Cricket
Australian pacer becomes best cricketer of 2023
Australia's cricket captain, Pat Cummins, has been honoured with the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year 2023, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Thursday.
Cummins, a charismatic leader, demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the year, achieving big team victories, including the ICC World Test Championship Final and the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023.
BPL 2024: Sylhet phase begins Friday
Under Cummins' influential captaincy since late 2021, Australia triumphed in crucial encounters, reclaiming the Ashes and securing a historic sixth World Cup title. Overcoming tough competition, Cummins outshone fellow nominees— his compatriot Travis Head, and India’s batting superstar Virat Kohli, and allrounder Ravindra Jadeja.
Shoaib Malik's BPL 2024 Campaign Abruptly Ends
In ODIs, Cummins delivered crucial bowling spells. His leadership shone brightest in the World Cup final against India, where strategic bowling changes and field placements stifled the opposition.
Cummins' masterful decisions limited India to 240 runs, and Australia comfortably chased down the total, securing their record-breaking sixth World Cup title.
Shakib Al Hasan diagnosed with retinal condition in left eye
Cummins concluded the year on a high note with a stellar 10-wicket haul in the Test series against Pakistan.
BPL 2024: Sylhet phase begins Friday
The Sylhet phase of the ongoing 10th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is set to commence on Friday with a match between Khulna Tigers and Rangpur Riders.
The BPL had a two-day break after the first phase in Dhaka.
Shakib Al Hasan diagnosed with retinal condition in left eye
A total of 10 matches will be played in Sylhet until February 3. Following this, the BPL action will return to Dhaka before heading to the port city of Chattogram. The final stage of the BPL is scheduled to take place in Dhaka.
Currently, Khulna Tigers lead the points table with two wins in two matches, securing four points. Chattogram Challengers have also amassed four points with two wins in three matches.
BPL 2024: Comilla Victorians secure maiden win as Barishal fails to defend 13 in last Over
Sylhet Strikers are the sole team yet to earn a point, having lost both matches played thus far.
Mushfiqur Rahim of Fortune Barishal leads the list of batters with the most runs in this year's BPL, amassing 156 runs in three matches. Imrul Kayes and Afghanistan’s Najibullah Zadran closely follow with 118 and 117 runs, respectively.
BPL 2024: Babar, Omarzai Propel Riders to Victory in Low-Scoring Affair vs Strikers
Among the local pacers, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, and Khaled Ahmed share the top place of leading wicket-taker in the BPL so far, each having five wickets.
Shoaib Malik's BPL 2024 Campaign Abruptly Ends
Pakistan's star all-rounder, Shoaib Malik, will no longer be part of the remaining matches in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season, as confirmed by his team, Fortune Barishal.
Following Barishal's last match in the initial Dhaka phase of the BPL, Malik departed for Dubai and was initially expected to return by Thursday.
Shakib Al Hasan diagnosed with retinal condition in left eye
A source close to the Barishal team revealed that Malik expressed his desire to return on February 4th, a deviation from the initially agreed-upon Thursday return date, a request not accepted by the Barishal team.
Despite representing Barishal in three matches this season, Malik failed to make a significant impact.
Women's Tri-nation Series: Hosts Bangladesh make flying start beating Sri Lanka by 5 wickets
As Malik exits the BPL for this season, Barishal has secured the signings of two additional Pakistani players — Ahmad Shahzad and Akif Javed — who are set to join the team by Friday evening, as confirmed by the team's media department.
BPL 2024: Comilla Victorians secure maiden win as Barishal fails to defend 13 in last Over
Barishal played three matches in the first Dhaka phase, securing one victory.
Shakib Al Hasan diagnosed with retinal condition in left eye
Bangladesh Cricket Captain Shakib Al Hasan has been diagnosed with a retinal condition in his left eye.
This medical update of Shakib Al Hasan comes after the player reported visual-function concerns, said a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) media release on Wednesday.
Shakib Al Hasan named ICC Men's Player of the Month for March 2023
BCB Senior Physician Dr Debashis Chowdhury said, "Shakib has been complaining of subtle issues with his left eye. After consulting Ophthalmologists in home and abroad and after the multiple eye assessments, it was confirmed that he is suffering from Extrafoveal Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSR) of the left eye.
"It has been decided that a conservative approach will be adopted for managing the issue for now."
Shakib Al Hasan reaches 7000-run milestone in ODIs
“Extrafoveal Central Serous Chorioretinopathy is a condition that affects the retina, leading to visual disturbances.The medical team overseeing Shakib's case is optimistic about managing the condition effectively with a conservative approach,“ he said.
BCB urged the cricketing fraternity and fans to respect Shakib's privacy as he focuses on his health and recovery.
PSL: Shakib Al Hasan to join Peshawar Zalmi
Further updates on his condition will be provided in due course, the media release added.
