United News of Bangladesh

Rohit Sharma ended a poor run of form with his 32nd ODI hundred as India beat England by four wickets in the second one-day cricket international to win the series on Sunday. Sharma, who last scored a half-century in October and averaged less than 11 in his last 16 international innings across the formats, hit a 76-ball century. India, which won the first ODI in Nagpur by four wickets, took a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The hosts had also won the preceding Twenty20 series 4-1. Sharma scored 119 runs off 90 balls, hitting seven sixes and 12 fours, as India finished with 308-6 in 44.3 overs. Shubman Gill hit a second successive half-century in the series – 60 off 52 balls with nine fours and a six. Earlier, England won the toss and chose to bat first. It scored 304 all out in 49.5 overs. Joe Root top-scored with 69 off 72 balls, while Ben Duckett scored 65 off 56. Play was halted for 20 minutes because of floodlight failure at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. One of the seven floodlight towers powered off abruptly during the seventh over of the Indian innings. Ahmedabad will host the third ODI on Wednesday. Kohli returns as India wins toss and bats in 2nd ODI against England Sharma lights up stadium Sharma set a hectic pace as he raced to a half-century off 30 balls. He put on 136 runs for the first wicket with Gill, and the pair appeared unaffected by the floodlight delay. Gill was bowled by a pinpoint yorker from Jamie Overton in the 17th over. Kohli, back after a knock to his knee prior to the first ODI, was out for five shortly after. He was caught behind off Adil Rashid. The seven sixes show In hitting seven sixes, Sharma also became the second-highest six-hitter in ODIs – 344 in all, ahead of Chris Gayle’s 331 (West Indies) and behind Shahid Afridi’s 351 (Pakistan). India crossed 200 in the 27th over before Sharma was caught off a full toss from Liam Livingstone in the 30th. He added 70 off 61 balls with Shreyas Iyer, who scored 44. Iyer and Axar Patel added 38 after Sharma’s dismissal, but the former was run out after a mix-up. KL Rahul was caught behind off Overton and then Hardik Pandya off Gus Atkinson. But Patel finished unbeaten on 41 off 43 balls and helped India cross the finish line. Solid start for England In the afternoon, Duckett and Phil Salt (26) had put on 81 off 65 balls for England's first wicket. Varun Chakravarthy (1-54) snared his first ODI wicket when Salt was caught off a skier. Chakravarthy was making his ODI debut for the hosts. The 33-year-old is India’s oldest debutant since its inaugural ODI team in 1974 (against England). Duckett was out caught off Ravindra Jadeja, who took 3-35. Harry Brook scored 31 off 52 balls, and perished while trying to attack the bowling. Gill caught him running back from mid-off – a stupendous catch off Harshit Rana. Australia secures first test series win in Sri Lanka in 14 years Root and skipper Jos Buttler (34) then added 51 off 54 balls to anchor the English innings and helping the score past 200. Gill took another brilliant catch at mid-off to dismiss Buttler in the 39th over. The last six wickets fell for 85 runs as the visitors finished with another under-par score despite a good start. England made three changes, with Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson and Overton all included. Pacer Jofra Archer was rested, while all-rounder Jacob Bethell out with a hamstring issue.

Virat Kohli has returned from a knee injury as England won the toss and opted to bat against India in the second ODI at the Barabati Stadium on Sunday. India won the first ODI in Nagpur by four wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The hosts had won the preceding T20 series 4-1. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy made his ODI debut for the hosts. He took 14 wickets in the recent five-game T20 series. The 33-year-old is India’s oldest debutant since their inaugural ODI team in 1974 (against England at Leeds). Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav was rested for Chakravarthy’s inclusion. Kohli returns to the playing eleven after recovering from a knock to his knee prior to the first ODI. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made his ODI debut in Nagpur, was left out. Most wickets in men's test cricket history England made three changes, with Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton all included. Pacer Jofra Archer was rested, while all-rounder Jacob Bethell out with a hamstring issue. The pitch here is a black soil wicket, and could exhibit variable bounce as the game progresses. Spin will likely come into play on the abrasive surface as the sun beats down. Short square boundaries could aid the batters for a high scoring game. Line-ups: India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Lokesh Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammed Shami. England: Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (captain), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Saqib Mahmood.

