Bangladesh Cricket Team
Rangana Herath, Ashwell Prince join Bangladesh coaching team
Sri Lankan legendary spinner Rangana Herath and South Africa batsman Ashwell Prince have been appointed as Bangladesh National Team’s consultants for spin bowling and batting respectively, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed Saturday.
Herath will join the Bangladesh coaching team in Zimbabwe and will be in the role until the end of Bangladesh’s campaign in this year’s ICC Twenty20 World Cup.
Prince has reached an agreement with the BCB to work with the Bangladeshi batsmen for the Tour of Zimbabwe 2021.
READ: From U-19 star to national team prospect: The incredible journey of Shamim
43-year-old Herath, the most successful left-arm spinner in the history of Test cricket with 433 wickets taken in a remarkable career lasting two decades, is an ICC/SLC Level 3 coach specialising in spin bowling.
Herath represented Sri Lanka in 93 matches and scalped 433 wickets with 34 five-wicket hauls. He also has an incredible record of taking nine wickets in a single innings of a Test.
Left-hander Prince has been capped 119 times by South Africa in the three formats. The 44-year-old is also a Level 3 coach who has worked as the batting consultant for South Africa A and had also been the A side’s interim-Head Coach.
READ: T20 WC shifted to UAE from India
Ashwell played 66 Tests, 52 ODIs and only T20I for South Africa. He played his last international match in 2011, a Test against Sri Lanka in Durban. He has 11 centuries and as many half-centuries under his belt in Tests.
Alesha Mart becomes BCB's title sponsor till 2023
Alesha Mart, a sister concern of Alesha Holdings, has been named as the title sponsor of the Bangladesh cricket team's home series till 2023, including the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka three-match ODI series, which will start on Sunday.
Apart from Alesha, the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) home series will also be powered by Walton while Impress Matra Consortium has got the title and in stadia, ground branding rights till 2023.
Impress initially bought the sponsorship rights of the home series from the BCB for Tk33.55 crore while the floor price was set at Tk26 crore.
Later, Alesha Mart and Walton bought the sponsorship rights from Impress.
Bangladesh are scheduled to play nine home series including seven Tests, 18 ODIs and 19 T20s till 2023.
The BCB announced the name of the sponsors at a press conference at the Sher e Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur Saturday.
BCB Chief Executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury, Alesha Mart Executive Director Nahid Jahan and Walton Group Executive Director Uday Hakim were present at the conference.
Lankan Lions take charge as Tigers crumble in Kandy
Sri Lanka are leading by 259 runs against Bangladesh with eight wickets in hand at the end of day three of the second Test in Kandy.
Bangladesh were bundled out for 251 runs in their first innings, replying to Sri Lanka's first innings total of 493/7 declared.
With the lead of 242 runs, Sri Lanka chose to not impose the follow-on. They instead, took the field to bat and at the end of the day's play were 17/2 in seven overs with Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking one wicket each.
Also read: Bangladesh staring at defeat as Jayawickrama takes six to trigger Tigers' collapse
Earlier, Praveen Jayawickrama bagged six wickets to wrap up Bangladesh for 251 in their first innings. His six wickets for 92 is now the best bowling figures for a debutant Sri Lankan bowler.
Bangladesh lost the last six wickets for just 37 runs, with most of the batsmen falling prey to Praveen's left-arm spin.
The 22-year-old spinner completed his five-wicket haul scalping the wicket of Mehidy Hasan Miraz during the 76th over. The right-handed batsman, who had recorded his maiden Test ton in the last series against West Indies at home, tried to clear the ball through the midwicket region but failed to execute it well and the ball hit his pad.
Also read: Sri Lankan debutant has Tigers staring down the barrel
Earlier, Tamim Iqbal and Saif Hassan made a good start of 98 runs for Bangladesh at the first wicket stand.
Tamim was the highest run-getter with 92 while Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim ended up on 49 and 40.
Along with Jayawickrama, Suranga Lakmal and Ramesh Mendis also did well, taking two wickets each.
