United News of Bangladesh

New Zealand won the toss and decided to field first in the fourth Twenty20 International against the West Indies at Saxton Oval on Monday. The Black Caps currently lead the five-match series 2-1, with all three previous encounters being decided in the final over. The West Indies took the opener by seven runs, while New Zealand clinched the next two matches — winning the second by three runs and the third on Sunday by nine runs. Mark Chapman returns to the New Zealand side after missing the previous match due to illness, while the West Indies have brought back Roston Chase in place of Akeal Hosein. Teams:New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Jimmy Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.West Indies: Alick Athanaze, Amir Jangoo, Shai Hope (captain), Sherfane Rutherford, Ackeem Auguste, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Roston Chase, Shamar Springer. Source: AP 

Kyle Jamieson bowled a tense final over as New Zealand held on to defeat the West Indies by nine runs in the third Twenty20 International on Sunday, taking a 2-1 lead in the three-match series. All three matches in the series have been decided in the final over. New Zealand had won the second T20 by three runs, while the West Indies claimed the first by seven runs. Batting first at Saxton Oval, New Zealand managed 177-9, with Devon Conway scoring 56 off 34 balls, overcoming a lean run of form. Despite a late collapse, losing six wickets for 31 runs in the final five overs, they set a competitive target. Pakistan seal ODI series 2–1 after Abrar Ahmed routs South Africa for 143 The West Indies struggled early, falling to 88-8 in the 13th over, but a late rally by Romario Shepherd (49 off 34) and Shamar Springer (39 off 20) brought them close, needing 14 runs from the last over with one wicket remaining. Jamieson held his nerve, conceding just two runs before dismissing Shepherd on the fifth ball to clinch victory. Spinner Ish Sodhi took 3-34 and was named player of the match. West Indies captain Shai Hope praised his team’s fight, saying it was “unfortunate we didn’t come out on top in the last two matches.” Source: AP 

Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed flummoxed inexperienced batters of South Africa with career-best 4-27 and led Pakistan to series-clinching seven-wicket victory in the third and final ODI on Saturday. South Africa, which finally won its first toss on the tour of Pakistan after losing seven-in-a-row across formats, was bowled out for 143 in 37.5 overs, losing its last eight wickets for just 37 runs. Opening batter Saim Ayub then hit a belligerent 77 with 11 fours and a six that carried Pakistan to 144-3 in just 25.1 overs for a 2-1 victory in the series. Pakistan won the first game narrowly by two wickets and South Africa bounced back with the help of Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten century to win the second game by eight wickets in Faisalabad, which hosted its first international games after 17 years. South Africa drew the two-test series 1-1, but Pakistan fought back to beat the Proteas 2-1 in the T20 series with back-to-back wins in Lahore. Ahmed spins out Proteas The left-handed opening pair of de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius gave South Africa its third successive 70-plus start before the Proteas got strangled against the spinners on a tricky wicket. The pair started cautiously against Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi’s left-arm pace and off-spinner Ayub before cutting lose against fast bowler Haris Rauf. Rauf, who returned after serving two-match ban for violating ICC code of conduct during the Asia Cup in late September, was smashed for three boundaries in his first over and de Kock got his first runs with two back-to-back boundaries against Afridi as the pair put on 72 runs. Off-spinner Salman Ali Agha provided the breakthrough when he had Pretorius caught at long-on for 39 and shortly afterwards Tony de Zorzi chipped away an easy catch at extra cover. De Kock became the second-fastest South African batter to complete 7,000 ODI runs in 158 innings after Hashim Amla and raised his half century with a reverse sweep against the left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz. However, only two balls later he tried to slog sweep Nawaz and was out lbw for 53 off 70 balls that triggered a spectacular South African collapse. Abrar picked up three wickets in his two overs as he beat debutant Rubin Hermann with a googly and clean bowled the left-hander; knocked back the leg stump around the legs of Donovan Ferreira and then hit the off stump of Corbin Bosch of a delivery that kept very low. South Africa batters paid heavily for going onto the backfoot against the spinners as Bjorn Fortuin was out plumb leg before wicket against Nawaz, who finished with 2-31. Afridi then finished off tailenders with two wickets in two balls as South Africa, playing without seven front-line white-ball players in the ODI series, got bowled out with more than 12 overs to spare. “Not enough runs, we were probably looking at 250,” South Africa captain Matthew Breetzke said. “It was tough conditions and unfortunately we lost too many wickets there … Abrar bowled really nicely. Unluckily I got out in his last over. I was looking to be more positive after that, but yeah there was variable bounce.” Ayub cruises Pakistan Pakistan wobbled early when Fakhar Zaman fell for his second successive duck and was clean bowled by Nandre Burger off his second ball. Ayub survived a close lbw against Burger but cut close against the pace as he raced to his half century off 39 balls with Babar Azam (27) also showing signs of returning back into batting rhythm with his trademark cover drives. Both added better than run-a-ball 65 for the second wicket stand before Babar got run-out while going for the third run, but couldn’t beat the throw of Bosch from third and was short of his crease. With only 14 required for victory, Ayub holed out to long-on to give left-arm spinner Fortuin consolation wicket as Mohammad Rizwan (32 not out) and Agha finished off the game with nearly half the overs to spare. “It has been teamwork and we have worked very hard across the formats so credit goes to the players,” Afridi said after leading Pakistan to victory in his debut series as ODI skipper. “We didn’t get so much help in the first five-six overs but when the spinners came in, they made it tough. When you play international cricket, you have to be ready for all situations, so every player who came in took their chances.”  

