United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh women’s captain Nigar Sultana Joty believes a successful campaign at the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup can serve as a catalyst for local players to break into lucrative global franchise tournaments. The national team suffer from a severe lack of regular fixtures and international exposure throughout the calendar year. While women's franchise leagues are expanding rapidly worldwide, Bangladeshi cricketers are consistently overlooked. Nigar views the world stage as the definitive platform to alter that narrative. "Our team receive very little exposure," she stated during a press conference in Dhaka on Sunday. "The World Cup is a massive stage where the entire cricket community is watching. Delivering strong performances here forces people to talk about Bangladesh cricket, and that is our primary goal." The skipper emphasised that individual brilliance in the tournament will directly translate into personal career advancements for her squad. "When players excel individually on this stage, global opportunities naturally follow. The team is in a very positive frame of mind. A strong showing is vital for the collective growth of women's cricket in our country, but it will also immensely benefit the players on a personal level." The tournament is set to commence in England on June 12. In preparation, the Bangladesh squad will depart Dhaka in two separate flights tonight and tomorrow morning. They will initially land in Scotland to play a preparatory T20 triangular series involving the hosts and the Netherlands to acclimate to European conditions. "We have a great chance to win against the Netherlands and Pakistan," Nigar analysed. "We also have a lot of experience playing India, and we have beaten both India and South Africa in the past. Our strategy is to focus on one game at a time. Securing an early victory will give us the rhythm we need to carry us through the tournament." Bangladesh enter the tournament desperate to correct a poor historical record, having managed just three wins from 25 matches across previous editions. To secure a historic semi-final berth from a demanding group featuring Australia, India, South Africa, Pakistan, and the Netherlands, Nigar has mapped out a target of three group-stage victories.

Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar shared an emotional message on social media after his son, Arjun Tendulkar, made his IPL 2026 debut for Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday. Despite LSG’s defeat, Arjun delivered an impressive performance by dismissing Prabhsimran Singh and ending with figures of 1/36 from four overs. In his now-viral post, Sachin praised Arjun for his patience, dedication, and positive mindset throughout the season, especially after waiting until the final league match to get an opportunity. In his heartfelt message, Sachin wrote that he was proud of how Arjun stayed confident in his abilities, continued working hard quietly, and handled the challenges of cricket with maturity. He also reminded him to stay humble and keep enjoying the game. With LSG already out of the IPL 2026 playoff race, Arjun finally received his debut cap in the team’s last league-stage match. He scored 5 runs off five balls and made a notable impact with the ball. The left-arm pacer maintained an economy rate of 9, the best among his teammates. He nearly claimed a wicket in his opening over, but captain Rishabh Pant dropped a simple catch. Arjun eventually got his breakthrough in his third over, trapping Prabhsimran LBW with a sharp yorker. IPL 2026 has been a significant chapter in Arjun’s career, marking his first season away from Mumbai Indians after being traded to LSG ahead of the auction. Source: NDTV

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru finished at the top of the Indian Premier League standings on Friday despite suffering a 55-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Bengaluru ensured their top-table position by net run rate and will now host Gujarat Titans in the first playoff on Tuesday. The winner will advance directly to the IPL final on May 31 in Ahmedabad. Hyderabad, level on points with Bengaluru and Gujarat but placed third, will host the second playoff on Wednesday against an opponent yet to be decided. Hyderabad posted a massive 255-4, their ninth total above 200 this season, powered by half-centuries from Ishan Kishan (79), Abhishek Sharma (56) and Heinrich Klaasen (51). Chasing the target, Bengaluru needed only 166 runs to guarantee a top-two finish. After an aggressive start from Venkatesh Iyer and the early dismissals of Virat Kohli and Devdutt Paddikal, captain Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya focused on reaching the required target rather than chasing victory, reaching it in the 17th over. They eventually went past 178 to seal the top position. Bengaluru ended on 200-4, with Pandya unbeaten on 41 after Patidar was dismissed for 56. “The top priority was to be on the top (of the table). The target was a lot,” Patidar said. “The top five (Hyderabad) batters played very well and they dominated … (and when we batted) the slower bouncer was gripping and they executed the bouncers and yorkers very well.” Iyer, opening for the first time this season, struck four sixes and four boundaries in a quick 44 off 19 balls, but after his dismissal and Kohli’s catch at cover for 15 off 11 balls during the powerplay, Bengaluru shifted focus to qualification rather than victory. For Hyderabad, bowlers Eshan Malinga (2-33) and Sakib Hussain (1-31) delivered standout performances. Earlier, Hyderabad’s top order dominated Bengaluru’s pace attack, including experienced bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, who together conceded 106 runs in eight wicketless overs. Sharma benefitted from three dropped catches on his way to a 21-ball fifty, smashing five sixes and four boundaries. Kishan and Klaasen maintained the momentum, taking on both the pace and spin attack, including Krunal Pandya, who conceded 24 runs in two overs before dismissing Klaasen in the 17th over. Hyderabad finished with their highest total of the season. “It’s pretty impressive to get the score that we did,” Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins said. “Everyone's hitting their straps.”