Also read: Kandy Test: Bangladesh lose two quick wickets at lunch, Tamim hits 3rd fifty
Earlier, Sri Lankan openers – Dimuth Karunarate and Lahiru Thirimanne – hit a century each in the first innings of the match. Oshada Fernando and Niroshan Dickwella also did well with the bat, scoring unbeaten 81 and 77.
For Bangladesh, Taskin bagged four wickets for 127 runs, the best bowling figure for the right-arm pacer, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam and Taiju Islam took one wicket each.
Bangladesh staring at defeat as Jayawickrama takes six to trigger Tigers' collapse
Bangladesh tumbled for 251 in their first innings of the second Test, conceding a huge lead after Sri Lanka declared their first innings on 493/7. With the lead of 242 runs, Sri Lanka opted to not impose a follow-on in Kandy.
Praveen Jayawickrama bagged six wickets, which is the best bowling record for any Sri Lankan on debut and only the fourth time when a Sri Lankan took a five-for on debut.
Bangladesh lost their last six wickets for just 37 runs, with most of the batsmen falling prey to Jayawickrama’s left-arm spin.
Also read: Sri Lankan debutant has Tigers staring down the barrel
Jayawickrama completed his five-wicket haul scalping the wicket of Mehidy Hasan Miraz during the 76th over. The right-handed batsman, who had recorded his maiden Test ton in the last series against West Indies at home, tried to clear the ball through the midwicket region but failed to execute it well and the ball hit his pad to prompt the umpire to signal him out.
Tamim Iqbal and Saif Hassan made a good start of 98 runs at the first wicket stand. They also had two fifty-plus partnerships at the third and fourth wicket stand.
Tamim was the highest run-getter with 92 while Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim ended up on 49 and 40 respectively.
Also read: Kandy Test: Bangladesh lose two quick wickets at lunch, Tamim hits 3rd fifty
Along with Jayawickrama, Suranga Lakmal and Ramesh Mendis also did well taking two wickets each.
Earlier, Sri Lankan openers— Dimuth Karunarate and Lahiru Thirimanne— hit a century each in the first innings of the match after choosing to bat first winning the toss. Oshada Fernando and Niroshan Dickwella also did well with the bat. They scored 81 and 77 not-out respectively.
For Bangladesh, Taskin bagged four wickets conceding 127 runs, which is now the best bowling figures for the right-arm pacer while Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam and Taiju Islam took one wicket each.
Sri Lankan debutant has Tigers staring down the barrel
Bangladesh are struggling to avoid the follow on in Kandy, as Sri Lanka's debutant left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama, who earlier claimed Saif Hassan and Tamim Iqbal's wickets, removed Mushfiqur Rahim for 40 before the tea break of day three of the second Test.
Praveen has kept Bangladesh on the back foot as the visitors still need 79 runs to avoid a follow-on with six wickets in hand.
At Tea on day three, Bangladesh were batting at 214 for four in 61.4 overs with captain Mominul Haque unbeaten on 47.
Also read: Kandy Test: Bangladesh lose two quick wickets at lunch, Tamim hits 3rd fifty
Tamim and Saif made a decent start adding 98 runs in the first wicket stand after Sri Lanka declared on 493/7. But right before the lunch break, Saif fell prey to Praveen, scoring 25.
In the last over before lunch, offspinner Ramesh Mendis removed Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Tamim, however, was enjoying himself in the middle. He hit his third consecutive fifty in the series off 57 balls and was approaching his first hundred in this series but fell short by eight runs.
Also read: Sri Lanka steady after Taskin's triple-strike
Earlier, Sri Lankan openers – Dimuth Karunarate and Lahiru Thirimanne – hit a century each in the first innings of the match. Oshada Fernando and Niroshan Dickwella also did well with the bat, scoring unbeaten 81 and 77.
For Bangladesh, Taskin bagged 4/127 - his best bowling figures in Test cricket, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam and Taiju Islam took one wicket each.
Rain forces early close of high-scoring Kandy Test
The Kandy Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Saturday ended as a high-scoring draw with one and half an hour left to play as rain forced an early close.
Tamim Iqbal and captain Mominul Haque remained unbeaten on 74 and 23. Bangladesh were batting at 100 for two in their second innings of the Test in which 1289 runs were scored for 17 wickets.
