United News of Bangladesh

The New Zealand national cricket team toured Bangladesh several times in the past, but for the first time, their “A” team is travelling to Bangladesh in May this year. Before the tour, a two-member representative of New Zealand cricket, is now visiting Bangladesh to inspect the venues and other facilities. The series will feature two four-day and some one-day matches. The number of matches is yet to be finalized. India looks to press ‘advantage’ against Australia in Champions Trophy semifinal The venues and the dates of the matches are yet to be finalized too. Bangladesh “A” team took part in a competitive cricket event more than six months ago. Now with the home series against their New Zealand counterparts, Bangladesh “A” will return to competitive cricket.

A storied cricket rivalry will add a new chapter when India and Australia square off in the first semifinal of the Champions Trophy on Tuesday. And it comes with controversy. While Pakistan is hosting the tournament, India has not gone near Pakistan, refusing to go there. Instead, India has played all of its games in Dubai amid security concerns. This has caused debate about India's advantage from playing in one venue that has marred the buildup to the knockout rounds. The Indian government denied permission for the cricket team to travel to its neighbour. The latest refusal came on the heels of viable security threats – tensions on the border, particularly in the northern region of Jammu and Kashmir. India stumble to 249 as Matt Henry’s five-for puts New Zealand on top While Pakistan went to India for the 2023 Cricket World Cup, the last time either team toured the other was 12 years ago. Because the tournament couldn't be played without India's financial muscle, all of its games are in Dubai, including the semifinal and the final on Sunday, if it qualifies. If not, the final will be in Lahore. It has caused scheduling and travel headaches for the Champions Trophy. Bizarrely, Pakistan had to give up hosting rights and go to Dubai to face India, and lost. South Africa and Australia flew to Dubai last Saturday because it wasn’t clear which team would take on India in the semifinals. Only after India beat New Zealand on Sunday in the last group game did South Africa return to Pakistan late Sunday with New Zealand to prepare for their semifinal on Wednesday in Lahore. The preferential treatment has put India in an advantageous position to many eyes. "If you can stay in one hotel, practice in the same facilities, play in the same stadium, on the same pitches every time, it’s definitely an advantage,” South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen said on Thursday. But India captain Rohit Sharma shrugged off talk of any advantage. “We are very much aware of the conditions here, but we don’t know which pitch is going to be played," Sharma said. "This is not our home, this is Dubai. We don’t play so many matches here. This is new for us, too.” Anushka to attend Virat Kohli’s 300th ODI in Champions Trophy Dubai was chosen because its the largest of the UAE’s three cricket grounds; it seats up to 30,000 fans compared to Abu Dhabi (20,000) and Sharjah (16,000). India played its three group games at Dubai International Cricket Stadium — on different pitches — and won them all. “They are in Dubai for a reason," Pakistan coach Aqib Javed said. "If you play on the same pitch or ground, you will have an advantage. But we didn’t lose because they stayed in the same hotel or played on the same pitch. Neither did they play 10 matches there.” Depleted Australia has defied the odds The India-Australia semifinal is a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad where Australia upset India and sent the country into mourning. This time, Australia isn't at full strength. It is missing its front-line pace attack and opening batter Matt Short has been sidelined by a quad injury, and replaced by left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly. Connolly's selection pays respect to Dubai's spin-friendly pitches. But Australia doesn't normally bank heavy on spin, and has defied the odds to reach the semifinals under Steve Smith. India, however, unleashed a fourth extra spinner on New Zealand, and they shared nine wickets as they defended 249 with ease. Whether India stays with four spinners or goes back to three is its main question. “Even if we want to play four spinners, how can we squeeze (them in)," Sharma said. “If we don’t, then we don’t.”