Women's Tri-nation Series: Hosts Bangladesh make flying start beating Sri Lanka by 5 wickets
Hosts Bangladesh made a flying start in the Tri-nation U-19 Women' s T20 Series, also involving Pakistan, beating Sri Lanka by five wickets at the Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium in Cox's Bazar on Wednesday.
Sent in to bat first, Sri Lanka scored 95 runs for the loss of nine wickets in the stipulated 20 overs with Rsshmi Nethranjali scoring 21 and Vishmi Gunaratne 19 runs.
Rabeya and Nishi grabbed three Lankan wickets each conceding 13 and 19 runs, respectively.
Chasing an easy target, Bangladeshi women faced no trouble to reach their ultimate goal for the loss of five wickets in 18.3 overs.
Iva Khatun scored 27 runs while Afia Era remained not out bagging 27 runs to guide Bangladesh towards victory.
Bangladesh will play their next match against Pakistan on Jan 27.
BPL 2024: Comilla Victorians secure maiden win as Barishal fails to defend 13 in last Over
The defending champions of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Comilla Victorians, clinched their first victory of the season by defeating struggling Fortune Barishal by four wickets on Tuesday.
Barishal, who lost their maiden match, had the challenging task of defending 13 runs in the last over, but right-arm pacer Khaled Ahmed couldn't seal the deal.
In a dramatic turn of events, Mushfiqur Rahim trapped Jaker Ali run-out off the first ball of the last over. Following this, Mushfiqur cautioned Khaled not to bowl at the wide angle of the crease.
The next deliveries saw Victorians scoring two, Matthew Forde hitting a six and a four consecutively off the next two balls, first of which was delivered widely, leveling the score. A single off the fifth ball secured the win.
A visibly upset Tamim Iqbal, the Barisal captain, engaged in an animated discussion with Khaled after the defeat, an outcome surely not anticipated by the latter.
The Victorians, chasing a target of 162, were led by Imrul Kayes, the left-handed batter, who scored a fifty, his second in two matches.
Despite Dunith Wellalage's three-wicket effort for Barishal, it proved insufficient for a victory.
In the earlier innings, Mushfiqur Rahim achieved his second fifty of the season, and Soumya Sarkar contributed with 42.
For the Victorians, Mustafizur Rahman secured three wickets, while Roston Chase and Matthew Forde claimed two wickets each.
BPL 2024: Babar, Omarzai Propel Riders to Victory in Low-Scoring Affair vs Strikers
Pakistan's star batter, Babar Azam, and Afghanistan's Azmatullah Omarzai orchestrated a stunning seventh-wicket partnership, contributing 87 runs to guide Rangpur Riders to their first win of the new season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Tuesday (January 23, 2024).
In pursuit of a below-par target of 121 runs, the Riders found themselves in a precarious position, losing six wickets for just 39 runs. The prospect of defeat loomed large at that juncture.
Dushan Hemantha, a Sri Lankan spinner, took three wickets conceding 20 runs in four overs. All of his three wickets were notched up in a single over.
Read more: ICC U-19 World Cup: Bangladesh taste first victory beating Ireland by six wickets
While a defeat seemed a matter of time for the Riders, Babar, making his first appearance in this BPL season, and Omarzai had different intentions. They forged an unbeaten partnership of 87 runs, steering the Riders to a remarkable comeback victory.
Both Babar and Omarzai remained not out, scoring 56 and 47, respectively. The Riders reached the target with four wickets in hand and 10 balls to spare.
In the first innings, Sylhet Strikers batted first and were held to 120 for eight wickets. Benny Howell and Ben Cutting top-scored with 37 each, but the remaining batters struggled against the Riders' formidable bowling attack.
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, the Strikers' captain, opted to promote himself to number three, seemingly considering his limited bowling capacity due to fitness concerns. However, the plan backfired as he departed after contributing only six runs.
Mahedi Hasan and Ripon Mondal claimed two wickets each for the Riders.
Shakib Al Hasan, a key player for the Riders, was absent from the match as he is currently seeking medical attention in Singapore for an eye issue that has persisted since the World Cup 2023. His return date for this year's BPL remains uncertain.
Read more: BPL 2024: Chattogram Challengers, Khulna Tigers secure convincing wins
BPL 2024: Chattogram Challengers, Khulna Tigers secure convincing wins
Chattogram Challengers and Khulna Tigers secured victories in their respective matches in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Monday.
In the first contest of the day, the Challengers triumphed over Durdanto Dhaka, while the Tigers claimed victory against Barisal Bulls in the evening match; both matches took place at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Batting first, Dhaka managed to post 136 for eight, with Lasith Croospulle, serving as a concussion replacement for their opener Danushka Gunathilaka, top-scoring with 46. Irfan Sukkur contributed 27, and Alex Ross added 11. None of their other batters reached a double-digit total.
Challengers' bowlers, Al Amin Hossain (2/15) and Bilal Khan (2/28), played pivotal roles in restricting Dhaka's innings.