After the tea break of the final day, the Tigers were unable to take the field. The umpires waited for more than an hour to resume the game, but the rain wiped out the final session of the day.
It was the first draw for Bangladesh in the World Test Championship. They have now secured 30 points for their World Test Championship campaign.
Also read: Tamim hits fifty as Bangladesh take lead
Bangladesh lost Saif Hassan (1) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (0) at the start of their second innings. But Tamim Iqbal struck his second fifty of the match off 56 balls. He completed his fifty when the team total was 52 and ended the game on 74 off 98 balls with ten fours and three sixes.
Sri Lanka declared on 648 for eight at the lunch break of the final day, securing a lead of 107 runs.
Dimuth Karunaratne and Dhananjaya de Silva scored 244 and 166. It was the career-best innings for Karunaratne and second-best for Dhananjaya.
Taskin Ahmed was the best bowler for Bangladesh in the high-scoring Test, taking three wickets, while Taijul Islam bagged two wickets.
In the first innings of the match, Bangladesh declared on 541 for seven with Najmul (163) and Mominul (127). It was the maiden ton for Najmul in Tests while Mominul scored his first in an away Test.
Also read: Bangladesh lose early wickets after Sri Lanka declare on 648
Tamim, Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das scored a fifty each for the visitors in the first innings.
Vishwa Fernando was the most successful bowler for the hosts taking four wickets for 96 runs.
Karunarate was awarded the player of the match award for his outstanding 244.
After five days of Test, dominated almost entirely by the bat, Mominul applauded the best performers of his team saying: "I think it was a team performance. Everyone contributed, especially Shanto. Also, the bowlers tried hard, especially Taskin, Miraz and Taijul."
Sri Lankan captain Karutarate said, "We thought the wicket would have good pace and bounce, but in these conditions, with the heat, it was a bit flat. In the final Test, which starts on Thursday, we want a sporting wicket that will offer some help to the bowlers as well."
Karunaratne, Dhananjaya send Tigers on a leather hunt
Bangladesh spent an entire day on the field but failed to take a wicket as hosts Sri Lanka piled on the runs in Kandy on day 4, before bad light stopped play in the first Test.
The Tigers bowled 76 overs on Saturday and conceded 283 runs. An earlier stoppage together with the early call of stumps meant 14 overs were lost. Still it was the fourth time that Bangladesh spent an entire day on the field without a wicket coming their way. Conversely, it was the sixth instance of Sri Lanka batting an entire day without losing a wicket.
Or put another way, the same two batsmen who walked on to the field at the start of the day's play walking off with their wickets intact at stumps. For the fourth wicket, Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne and all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva have now posted 322 runs. At the end of day four, Karunarate remained unbeaten on a career-best 234, while Dhananjaya was batting at 154.
Also read: Karunaratne, de Silva continue to trouble Bangladesh
Bangladesh's lead has now come down to 29 runs and would easily have been erased in all likelihood, if the overs weren't lost. At one point there was even talk of the Sri Lankan captain eyeing a daring declaration with any sort of lead, to give the Bangladesh openers a short, uncomfortable period to survive on the fourth day itself.
Now the islanders might try to score some quick runs in the fifth morning and test Bangladesh's nerves in the last two sessions.
Sri Lanka make steady progress against Bangladesh's 541
Sri Lanka have responded well to Bangladesh's first-innings total of 541 in the Kandy Test, scoring 229 for three in 73 overs in the Kandy Test.
At the end of day three on Friday, captain Dimuth Karunaratne and all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva were batting at 85 and 26. Sri Lanka are trailing by 312 runs with two days to left play.
The Lankans started well before the lunch break of day three, posting 114 runs in the first wicket stand, thanks to 58 off Lahiru Thirimanne.
For Bangladesh, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam and Taskin Ahmed bagged one wicket each.
Earlier, the Tigers declared the first innings at 541/7 in 173 overs before the lunch break of day three. This is the sixth-highest Test innings for the Tigers and the third-highest in overseas Tests.