In the first round of the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPDCL), Abahani Limited and Mohammedan Sporting League suffered defeats on Monday. Imrul Kayes, leading Agrani Bank Cricket Club, fell just short of a century. After setting a target of 235 runs, Imrul was dismissed for 94 runs. Despite the setback, Agrani Bank secured a six-wicket victory over defending champion Abahani Limited. Imrul Kayes secured Man of the Match for his brave 94 runs innings. Another near-century performance came from Shamim Hossain. Shamim led Prime Bank Cricket Club to a remarkable three-wicket victory. The left-handed batter was named Player of the Match, securing 98 runs of 83 balls. Litton Das to play for Gulshan Cricket Club in DPL The biggest surprise of the opening day was Mohammedan Sporting Club's defeat to newcomer Gulshan Cricket Club. Despite boasting a star-studded lineup, the Mohammedan team lost by 107 runs. Iftikhar Hossain was the star of the match. He played an instrumental role in Gulshan Cricket Club securing their first victory on opening day. Iftikhar scored a century after securing 108. His innings coupled with three-wicket haul earned him the Player of the Match. Mohammedan's big names failed to deliver. Tamim Iqbal managed just 22 runs, Mushfiqur Rahim was dismissed for seven, and Mahmudullah contributed only 10. Ariful Islam top-scored for Mohammedan with 73.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the renaming of the Sheikh Hasina International Cricket Stadium in Purbachal to the National Cricket Ground (NCG). The decision came during the BCB's 18th board meeting held on Monday. The “Boat”-themed stadium project, financed entirely by the BCB, has faced numerous delays and setbacks since its inception several years ago. Last August, the tender process for the construction work was even cancelled. Bangabandhu National Stadium renamed as “National Stadium, Dhaka” BCB Media Committee Chairman Iftikhar Ahmed Mithu confirmed the name change at a press conference following the meeting. “In today's meeting, we discussed many things and took several decisions,” Iftikhar stated. “As you know, there has been a notification from the government. In response to that, we have changed the name of Sheikh Hasina Stadium... from now on it will be called NCG, National Cricket Ground. This has been done.” However, the stadium's boat-shaped design, the electoral symbol of the previous Sheikh Hasina government, will remain unchanged despite the shifting political climate.//  

English coach Peter Butler's new look Bangladesh national women's football team again conceded 1-3 goal defeat against hosts UAE in the 2nd match to whitewash in two- match International Friendly series at the UAE Football Association Complex in Dubai Sunday night. Touring Youthful Bangladesh Women's team also conceded 1-3 goal defeat against the home side in the FIFA International Friendly at the same venue last Wednesday. Newly appointed captain Afeida Khandokar- led Bangladesh national women's team in their first international meeting against UAE suffered two consecutive defeats although Bangladesh women's beat the UAE women's team several times in different age group competitions. However, Head coach of Bangladesh team Peter Butler expressed his total satisfaction over team's performance and said " I am really proud of them and they are the future of Bangladesh". "I am not for win, win win mentality ,but I believed Bangladesh football will grow" he added In the Sunday's match, midfielder Nouf Aladwan put the home side ahead in the 31st minute (1-0) while forward Mia Lindborg doubled the hosts margin in the first half (2-0) Forward Georgia Gibson, who struck twice in the first match against Bangladesh, scored the 3rd goal for 116th ranked hosts UAE in the 61st minute to assure team victory (3-0). The Bengal Tigresses captain cum defender Afeida Khandakar, who scored only goal in the first half of the first.match from a penalty, also scored the face saving goal for 132nd ranked Bangladesh in Sunday's 2nd match too in the 80th minute, also from a penalty (3-1). Earlier, Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) announced a 23-member youthful national women’s football team excluding captain Sabina Khatun-led rebelling 18-senior national footballers just few hours after the SAFF winning Bangladesh women's football team received Ekushey Padak from Chief Adviser. But, the Peter Butler's Youthful Bangladesh women's team failed to fulfill the expectation in the series after suffering two consecutive defeats in international matches just four months after winning the SAFF Women's championship in Nepal.