The final T20I between India and Australia at the Gabba was abandoned due to heavy rain, with only 4.5 overs possible, handing India a 2–1 series victory. Australia captain Mitchell Marsh had opted to bowl on a green surface, but India’s openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma quickly showed there were runs to be made. Gill looked fluent, striking four consecutive boundaries off Ben Dwarshuis during his brisk 29 off 16 balls, while Abhishek mixed aggression with fortune, surviving two dropped catches early in his innings. During his short stay, Abhishek hit a personal milestone, becoming the fastest batter among Full Member nations to reach 1,000 T20I runs — reaching the mark in just 528 balls. Play was halted just 21 minutes into the match, with ground staff rushing to cover the pitch amid lightning warnings. Spectators were moved from the lower stands as a safety precaution, and after a two-hour delay, officials called off the game due to persistent thunderstorms. It marked India’s fifth T20I series win in Australia in the past three years.  

Bangladeshi adventurer Md Ahsanul Haque Khandaker summited Mera Peak Central (6,461 meters) in Nepal's Himalayas this week. Along the way, he had to battle fierce winds and freezing temperatures in what climbers are calling one of the most unpredictable autumn seasons in recent memory. Ahsanul, a corporate professional turned high-altitude climber, set out from Kathmandu on October 27. His route took him through the classic trail via Lukla, Kote, and Khare before a final night push from Mera High Camp. He topped out at 9:58 a.m. on November 5, fighting through heavy gusts and snow flurries near the summit. “It was brutal,” he said afterwards. “But every hardship on that mountain felt worth it when I looked out from the top.” Recently, at least seven climbers died after being hit by an avalanche in the Himalayas. His Himalayan journey started five years ago with treks across Bangladesh's highest peaks in Bandarban. By 2020, he'd moved on to Nepal, completing Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, and the Annapurna Circuit—each one pushing him a little higher. In 2023, he became the first Bangladeshi to summit Yala Peak (5,520 meters) in winter, a climb that tested both his endurance and resolve. Mera Peak is now his highest summit yet—and perhaps his most meaningful. “Mountains teach you humility,” he said. “You learn what the human body and mind can truly endure.” The 36-year-old left his corporate desk job to pursue the high-altitude life full-time. He describes mountaineering as a search for freedom. “The corporate life felt suffocating. On a mountain, you feel alive,” he said. Ahsanul plans to return to Dhaka by November 15, carrying both the Bangladeshi flag and fresh ambition—to one day stand atop Mount Everest. “If I get the right funding and health, I'll go higher,” he said. “Climbing isn't just about reaching the top. It's about rediscovering who you are—one step at a time.”  