Barrister Zaima Rahman, daughter of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, on Thursday evening shared a warm and lively interaction with members of the Bangladesh women's national cricket team, extending her best wishes ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be held in England and Wales this June. At a special send-off reception hosted by British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke in honour of cricket team members, Zaima was seen engaging in friendly conversations with the players, exchanging pleasantries and posing for selfies in a cheerful atmosphere. The reception at the British High Commissioner’s residence celebrated Bangladesh team’s achievements and wished them success as they prepared to represent Bangladesh on the global stage.  

Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam produced a masterful bowling performance to claim 6-120, dismantling Pakistan’s stubborn resistance on the final morning to secure a 78-run victory for Bangladesh in the second Test. The dramatic win at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium completes a historic 2-0 series sweep, marking Bangladesh’s fourth consecutive Test triumph over Pakistan. Chasing a monumental and record-defying target of 437, Pakistan resumed the fifth morning at 316-7, needing 121 runs with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan anchoring their hopes. After wet ground conditions delayed the start of play, the visitors launched a spirited counter-attack to cross the 350-mark, keeping the chase alive and cutting the deficit to double digits. However, Taijul broke through the burgeoning lower-order resistance. He beautifully looped a delivery to dip and turn past the bat of Sajid Khan (28), drawing a sharp outside edge that captain Najmul Hossain Shanto safely caught at first slip. With this dismissal, Taijul completed his 18th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Shoriful Islam then delivered the definitive blow of the morning by removing a valiant Rizwan. Moving a length ball wide of off-stump, Shoriful induced a loose cut shot from Rizwan (94), who picked out Mehidy Hasan Miraz at gully. Rizwan’s departure for a gritty 94 left the visitors in despair, and Taijul swiftly wrapped up the match just an over later, enticing Khurram Shahzad to sky a catch to long-on to bundle Pakistan out for 358. Pakistan's last three wickets fell on 258. Litton Das who scored 126 runs in the first innings followed by 69 in the second innings was adjudged player of the match while veteran Mushifiqur Rahim was named player of the series for scoring 253 runs in the series, including a century in their second innings. The comprehensive series victory was built on sensational individual performances across the five days. After being put in to bat, Bangladesh posted 278 in the first innings, rescued from a top-order collapse by Litton Das’s majestic 126. Bangladesh’s bowlers then restricted Pakistan to 232, securing a crucial 46-run lead despite a defiant 68 from Babar Azam. The hosts drove the game completely out of Pakistan's reach in the second innings by racking up 390. That historic batting display was headlined by veteran maestro Mushfiqur Rahim, who struck an outstanding 137 off 233 balls to notch his 14th career century, eclipsing Mominul Haque for the most Test hundreds in Bangladesh’s history. Though Pakistan's middle-order fought tenaciously during the fourth innings—highlighted by a roaring 134-run partnership between Rizwan and Salman Agha (71)—Taijul's clever variations consistently altered the game's momentum. Having already accounted for Babar (47) and Shan Masood (71) earlier in the innings, Taijul’s final morning masterclass ensured Bangladesh sealed the maximum World Test Championship points on offer. With back-to-back comprehensive victories following their historic away series win in late 2024, Shanto’s clinical side has definitively underscored a profound power shift in Asian red-ball cricket.

Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam stepped up with a brilliant double-strike to break a menacing partnership, pulling Bangladesh back into the driver's seat on the fourth morning of the second Test in Sylhet. At the end of day four, Pakistan still needed 121 with only three wickets in hand.  The visitors, tasked with chasing a monumental, history-defying target of 437, recovered from early setbacks through a defiant stand before Taijul swung the momentum back to the hosts. The foundation of Bangladesh’s total dominance was established on Day 3 by veteran maestro Mushfiqur Rahim. Mushfiqur played a majestic, record-breaking knock of 137 off 233 deliveries to anchor Bangladesh's second innings to 390. His 14th career Test ton pushed him past Mominul Haque to become the country's most prolific Test centurion, setting up a target well beyond any successful chase in the history of the format. Despite losing quick wickets early on the fourth morning, Pakistan launched a spirited counter-attack. Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha forged a resilient, multi-over partnership that began to cause anxiety in the Bangladesh camp. Salman looked exceptionally fluent, striking six boundaries and a six to reach 71 off just 102 balls, shifting the pressure back onto the home side's bowlers. With the game starting to drift, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto made a tactical gamble, handing the spinner the relatively new ball. The move paid immediate dividends in the 82nd over. Taijul, having beat Salman with a sharp turn on the previous delivery, pushed a quicker arm-ball on a full length. Salman prodded forward to defend, but the ball skidded straight through the gap between bat and pad to shatter the stumps, ending the 134-run stand. Taijul struck again just one over later to completely expose Pakistan's tail. He drew Hasan Ali (0) forward with a beautifully dipping delivery outside off-stump. Caught in two minds, Hasan pushed forward uncertainly, offering a thick shoulder-edge that Shanto safely gathered at first slip. The rapid double-blow reduced Pakistan to 312-7, leaving Rizwan fighting a lone battle alongside the lower order. At the end of day four, they were standing at 316 for 7.

Bangladesh's second innings came to an end at 390 on the third afternoon in Sylhet, setting Pakistan a massive and highly improbable target of 437 runs to win the second Test. The innings break was triggered when veteran Mushfiqur Rahim was finally dismissed for a magnificent 137 off 233 balls. Attempting to clear the boundary off Sajid Khan, Mushfiqur was caught at deep midwicket by Mohammad Abbas. His masterclass included 12 boundaries and a six, anchoring the lower order across the day to ensure Bangladesh drove their lead completely out of Pakistan's reach. Off-spinner Sajid Khan wrapped up the tail to finish with figures of 3-126 from a marathon 33.2 overs, while paceman Khurram Shahzad was the pick of the Pakistani attack with 4-86. Facing a heavily wearing Day 3 pitch that is already offering sharp turn, Pakistan brace for an uphill battle to save the Test match and prevent a 2-0 series sweep.  

A masterclass in batting resilience from veteran Mushfiqur Rahim placed Bangladesh in an impregnable position on the third day of the second Test in Sylhet. Mushfiqur struck his 14th career Test century, steering the hosts to 332-6 in the second innings after 87 overs and extending their overall lead to a massive 378 runs, just shy of the 400-mark. Mushfiqur's unbeaten 104 off 181 balls, studded with nine boundaries, was a historic milestone. The century broke his tie with Mominul Haque (13), making him the outright holder of the record for the most centuries for Bangladesh in Test history.Coming to the crease after Pakistan’s Khurram Shahzad threatened a collapse with four wickets (4-81), the 39-year-old displayed immense composure under the scorching Sylhet sun to systematically bat the visitors out of the game. The innings was bolstered by a gritty top-order performance. Mahmudul Hasan Joy set the tone early with a resilient 52. However, it was Mushfiqur's 123-run stand with Litton Das—who followed up his first-innings 126 with a brisk 69—that completely deflated the Pakistani attack. Pakistan's bowlers struggled to replicate their first-innings discipline on a wearing day-three pitch. Shahzad was the lone bright spot, accounting for the wickets of Tanzid, Mominul, Najmul Hossain Shanto (15), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (19). However, the visitors found no answers for Mushfiqur, who comfortably marshaled the lower-middle order alongside Taijul Islam (17*). With a commanding 378-run cushion and four wickets still in hand, Bangladesh hold all the aces.