   800 Muthiah Muralidaran, Sri Lanka/ICC 708 Shane Warne, Australia 704 James Anderson, England 619 Anil Kumble, India 604 Stuart Broad, England 563 Glenn McGrath, Australia 553 x-Nathan Lyon, Australia 537 Ravichandran Ashwin, India 519 Courtney Walsh, West Indies 439 Dale Steyn, South Africa

Australia wrapped up a comprehensive 2-0 series victory over Sri Lanka, sealing the second test with a commanding nine-wicket win in Galle on Sunday. Top order batter Marnus Labuschagne flicked a delivery from retiring Sri Lankan player Dimuth Karunaratne to mid-wicket to complete the triumph, just 15 minutes before lunch on the fourth day. It's Australia’s first test series win on Sri Lankan soil since 2011. Their last success here came under Ricky Ponting’s captaincy, a 1-0 victory in 2011. However, they suffered a 3-0 whitewash in 2016 under Steve Smith’s leadership, and the 2022 series ended in a 1-1 draw. This time, with Smith standing in as captain for Pat Cummins, the victory was a welcome redemption. Australia approached the series with meticulous planning — including a training camp in Dubai — and executed their strategies with precision. Their batters laid the foundation with big hundreds, allowing the bowlers to dictate terms with attacking fields. Meanwhile, the spinners displayed remarkable discipline and variety, putting relentless pressure on Sri Lanka and paved the way for a resounding 2-0 series win. The tourists had set the tone early, winning the first test by an innings and 242 runs – Sri Lanka’s heaviest ever test defeat. They remained clinical in the second match, ensuring there was no way back for the hosts. Sri Lanka resumed Sunday on 211-8, holding a slender lead of just 54 runs, with much riding on vice-captain Kusal Mendis, who had remained unbeaten overnight. Mendis brought up his second half-century in the game by guiding Nathan Lyon to deep cover but perished in the same over, caught at short square leg by Steve Smith. Kohli returns as India wins toss and bats in 2nd ODI against England The dismissal was a milestone moment – Smith’s 200th Test catch, a feat previously achieved by only four players: Jacques Kallis, Mahela Jayawardene, Rahul Dravid, and Joe Root. Beau Webster wrapped up the innings soon after, leaving Australia with a modest target of 75 runs. Sri Lanka briefly found hope when Prabath Jayasuriya removed Travis Head (20) early, caught behind. However, Usman Khawaja (27 not out) and Marnus Labuschagne (26 not out) calmly guided the visitors home with an unbroken 37-run stand. Alex Carey was named Man of the Match for his outstanding 156 and four dismissals behind the stumps. His innings stands as the highest score by an Australian wicketkeeper in Asia. Steve Smith, the backbone of Australia’s batting, was named Player of the Series, having scored back-to-back centuries . This victory marks Australia’s fourth consecutive test win, having also won the final two matches of its recent 3-1 home series against India. It plays South Africa in the final of the World Test Championship at Lords in June. Sri Lanka slumped to its fourth straight defeat, sliding to sixth place in the final WTC standings.