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the formation of an investigation committee after former national women’s team captain Jahanara Alam alleged that she faced sexual harassment and psychological abuse from members of the team management during the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup. In a recent interview on a YouTube channel hosted by journalist Riasad Azim, Jahanara accused former selector and manager Manjurul Islam and the late BCB official Towhid Mahmud of making indecent advances towards her. She also alleged that other officials, including women’s cricket committee chief Nadel Chowdhury and BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury, failed to act despite repeated complaints. Jahanara, who has been on an indefinite break and currently resides in Australia, said she chose to speak out “so that future girls can play cricket in a safe environment.” She also claimed she was humiliated and sidelined after rejecting the advances. Both Manjurul and BCB staffer Sarfaraz Babu have denied the allegations, terming them “baseless.” Manjurul, speaking to cricket news platform Cricbuzz from China, said, “You can ask other players whether I was good or bad.” The BCB, acknowledging the seriousness of the accusations, said it would form a probe panel to investigate. The committee has been instructed to submit its findings within 15 working days. In a late-night statement on Thursday, the board confirmed the formation of a probe committee.“Considering the sensitivity of the matter, the BCB has decided to form an inquiry committee. The board is committed to ensuring a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all players and staff,” the statement reads. Meanwhile, the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) has issued a formal statement supporting Jahanara’s call for justice. In a letter addressed to senior BCB officials, CWAB described her allegations as “deeply concerning” and urged the board to avoid any delay in completing the investigation.“We do not want to see any kind of assurance or prolonged process here,” CWAB said, demanding swift and decisive action if wrongdoing is proven. The organisation also urged the BCB to examine the broader environment across all levels of women’s cricket in Bangladesh to prevent future incidents. Jahanara made her international debut in 2011 and last played for Bangladesh against Ireland in December 2024.  

Washington Sundar took three wickets in five deliveries as India beat Australia by 48 runs in the fourth Twenty20 on Thursday. India spinners claimed six wickets in all to usher an Australia collapse from 91-4 to 119 all out in pursuit of 168. T20: Australia opt to bowl first against India The visitors took an unbeatable 2-1 lead in the series which ends on Saturday in Brisbane. Sundar took 3-3 from 1.2 overs, left-arm spinner Axar Patel took 2-20 in four overs, and Varun Chakravarthy picked 1-26. Shubman Gill scored 46 off 39 balls as India put up 167-8 after being sent in. Wrist spinner Adam Zampa took 3-45 in four overs. Pakistan to bat first against South Africa, eye ODI series title Skipper Mitchell Marsh top-scored for Australia with 30 off 24 balls.

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Governing Council has finalized the lineup of franchises for the upcoming season of the country’s flagship T20 tournament. The franchises are Dhaka Capitals, Chattogram Royals, Rajshahi Warriors, Rangpur Riders, and Sylhet Titans, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced in a statement on Thursday. They confirmed participation from five teams after the registration and evaluation process concluded earlier this week. The decision follows a series of meetings between the BCB and franchise representatives to ensure compliance with financial and operational requirements under the new five-year agreement. Officials said the shortlisted teams were selected based on both transparency and long-term stability. The BPL Governing Council’s announcement completes the franchise approval stage, paving the way for the next steps in the buildup to the tournament, including player registration and the players’ draft scheduled for November 17. The 2025–26 edition of the BPL is expected to begin in mid-December, continuing the league’s role as a key platform for domestic and international cricketers.

Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat in the second one-day international against South Africa on Thursday. South Africa’s poor luck at the toss continued, having lost all seven tosses so far on the Pakistan tour. The teams earlier drew the Test series 1-1, while South Africa dropped the Twenty20 series 2-1. Pakistan can seal the ODI series with a win in this match. T20: Australia opt to bowl first against India The hosts made two changes from the side that successfully chased 264 in the opening ODI on Tuesday. Allrounder Faheem Ashraf came in for out-of-form middle-order batter Hasan Nawaz, and fast bowler Mohammad Wasim replaced leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed. South Africa also made two alterations, resting pacers Lungi Ngidi and Lizaad Williams and bringing in quicks Nqabayomzi Peter and Nandre Burger. Lineups: Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim. Rishabh Pant makes comeback for India’s test series against South Africa South Africa: Quinton de Kock, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke (captain), Sinethemba Qeshile, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Nqabayomzi Peter, Nandre Burger.

Australia won the toss and elected to field in the fourth Twenty20 international against India on Thursday. The five-match series is currently level at 1-1, with Australia claiming a three-wicket win in the second match at Melbourne after the opener in Canberra was washed out. India drew level with a five-wicket victory in Hobart during the third game. The hosts made four changes, bringing in Adam Zampa, Ben Dwarshuis, Glenn Maxwell, and Josh Philippe. Maxwell, returning from a wrist injury, replaces Travis Head, who has withdrawn from the remainder of the series to prepare for the upcoming Ashes against England. India have named an unchanged lineup. Opening batter Abhishek Sharma is 39 runs away from reaching 1,000 T20 international runs. If he achieves the milestone at Carrara Stadium, he will equal Virat Kohli’s record of reaching the mark in 27 innings—the fastest by an Indian. The series will conclude with the final match in Brisbane on Saturday. Lineups: Australia: Matt Short, Mitchell Marsh (captain), Josh Inglis, Tim David, Josh Philippe, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa. India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jitesh Sharma, Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.