A late lapse in concentration on the final ball of the day cost Mominul Haque his wicket, but Bangladesh still finished Day 2 of the second Test in a strong position with a 156-run lead over Pakistan in Sylhet. The hosts reached 110-3 at stumps, building on their handy first-innings cushion despite a few nervy moments against the new ball. The final over provided a frustrating twist for the home side. Khurram Shahzad found a breakthrough on the very last delivery, pitching a hard-length ball around the fifth-stump line. Mominul, who had grinded out a steady 30, attempted a late guide down to deep third, which seemed to be unnecessary, only to nick it through to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. The late strike gave Pakistan a massive lift just as the umpires ended the day's play, leaving skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto unbeaten on 13. Earlier, Bangladesh’s second innings got off to a shaky start. Debutant Tanzid Hasan’s tough introduction to Test cricket continued as he fell for just 4 in the fourth over. He was completely squared up by a sharp, incoming delivery from Shahzad, popping a simple leading edge to gully. But, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who has been in a bad patch for a while now, stepped up to steady things, playing with plenty of confidence. Joy struck ten crisp boundaries to score a fluent 52 off 64 balls, registering his first Test half-century against a higher-ranked opponent in two and a half years. He looked set for a big score before mistiming a flick across the line off Mohammad Abbas, which was brilliantly caught by a diving Abdullah Fazal at deep square leg. The platform for Bangladesh's day had been set by a clinical bowling performance. Resuming on their overnight 21-0, Pakistan was bowled out for 232 on a surface offering sharp turn and variable bounce. Taskin Ahmed started the slide by removing both openers early, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed the prized scalps of Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam then tore through the middle order to finish with 3-67, ensuring Bangladesh secured a vital 46-run first-innings lead despite an aggressive, late 38-run cameo from Sajid Khan. With a lead of 156 runs on a track that is already misbehaving, Bangladesh remains ahead in the contest. However, Pakistan's pace unit will look to exploit the morning conditions Monday to keep the target under 250, while the constant threat of rain adds plenty of tactical intrigue to the coming days.

A disciplined bowling performance spearheaded by Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam powered Bangladesh to a critical 46-run first-innings lead, bundling Pakistan out for 232 on the second afternoon of the Sylhet Test. Building on the foundation of Litton Das’s brilliant 126 from the opening day, which lifted Bangladesh to 278, the home bowlers maintained unwavering pressure. Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz had already left Pakistan reeling at 96-4 by lunch, but it was the post-lunch session where the hosts truly drove home their advantage. The turning point arrived when young speedster Nahid Rana broke a dangerous 63-run partnership by undoing Babar Azam with a clever change of pace. Babar, who looked menacing during his 68 off 84 balls, chipped a length ball straight to Mushfiqur Rahim at mid-on. Babar's departure triggered a sharp collapse, with left-arm spinner Taijul Islam ripping through the lower-middle order. Taijul (3-67) removed Salman Agha (21) via a mistimed sweep before producing a beauty to clean-bowl Mohammad Rizwan (13) through the gate.He quickly added Hasan Ali (18) to his tally, courtesy of a spectacular juggling catch by Rana under the scorching sun. Staring down a massive deficit at 207-9, Pakistan found a lifeline in Sajid Khan. The tailender launched an entertaining, counter-attacking cameo, smashing 38 off just 28 balls, including four sixes. His aggressive approach significantly narrowed the gap in what has developed into a relatively low-scoring encounter. Rana finally put an end to the fireworks, altering his line to have Sajid caught at fly-slip by a diving Mominul Haque. Rana finished with impressive figures of 3-60, complementing Taijul's three-wicket haul. With a handy 46-run lead in their pocket, Bangladesh’s batsmen now face a crucial two-hour session before stumps on Day 2.