Also read: Kandy Test: Bangladesh declare posting a mammoth score
Both overnight batsmen, Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das scored a 50 each. Liton fell prey to Vishwa Fernando, for 50, Mushfiqur remained unbeaten on 68.
After Liton's dismissal, Bangladesh lost Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam in quick succession. Taskin Ahmed came to bat at number nine and remained not-out for six.
Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque dominated the first two days of the game, hitting a 100 each. It was the first Test 100 for Najmul, and Mominul recorded his maiden century in away Tests.
Also, Tamim Iqbal set the tone for Bangladesh's innings, scoring 90 runs.
For Sri Lanka, Vishwa Fernando was the most successful bowler who bagged four wickets in the batting paradise, conceding 96 runs in 35 overs, while Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara and Dhananjaya de Silva took one wicket each.
Ban v SL: Domingo expects quick runs on third morning
Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo says he is expecting some quick runs on the morning of the third day of Kandy Test to put more pressure on hosts Sri Lanka.
The play of the second day ended early due to bad light when Bangladesh were batting at 474 for four, with Mushfiqur Rahim (43*) and Liton Das (25*) at the crease.
“We’ll discuss it (how many runs are safe) overnight but we need to get some quick runs tomorrow morning,” Domingo told the media through a virtual press conference at the end of day two. “If we can get around 520, it gives us a good opportunity to put them under some pressure.”
Also read: Ban v SL Day 2: Tigers 474/4 at stumps
Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque have struck centuries. While it was the maiden ton for Najmul, Mominul recorded his first in away Tests. Domingo lauded both for their performance.
“I think there’s been a lot of discussion about how he goes about his innings. Being a bit more patient, leaving a few more balls, cutting out certain scoring areas. He has played a fantastic innings. I’m really pleased with him. He’s worked really hard on his game in the last couple of months,” Domingo said about Shanto.
“I think Mominul understands his game really well. He’s a very calm person. I think his demeanour lends him to be a very organised Test batsman. He’s meticulous in his preparation. I think he’s a fantastic Test batsman and he’s trying his best to lead the side. He got a hundred against the West Indies, and followed up with a hundred here again,” Domingo said.
Also read: Mominul scores first century on foreign soil
The wicket of Kandy is mostly friendly to the batsmen. In the first two days, bowlers hardly got anything from the wicket.
“Winning the Test is a long way away. It’s not something we’re thinking about at the moment. Our main focus is to play well in the first session tomorrow. There’s a lot of hard work ahead of us to even consider thinking of winning this Test,” Domingo added.
Ban v SL Day 2: Tigers 474/4 at stumps
Bangladesh scored a massive 474/4 in 155 overs at the end of day 2 of the Kandy Test against Sri Lanka.
The umpires called the second day after keeping the game stopped for more than an hour due to bad light.
Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das were unbeaten for 43 and 25 respectively.
The sky was dark at local time 4pm when the batsmen returned to the dressing room due to the bad light and waited for more than an hour for the game to resume. The umpires called it a day at local time 5pm.
Sri Lankan bowlers were disciplined on day two and kept the run rate lower than the previous day. Despite that, Bangladesh's superb batting performance have put them in the driving seat.
Najmul Hossain Shanto hit his maiden ton (163) while Mominul Haque fell for 127, his first century on foreign soil.
Also read: Mominul scores first century on foreign soil
The 242-run partnership between Najmul and Mominul is now the highest third-wicket stand for Bangladesh in Tests.
Najmul prodded a return catch to Lahiru Kumara to get dismissed while Mominul tried to drive off Dhananjaya de Silva away from his body with an angled bat but ended up giving a catch to Lahiru Thirimanne at the first slip.
On day one, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first. They lost opener Saif Hassan in the second over of the match. But the visitors recovered from the initial damage as Tamim Iqbal and Najmul put up a 144-run partnership in the second wicket stand.
This series is part of the World Test Championship. Bangladesh have played five matches of this event and failed to win any of them. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, played 10 matches -- one win, six losses and three draws.
Bangladesh played a total of 12 matches in Sri Lanka and won one of them in 2017 which was Bangladesh’s last overseas Test win to date.