England ended their ICC Champions Trophy campaign with three defeats in as many matches. Following these disappointing results, they are set to begin a period of introspection, with their immediate focus shifting to the future of white-ball leadership. Head coach Brendon McCullum said that England’s struggles in the tournament stemmed, at least in part, from a lack of self-belief among the players. Speaking after their heavy defeat to South Africa, McCullum said his team lacked the confidence required to succeed at this level.  “We didn’t play with enough conviction,” McCullum quoted in an ICC news article. “There’s no hiding from that fact. In professional sport, sometimes things don’t go your way, and you have to accept it and keep moving forward.”  The situation has been made even more complex by Jos Buttler’s decision to step down as captain just before England’s final group match. Buttler’s call to relinquish the role was a direct response to England’s prolonged struggles in one-day cricket, and his decision leaves a big leadership void for McCullum and the England and Wales Cricket Board to fill.  South Africa romps into Champions Trophy semifinals with 7-wicket win over England McCullum confirmed that England will assess their leadership structure over the coming weeks. One key question is whether England will appoint a single captain for both ODIs and T20Is, or split the responsibility between two players.  “We’ll figure that out after proper discussions,” McCullum said. “Whether it’s one captain or two, the important thing is to understand what each team needs and how to put the right structure in place for both formats.”  McCullum also hinted that a new captain will likely want to shape the team in their own image, bringing fresh ideas and their own brand of leadership. That, he believes, could spark the evolution the team needs after a tough campaign.  The search for Buttler’s successor will begin almost immediately, with McCullum planning to meet with ECB officials to map out a plan for the future. “The conversations will start once I’m back home. We need to understand what the team needs and learn from this tournament so we come back stronger next time,” McCullum said.

India were restricted to 249 for nine by New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack in their ICC Champions Trophy match on Sunday in Dubai. Opting to field first, New Zealand’s bowlers made early inroads, exposing India’s vulnerability when put to bat first in this tournament. Matt Henry was the star of the show, claiming 5 for 42. His sharp opening spell removed Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli within the first seven overs, with Kohli’s dismissal coming courtesy of a stunning catch by Glenn Phillips at backward point. The early blows left India struggling at 30 for 3. Shreyas Iyer led the recovery, stitching a crucial 98-ball 79. Batting alongside Axar Patel, who contributed a measured 42 off 61, Iyer navigated a slow, spin-friendly pitch with caution. Australia through to Champions Trophy semifinal after rain denies result against Afghanistan Together, they added 98 for the fourth wicket, stabilizing India’s innings after the shaky start. However, the middle and lower order found it tough to accelerate in the final overs. Hardik Pandya’s quick 45 off 45 balls injected some momentum, but regular wickets at the death meant India fell well short of a par score. New Zealand’s spinners, led by captain Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra, kept the Indian batters in check, exploiting the sluggish nature of the pitch. New Zealand’s death bowling, particularly from Henry, ensured India could not cross the 250-mark, a target that seemed well within reach at one point. India’s total of 249 for 9 leaves the match delicately poised, with the pitch offering assistance to both pacers and spinners.

Just a day before the start of the Dhaka Premier League (DPL), national team wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das has secured a spot with Gulshan Cricket Club. Litton, who surprisingly went unclaimed during the initial draft, will now represent the newly formed team owned by former national captain Tamim Iqbal. Gulshan Cricket Club owner Tamim Iqbal confirmed the signing. Litton played for Abahani last season but had trouble negotiating a contract this year. Bangladeshi cricketers slip in rankings amid Champions Trophy struggles However, fellow national team star Mustafizur Rahman remains without a team. Tamim Iqbal, while speaking to the media, expressed his concern regarding Mustafizur’s situation. “I don't know about Mustafizur. But it is very unfortunate if that is the case. They are national team stars. They definitely should play in this tournament,” Tamim said. The DPL is scheduled to begin on Monday, with Abahani facing Agrani Bank at Mirpur. Mohammedan will play against Gulshan Youth, and Prime Bank will face Rupganj Tigers at BKS.

