picked by Neil Wagner with a short delivery. He was shaky from the start of the morning and he eventually fell apart in the face of Wagner's short ball. Following that, Skipper Mominul Haque and Liton Das formed a strong partnership and pushed the total to 361.
Read ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2022: SWOT Analysis of Bangladesh Team
Trent Boult took Mominul's wicket through Ibw shortly after the Tea break. However, the left-hander may have been out at 8 if Kylie Jamieson had scooped up Mominul's return catch. It was one of the pivotal moments of the day since Mahmudul Hasan had just been dismissed a few overs before, and losing another wicket would have been a significant blow to Bangladesh's chances. In addition, Mominul also got another life in his innings.
On the other hand, Liton Das played a brilliant innings at Mount Maunganui on a flat track. He seemed at ease in the middle and didn't allow the opposition bowlers a chance. However, Liton was bowled by Trent Boult for a poor shot outside off-stump.
Yasir Ali (11*) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (20*) stayed unbeaten at the crease in the end. They will have to play sensibly in the opening session on day 4 In order to get a big first-innings total. Trent Boult and Neil Wagner have each taken three wickets for New Zealand thus far.
Read ICC U19 World Cup 2022 Fixtures: Bangladesh to Face England in Group Phase
Bangladesh also set a new record on day three. They have played 156 overs so far in this innings, the most by the Tigers outside Asia and the third most outside Bangladesh.
Most Overs played in a Test innings by Bangladesh (Away Tests, top 5)
Score
Overs
Opposition
Ground
Year
638
196
Sri Lanka
Galle
2013
541/7d
173
Sri Lanka
Pallekele
2021
401/6*
156*
New Zealand
Mount Maunganui
2022
595/8d
152
New Zealand
Wellington
2017
361
137.5
Pakistan
Peshawar
2003
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Verdict
Bangladesh should anticipate a brilliant outcome in the ongoing New Zealand-Bangladesh first Test if they continue to play like they have done so far. Because Mount Maunganui's surface is conducive to batting, the prospects of the wicket shifting drastically over the next two days are slim. In this circumstance, the hosts are unlikely to be out quickly following the end of Bangladesh's second innings. Bangladesh will be able to finish the match with a satisfying draw if they can hold their composure on the fifth day and bat to the end. Besides, Bangladesh will also receive its first point in the current ICC Test Championship.
Read BPL 2022: SWOT Analysis of all Six Teams
Bangladesh hold firm after imperious batting display
Bangladesh team probably enjoyed the best two days of their Test cricket in New Zealand so far.
The initial success came up when they removed the last five New Zealand batters within 70 runs on top of their day one total and restricted them under 350. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Shoriful Islam proved their capibilty once again.
And now, they batted more than 150 overs and scored more than 400 runs and they are yet to be all out!
Read:Bangladesh takes lead after Mominul, Liton heroics
At the end of day three of the first Test against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui, Bangladesh are leading by 73 runs with four wickets in hand— a rare success Bangladesh team is going through on the soil of New Zealand.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque and Liton Das— all had a good chance to register their maiden century in New Zealand, but they fell short. Despite that agony, Bangladesh are far ahead of the hosts in this Test, at least, at this stage.
Mominul and Liton added 158 runs in the fifth wicket stand. The stand was broken when Mominul fell for 88— short of 12 runs of his second Test century abroad. His first away ton came against Sri Lanka last year.
Bangladesh ended day two at 175 for two with Joy and Mominul remaining unbeaten for 70 and eight respectively.
Joy fell for 78 after adding only eight to his overnight total while Mominul remained firm at the other end of the wicket.
It was Joy’s maiden fifty in Test cricket. Before this match, he played only one Test. The 21-year-old batter was one of the best in the world during his U-19 cricketing days. He had a century in the last U-19 World Cup that Bangladesh won beating India in the final.
Mushfiqur Rahim failed to impress as he fell for 12 off 53 balls.
Read:Shanto, Joy hit fifties as Bangladesh reply strongly
In the next wicket stand, Liton joined Mominul and made New Zealand bowlers toil. Mominul registered his 15th fifty in Test, and right after that, Liton recorded his 11th fifty in the format.
After Mominul, Trent Boult also removed Liton for 86. One ball earlier of his dismissal, Liton survived a caught-behind appeal from New Zealand, but eventually, he fell prey to the same kind of dismissal.
The onus was on Yasir Ali and Mehidy Hasan Miraz to survive the day playing all the remaining overs, and they successfully did that. This pair batted more than 10 overs and survived the day ensuring a 73-run first innings lead.
New Zealand bowlers tried everything they could. They posed many tough questions they possibly could, and to utter surprise for many, the Bangladeshi batters managed to answer.
They managed to tackle pace-swingings and bouncers from Tim Southee, Boult and Neil Wagner. Wagner came up with his typical strength full with short-balls. But Bangladeshi batters were smart enough to play him despite giving him three wickets. Along with Wagner, Boult bagged three wickets too.