Glenn Phillips warmed up for the Champions Trophy with his first one-day international century as New Zealand beat Pakistan by 78 runs in the opening game of the tri-nation cricket series on Saturday. Phillips smashed an unbeaten 106 off 74 balls, including six boundaries and seven sixes, at a newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium. The No. 6 batter propelled New Zealand to 330-6 in its 50 overs on a flat wicket with Daryl Mitchell (81) and Kane Williamson (58) also getting the feel of the wickets for the upcoming Champions Trophy with half centuries. In reply, Fakhar Zaman, playing his first international in more than seven months because of illness, made a belligerent 84 off 69 but the rest of the top-order batters struggled against spin. Pakistan was bowled out for 252 in 47.5 overs. Perfect day Phillips capped a perfect day by trapping Zaman leg before wicket with his off-spin and also took a brilliant diving catch to dismiss Babar Azam early in Pakistan’s run chase. Babar struggled in his new role as opener in ODIs for the first time since 2015 and scored a painstaking 10 runs off 23 balls. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner (3-41) clipped the top-order with his left-arm spin while Bracewell took 2-41. New Zealand, which is already sweating on the fitness of fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, had another injury scare when the ball hit Rachin Ravindra in the face as he misjudged a catch of Khushdil Shah in the outfield and had to leave the field. Fast bowler Matt Henry chipped in with 3-55. Steve Smith hits his 36th test century as Australia dominates Sri Lanka in 2nd test No. 10 batter Abrar Ahmed hit an unbeaten 25 that included three successive boundaries off Henry. Phillips power Phillips unleashed his power-hitting against Pakistan’s two premier fast bowlers – Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah -- in the last five overs that cost the home team 84 runs. Pakistan, which lost the toss, had kept New Zealand in check at 246-5 before Phillips cut loose against the two pacers. Williamson, playing his first ODI since November 2023, took his time to settle down. He reached the slowest ODI half century of his career in 82 balls before he edged Afridi after sharing a 95-run stand with Mitchell. Mitchell survived a close run-out at the non-striker’s end before he had scored when Babar couldn’t hit the stumps from close range, but settled in well to score nearly a run-a-ball before chipping a catch to mid-wicket against a low full toss from Ahmed (2-41). Pakistan suffered a major blow in the latter half of the innings when Haris Rauf (1-23) had to leave the field due to side strain after he fell in his follow-through during his seventh over. He took no further part in the match. Phillips switched gears when he smashed three sixes against Agha, who filled in for Rauf, and then hit an audacious reverse scoop against Afridi which went for a flat six over third man. BPL final: Fortune Barishal need 195 to win 2nd title Phillips reached his hundred in an expensive 25-run last over of Afridi, who ended up with 3-88 in 10 overs. Michael Bracewell hit 31 in 23 balls. Coming up Gaddafi Stadium is one of the three venues to be upgraded for the Champions Trophy. Karachi and Rawalpindi will also host Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan. Lahore hosts the second game of the tri-nation series between South Africa and New Zealand on Monday. Karachi then hosts the remaining two games, including the final on Feb. 14.

Steve Smith hit his 36th test century and shared an unbeaten 239-run partnership with Alex Carey as Australia powered to 330-3 at stumps on day two of the second cricket test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Friday. With a lead of 73 runs and seven first-innings wickets in hand, the tourists are in control. Smith anchored the innings with a sublime 120 not out off 239 balls, while Carey took the attack to Sri Lanka with a fluent 139 not out off 156. It was Smith's second ton of the series, while Carey notched up only his second test hundred in style. Australia had slumped to 37-2 before Smith and Usman Khawaja (36) steadied the innings with a crucial 54-run stand for the third wicket. Khawaja, who got a double hundred in Australia's huge win in the first test of the two-match series, looked solid against spin. However, an ill-judged pull shot saw him trapped leg before wicket to off-spinner Nishan Peiris, (2-70 off 21 overs) cutting short his promising start. BPL final: Fortune Barishal need 195 to win 2nd title Smith, too, took time to settle and had a nervy moment on 24, given out lbw before successfully overturning the decision on review. Once past that, he shifted gears and put the Sri Lankan bowlers under pressure. Carey remained a picture of confidence, stroking elegant shots on both sides of the wicket. His sweeps were particularly effective, while Smith, in contrast, relied on his trademark pulls and drives. Smith reached his century with a controlled pull to mid-wicket, while Carey brought up his ton with yet another assured sweep shot. Though Carey outscored Smith and looked the more fluent batter, Smith was ready to grind it out for the long haul. Cricket great Sachin Tendulkar tops the most test tons list with 51. Smith moved into a three-way tie for fifth with England's Joe Root and India's Rahul Dravid. “We know that Steve Smith is someone who has scored runs all over the world,” said Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis. “His numbers in Asia are unbelievable.” Carey was pushed up to No. 5 as Josh Inglis was unable to bat, having spent time off the field unwell. The wicketkeeper-batter seized the opportunity, smashing 13 fours and two sixes in his knock, while Smith’s patient effort included nine boundaries and a six. Earlier, Sri Lanka had been dismissed for 257 after opting to bat first, a total that looked below par on a decent surface. Kusal Mendis hit a fighting 85 not out. With the new ball due in the morning, Sri Lanka’s bowlers will be fresh and desperate Saturday to make an early breakthrough. “The new ball is around the corner and we need to nullify that and then go on and get as much as possible,” Carey said. “The quality of a player like Steve Smith is that he is a problem solver. He played some risky shots and executed them well.”