In response, the Challengers successfully chased down the target with 10 balls to spare and six wickets in hand. Tanzid Hasan Tamim led the charge with 49, while Najibullah Zadran contributed 32.
In the next match of the day, the Tigers secured an eight-wicket victory against the Bulls with 12 balls remaining.
Openers Evin Lewis and Anamul Haque Bijoy both notched fifties, with Bijoy remaining unbeaten on 63, while Lewis scored 53 off 22 balls, featuring five sixes and five fours. Afif Hossain contributed 42 off 36, and Shai Hope remained unbeaten with 25 off just 10 balls.
Earlier, Mushfiqur Rahim anchored the Tigers' innings to a total of 187 for four wickets, scoring 68 off 39 balls, including four sixes and five fours. Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah Riyad chipped in with 40 and 27 runs, respectively. But their efforts went in vain at the end of the day.
However, Tamim recorded a personal achievement in this match— reaching 3000 runs in BPL— most by a batter so far.
ICC U-19 World Cup: Bangladesh taste first victory beating Ireland by six wickets
Former champions Bangladesh tasted their first victory in their second Group A match of the 16-team ICC U-19 Men's Cricket World Cup'24, beating Ireland by six wickets at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on Monday.
Bangladesh, the champions of 2020, made a frustrating start in global youth cricket, losing to defending champions India by a huge 84-run in their first match at Bloemfontein in South Africa on Saturday.
ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup: Bangladesh to play Ireland on Monday
In the day's match, chasing a target of 236 runs, Bangladesh faced no trouble to reach their ultimate goal, scoring 239 runs for the loss of four wickets in 46.5 overs, featuring two good partnerships in the first and fifth wicket stands.
Ahrar Amin and Shihab James scored an unbeaten 109 runs in the 5th wicket partnership to carry the team towards victory, while Ashiqur Rahman Shibli and Adil Bin Siddik laid a good foundation.scoring 90 runs in 19.1 overs in the opening stand.
ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup: Bangladesh suffer a huge 84- run defeat against holders India
Opener Ashiqur Rahman Shibli contributed 44 runs off 60 balls, featuring three boundaries, while another opener, Adil Bin Siddik, scored 63-ball 36 runs, also hitting three fours.
Number five Ahrar Amin made an unconquered 45 runs off 63 balls, hitting three fours and a six, while number six Shihab James scored an unconquered 55 runs off 54 balls with five fours.
ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup'24 begins Friday in South Africa
Later, Shihab was adjudged the man of the match.
Earlier, Chowdhury Md Rizwan and Ariful Islam scored 21 and 13 runs, respectively, for Bangladesh.
Scott Macbeth grabbed two Bangladesh wickets for 41 runs.
Earlier, sent into bat first, Ireland, riding on a polished 90 runs by Kian Hilton, scored a modest total of 235 runs for 8 in the stipulated 50 overs.
Two down Kian Hilton furnished his 113-ball, 90-run innings with 11 fours and a six.
Besides, opener Jordan Naill scored 47-ball 31 runs, hitting five fours; Scott Macbeth contributed 53-ball 27 runs, featuring two boundaries; and John McNally made 24-ball 23 runs with a boundary. These were the other main contributors for Ireland.
Teenage left-arm medium pacer Maruf Mridha, who claimed five wickets against India in the first match today (Monday), took two Irish wickets for 45 runs.
Sheikh Paervez Jibon also captured two wickets for 54 runs, while captain Mahfurur Rahman Rabby and Rafiuzzaman Rafi bagged one wicket each, conceding 27 and 42 runs, respectively.
In the remaining Group A match, Bangladesh will play the United States on January 26, also at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup: Bangladesh to play Ireland on Monday
Former champions Bangladesh will play their 2nd Group A match of the 16-team ICC U-19 Men's Cricket World Cup'24 against Ireland on Monday (January 22) at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Bangladesh, the champions of 2020, made a frustrating start in the global Youth Cricket, losing to defending champions India by a huge 84-run in their first match at Bloemfontein in South Africa Saturday night despite a five-wicket by pacer Maruf Mridha.
ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup: Bangladesh suffer a huge 84- run defeat against holders India
In another Group A match on Saturday, Ireland made a good start beating Unites States by seven wickets at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
However, left-arm spinner cum captain Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby, who led the Bangladesh team to win the first-ever U-19 Asia Cup crown very recently, will lead the Bangladesh team against Ireland on Monday to revive their proud and glory.
BPL 2024: Nahid, Faheeim shine as Khulna Tigers Beat Chattogram Challengers
After the first round matches, Ireland and India dominated the four-team Group A securing two points each with a run rate of +2.674 and +1.680 respectively.
Bangladesh remained at the 3rd slot in the group by virtue of a run rate (-1.680) while United States remained at the bottom with a run rate (2.680), without earning any point.
Shakib Heads to Singapore for Eye Treatment, Further BPL Participation in Jeopardy
In the remaining Group A match, Bangladesh will play United States on January 26, also at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, South Africa.