With two days to go in this Test, Bangladesh are clearly ahead of the hosts, but they have to work harder in the remaining six sessions to get the best result against New Zealand.
Bangladesh takes lead after Mominul, Liton heroics
In the first Test of the two-match series against New Zealand, both Mominul Haque and Liton Das hit a fifty each as Bangladesh secured a first-innings lead which was rising at the last session of day three at Mount Maunganui.
Mominul and Liton added 158 runs in the fifth wicket stand. The stand was broken when Mominul fell for 88— short of 12 runs of his second Test century abroad.
Read:NZ vs BAN 1st Test 2021: Bangladesh Sustains Hope Till the End of Day 2
Bangladesh ended day two at 175 for two with Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mominul remaining unbeaten for 70 and eight respectively.
Joy fell for 78 after adding only eight to his overnight total while Mominul remained firm at the other end of the wicket.
It was Joy’s maiden fifty in Test cricket. Before this match, he played only one Test. The 21-year-old batter was one of the best in the world during his U-19 cricketing days. He had a century in the last U-19 World Cup that Bangladesh won beating India in the final.
Mushfiqur Rahim failed to impress as he fell for 12 off 53 balls.
In the next wicket stand, Liton joined Mominul and made New Zealand bowlers toil. Mominul registered his 15th fifty in Test, and right after that, Liton recorded his 11th fifty in the format.
Read:Shanto, Joy hit fifties as Bangladesh reply strongly
After Mominul, Trent Boult also removed Liton for 86. One ball earlier of his dismissal, Liton survived a caught-behind appeal from New Zealand, but eventually, he fell prey to the same kind of dismissal.
At the end of 145 overs, Bangladesh were batting at 370 for six in reply to New Zealand’s first innings of 328. Bangladesh already secured a lead of 42 runs with four wickets in hand.
Fed Cup Football: Saif, Mohammedan reach semifinals
Saif Sporting Club and Dhaka Mohammedan SC reached the semifinals of the Bashundhara Group Federation Cup Football Tournament ’21 eliminating their rivals in the quarter-finals at the Bir Shreshta Shaheed Shipahi Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur on Sunday.
The 10-time champions Dhaka Mohammedan SC will play Saif SC in the first semifinal on January 6.
Dhaka Mohammedan SC eliminated Chittagong Abahani Limited by 2-1 goals in the day’s first quarterfinal Sunday afternoon.
Also read: Fed Cup Football: Mohammedan reach semifinal eliminating Ctg Abahani
Mohammedan SC took the lead in the 65th minute with a gifted goal when Abahani midfielder Arafat Hossen sent the ball to his own net (1-0).
Defender Emon Khan widened the Black and Whites margin in the 74th minute (2-0).
Nigerian forward Ebimobowei Thankgod reduced the margin for the former finalists Chittagong Abahani in the 90th minute of the match (2-1).
In the day’s 2nd quarterfinal, Saif SC defeated Swadhinata KS by 2-0 goals at the same venue Sunday evening
Midfielder Rahim Uddin put Saif SC ahead in the 42nd minute (1-0) while another medio Meraj Hossain Opi doubled the Saif SC margin in the 72nd minute (2-0).
Also read: Fed Cup Football: Sheikh Russel KC emerge group champions to reach quarterfinal in goal feast
The 3rd quarterfinal between Sheikh Russel KC and Rahmatganj MFS and the 4th quarterfinal between Sheikh Jamal DC and Dhaka Abahani Ltd will be held on Monday at the same venue.
Fed Cup Football: Mohammedan reach semifinal eliminating Ctg Abahani
Dhaka Mohammedan SC reached the semifinal of the Bashundhara Group Federation Cup Football Tournament ’21 eliminating Chittagong Abahani Limited by 2-1 goals in the first quarter-final at the Bir Shreshta Shaheed Shipahi Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur on Sunday.
Mohammedan SC took the lead in the 65th minute with a gifted goal when Abahani midfielder Arafat Hossen sent the ball to his own net (1-0).
Defender Emon Khan widened the Black and Whites margin in the 74th minute (2-0).
Also read: Fed Cup Football: Sheikh Russel KC emerge group champions to reach quarterfinal in goal feast
Nigerian forward Ebimobowei Thankgod reduced the margin for the former finalists Chittagong Abahani in the 90th minute of the match (2-1).
The 10th time champions Dhaka Mohammedan SC will play the first semifinal on January 6 against the winners of Saif SC and Swadhinata KS, who will play each other in the 2nd quarterfinal Sunday night at the same venue.
The 3rd quarterfinal between Sheikh Russel KC and Rahmatganj MFS and the 4th quarterfinal between Sheikh Jamal DC and Dhaka Abahani Ltd will be held on Monday at the same venue.
Also read: Fed Cup Football: Ctg Abahani assure quarterfinals beating Police 2-0