Fortune Barishal lifted the title of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) for the second consecutive time beating Chittagong Kings by three wickets on Friday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Tamim Iqbal, who led Barishal last year to their maiden title, hit a fifty in the final and led from the front in another final. Barishal now became the third team after Dhaka Gladiators and Comilla Victorians (none of the teams is part of this year’s BPL) to win the BPL title for two consecutive times. Tamim hit 54 off 29 balls with nine fours and one six. In the opening stand, Tamim and Towhid Hridoy forged a stand of 76 runs, which was a good foundation for them to chase a big total of 194 runs. BPL final: Fortune Barishal need 195 to win 2nd title Kyle Mayers scored 46 to lead Barishal after Tamim’s dismissal. Hit three fours and three sixes. In the last 30 balls, Barishal needed 44 runs. In the 16th and 17th over, Barishal scored a total of 19 runs. In the 18th over, they lost two wickets to Shoriful Islam. The left-arm pacer sent Kyle Mayers and Mahmudullah Riyad back, turning the table to Chittagong’s favour. Off the last 12 balls, Barishal needed 20 runs. Rishad Hossain hit Binura Fernando a six and scored a three to bring the target down to eight runs in the last over. Rishad hit another six off the first ball of the last over bowled by Hussain Talat. In the last five balls, Barishal needed only two runs which they scored easily to reach 195 with three balls to play. For Chittagong, Shoriful Islam bagged four wickets for 34 runs, but his effort went in vain he ended up being on the losing side.

Chittagong Kings openers laid a solid partnership of 121 runs while batting first in the final of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Friday in Dhaka, and riding on their foundation, the Kings posted a challenging total of 194 for three vs Fortune Barishal. Fortune Barishal won the toss and opted to bowl first. Their plan did not work as the Kings' openers, Khawaja Nafay and Parvez Hossain Emon, laid a strong foundation.

Fortune Barishal won the toss and elected to field first in the final of the Bangladesh Premier League against Chittagong Kings at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Friday. Fortune Barishal Team: Tamim Iqbal (c), Towhid Hridoy, Dawid Malan, Kyle Mayers, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mohammad Nabi, Rishad Hossain, Ebadot Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mohammad Ali BPL 2025 final: Watch out for these 4 key players  Chittagong Kings Team: Parvez Emon, Khawaja Nafay, Graham Clark, Naeem Islam, Husaain Talat, Shamim Hossain, Mohammad Mithun (c), Binura Fernando, Arafat Sunny, Shoriful Islam, Khaled Ahmed More to follow…..

Finally, the grand finale of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is about to reach its climax, with the defending champions Fortune Barishal and Chittagong Kings set to lock horns at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday evening. The final match is always a stage to showcase the best cricketing prowess, and all the players of both teams are set to make their mark. Tamim Iqbal to be accorded formal farewell by BCB during BPL final Whether you are at the gallery of the Sher-e-Bangla, in the comfort of your living room with your eyes glued to the TV screen, or if you are on the go with your tiny mobile screen in your hands, keep your eyes on these four players who can make the final special for their respective teams. Tamim Iqbal: Tamim Iqbal led Barishal to their maiden title last year, and this year, too, he is at the helm and led the team to the final. They now stand just one victory away from back-to-back championships. Tamim’s leadership and impact as a batter have been the guiding light for Barishal throughout the event. En route to the final, Tamim scored more than 350 runs in this edition of the BPL, the most by a Barishal batter this season. If he can continue as their best batter in the final, Barishal can enjoy their second title. Chittagong Kings edge out Khulna to reach BPL final in a nail-biting finish Shamim Hossain: Shamim Hossain played a superb knock of 79 runs in just 47 balls in two matches before the final. He has a name for being a good batter in the crunch moment, and he can score runs quickly, unlike many others. Shamim’s good show can write the fate in favour of the Chittagong Kings in the final. He scored 350 runs in this season of BPL—the most by a local player of the Kings. Towhid Hridoy: Despite having shown promise at the national level in limited-overs cricket, Towhid Hridoy has had a relatively quiet BPL season so far. In the 13 matches he played, he just scored one fifty— far less than what is expected of him. But Hridoy can turn the tide at any moment, and that is why the Barishal fans can keep their eyes on him in the final. A good innings from Hridoy can guide Barishal home. Chittagong Kings need 164 to book a place in BPL final  Khaled Ahmed: Right-arm pacer Khaled Ahmed bagged 20 wickets in 13 matches—the most by a local bowler after Taskin Ahmed. He is the most-wicket taker for his team, and in the final, he can be the x-factor for the Kings on the low and slow wicket of Mirpur. An impactful spell, especially early in the innings or in the crucial death overs, could give the Kings a decisive edge and help them achieve their elusive BPL title.//