Virat Kohli is set to achieve a significant milestone as he becomes only the seventh Indian cricketer to play 300 ODIs. This landmark match will take place against New Zealand in the final group stage fixture of the Champions Trophy on Sunday in Dubai. To mark the occasion, Kohli’s wife, Anushka Sharma, and his elder brother, Vikas Kohli, are expected to arrive in Dubai on Sunday. Sources confirmed their presence, emphasizing the importance of this milestone in the star batter’s career. Kohli’s recent form had been under scrutiny, particularly after a disappointing Test series in Australia. Although he showed signs of regaining his touch during the ODI series against England, it wasn’t enough to quell critics. However, in the Champions Trophy, after a sluggish start against Bangladesh, Kohli bounced back in spectacular fashion against Pakistan in Dubai. His performance evoked memories of his match-winning knock against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022 in Melbourne. In that game, he sealed victory with a stunning shot, marking his 51st ODI century and becoming the fastest batsman to reach 14,000 ODI runs. King Kohli becomes fastest batter to reach 14,000 runs in ODI cricket In his 299 ODIs so far, Kohli has amassed 14,085 runs at an average of 58.20 and a strike rate of 93.41. His remarkable record includes 51 centuries, 73 half-centuries, and a highest score of 193. Throughout his illustrious career, Kohli has consistently set new benchmarks, holding the record as the fastest batsman to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, 13,000, and 14,000 runs in ODIs. Source: Agencies 

Rassie van der Dussen scored 72 not out off 87 balls to lead South Africa into the semifinals of the Champions Trophy by beating England by seven wickets Saturday. Van der Dussen’s half-century highlighted South Africa’s clinical performance as it finished atop Group B. The Proteas finished with 181-3 in 29.1 overs in reply to England’s hapless effort of 179 all out (38.2 overs). This was after England — already ousted from the tournament after back-to-back losses — had won the toss and opted to bat. Marco Jansen picked 3-39 in seven overs, while Wiaan Mulder took 3-25 in 7.2 overs as England’s batting looked disinterested. England had previously lost to Australia and Afghanistan and thus finished winless after three games, marking a dismal end to Jos Buttler’s run as skipper. Buttler announced on Friday that he would step down after England’s surprising exit as well as its past failures in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Australia is the second team to qualify from Group B and will face either India and New Zealand after those two Group A teams battle for the top spot in Dubai on Sunday. South Africa’s victory Saturday eliminated Afghanistan, which finished third in Group B. England’s innings suffered early blows against Jansen. Phil Salt was out caught for eight and then Jamie Smith was caught for a three-ball duck. Australia through to Champions Trophy semifinal after rain denies result against Afghanistan It became 37-3 when Ben Duckett returned a catch to Jansen for 24 off 21 balls. “These were good conditions from a batting point of view, and the boys worked very hard," said Jansen, who was named player of the match. “I used my options well and hit my lengths.” Joe Root top-scored with 37 off 44 balls and made an effort to stabilize the innings. He added 62 off 61 balls with Harry Brook (19). Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj (2-35) got the breakthrough with Jansen taking a nice catch at midwicket to dismiss Brook. Thereafter, England collapsed again. Mulder bowled Root in the 18th over, and while Buttler held one end with 21 off 43 balls, regular wickets meant that the English innings never took flight. Jofra Archer scored 25 off 31 balls with four fours. England lost its last seven wickets for 80 runs, finishing with a below par score. “It was a really disappointing performance and we were short of our mark today,” Buttler said after England’s seventh straight ODI defeat. “It was a decent surface and Duckett got us into a nice position, but we couldn’t take advantage of that. As a whole group, we are not getting results and that takes away the confidence from us.” Chasing a paltry total, South Africa’s start wasn’t too good either. Archer bowled makeshift opener Tristan Stubbs for a five-ball duck, and then bowled Ryan Rickelton (27) later on as well. It was 47-2 when Van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen came together, and they put on 127 runs off 122 balls for the third wicket. Van der Dussen reached 50 off 72 balls, and his knock for the day included six fours and three sixes overall. Stand-in skipper Aiden Markram did not bat as he had sustained a hamstring injury while fielding. Klaasen finished with 64 off 56 balls with 11 fours before he was out caught off Adil Rashid (1-37) near the finish line.