cricket
BPL 2024: Ngarava inspires Sylhet to maiden win after Mithun's dogged knock
— In their sixth match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024, Sylhet Strikers finally tasted their maiden victory, propelled by skipper Mohammad Mithun's half-century and Zimbabwean pacer Richard Ngarava's four-wicket haul at the Sylhet International Stadium on Friday.
Sylhet clinched the win by 15 runs against Durdanto Dhaka. Opting to bat first, Sylhet posted a total of 142 runs. Despite early setbacks, including the swift dismissals of Shamsur Rahman and Najmul Hossain Shanto, Sylhet Strikers posted a competitive total of 142/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Captain Mithun led from the front with a crucial 59 runs, receiving valuable support from Samit Patel, Benny Howell, and Ariful Haque, who scored quick 21 runs off just 9 balls.
For Dhaka, Shoriful Islam claimed four wickets, while Arafat Sunny took two crucial scalps.
In response, Dhaka faced a daunting task. Despite resistance from Saim Ayub and Saif Hassan, Richard Ngarava's exceptional bowling rattled the Dhaka batting lineup. Ngarava's four-wicket haul for 30 runs applied immense pressure on the opposition.
Durdanto Dhaka, chasing 143 for victory, fell short, managing only 127/9 in their 20 overs. Taskin Ahmed's late onslaught of 27 off 11 balls provided some entertainment but couldn't turn the tide in Dhaka's favor.
While Sylhet celebrated their maiden win in the sixth match of the season, Dhaka faced their fourth defeat in five matches played so far.//
ICC U-19 Men's World Cup: Bangladesh make flying start in Super Six thrashing Nepal
Former champions Bangladesh made a flying start in their opening super six match of the ICC U-19 Men's World Cup' 2024 beating their South Asian rivals Nepal by five wickets with 148 balls remaining at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, South Africa on Wednesday.
Nepal batted first after winning the toss and were all out for 169 runs in 49.5 overs with Vishal Bikram KC pairing with captain Dev Khanal contributing 62 runs in the 4th wicket stand.
Number five batter Vishal Bikram KC scored the team highest 48 runs off 100 balls hitting six fours while number four batsman Dev Khanal made 35 runs off 60 balls featuring three boundaries.
Besides, opener Arjun Kumal (14) and lower order Subash Bhandari (18) were the other notable Nepalese batter reaching the double figures
Rohanat Doullah Borson grabbed four Nepalese wickets for 19 runs in his 8.5 overs with two maidens and was adjudged player of the match while Sheikh Paevez Jibon claimed three wickets for 34 runs.
In reply, Bangladesh team faced no trouble to score the match-winner 170 runs for the loss of five wickets in just 25.2 overs with two down Ariful Islam quick-firing the match highest and unbeaten 59 runs off just 38 balls featuring seven fours and two sixes.
Besides, opener Jishan Alam (55), another opener Ashiqur Rahman Shibli (16), Chowdhury M Rizwan (15), Ahrar Amin (12) were the other major contributors for Bangladesh team.
Subash Bhandari made the major damage in Bangladesh innings grabbing all the five wickets conceding 44 runs in his eight over bowling.
Bangladesh will play Group D champions Pakistan in their other super six match at Benoni in South Africa on Saturday (February 3).
After the 16- team group matches on Sunday, top 12 teams, divided in two groups, are playing in the super six stage
Each of the teams carried forward their points and net run rate (NRR) in the super six stage which they earned in the group stage matches.
The six teams, which made super six berth from group A and D are: India, Bangladesh, Ireland (Group A) Pakistan, New Zealand and Nepal ( Group D)
South Africa, England, West Indies, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe qualified for the super six stage from Group B and C respectively.
The teams will play two matches in the Super Six stage against their opponents from the corresponding group which finished in a different position in their group.
The top two sides from the two Super Six groups will qualify for the semi-final stage.
Remaining fixtures of the Super Six matches
February 02:
India v Nepal in Bloemfontein
West Indies v Australia in Kimberley
South Africa v Sri Lanka in Potchefstroom
February 03:
Pakistan v Bangladesh in Benoni
New Zealand v Ireland in Bloemfontein
England v Zimbabwe in Potchefstroom
BPL: Shoaib Malik to rejoin Barishal in early February
Pakistani all-rounder Shoaib Malik is set to rejoin his Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) team, Fortune Barishal, on February 2, the team management confirmed on Wednesday.
According to Barishal's official statement, “Pakistani senior all-rounder Shoaib Malik will rejoin with the Fortune Barishal on 2 February 2024. In Sylhet phase Barishal will play last game against Khulna on 3 February.”
Mashrafe Takes a Break from BPL After Sylhet Strikers' String of Defeats
Malik had left the BPL after the first Dhaka phase, with initial reports suggesting he was released for the entire season.
This decision sparked controversy, with speculation arising that Malik's departure was linked to suspicions of fixing, particularly due to his delivery of three no-balls in an over during Barishal's match against Khulna Tigers in Dhaka.
BPL 2024: Mahmudullah and Imran inspire Barishal’s big win over Sylhet
Responding to the controversy, the Barishal team management issued a statement affirming that "Malik gave his best for them" during his time with the team.
Malik has been in the spotlight recently for his separation from Indian tennis legend Sania Mirza and his marriage to Pakistani actress Sana Javed.
BPL 2024: Riders Secure Third Victory Despite Late Surge by Victorians
Mashrafe Takes a Break from BPL After Sylhet Strikers' String of Defeats
Former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza has decided to take a break from the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season after facing five consecutive defeats with his team, Sylhet Strikers.
Sylhet Strikers, under Mashrafe's leadership, endured a challenging start in the BPL, failing to secure a single victory in the first five matches. Mashrafe, known for his formidable leadership skills, managed to take only one wicket in this season.
BPL 2024: Mahmudullah and Imran inspire Barishal’s big win over SylhetIn an attempt to validate his place in the team, Mashrafe made a strategic move by promoting himself in the batting order. However, this tactical decision failed to yield any noteworthy contributions with the bat, adding to the scrutiny surrounding his participation in the Bangladesh Premier League.
In an official statement regarding Mashrafe's temporary departure from the BPL, the Sylhet team clarified that he is opting for this break to fulfill his responsibilities as a whip in the parliament. The team expressed the possibility of Mashrafe rejoining the BPL later in the season, provided he can balance his political commitments.
BPL 2024: Riders Secure Third Victory Despite Late Surge by Victorians
During Mashrafe's absence as captain, Mohammad Mithun is slated to assume the leadership role for Sylhet, as confirmed by the team management.
Mashrafe's involvement in the BPL had faced criticism due to his prolonged absence from competitive cricket due to his political engagements. He actively participated in the national election in early January 2024, securing a parliamentary seat for the ruling Awami League party. Notably, the election was boycotted by the main political opposition, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, and their allies.
BPL 2024: Khulna Tigers thump Dhaka in convincing 10-wicket win
Former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful, currently serving as an analyst for T Sports, a sports-dedicated private TV station, voiced concerns about Mashrafe's fitness. He suggested that the participation of players like Mashrafe is tarnishing the image of BPL globally and hindering opportunities for younger cricketers.
In response to the criticism about his participation, Mashrafe conceded that his involvement is not “ideal”. However, despite conceding it, Mashrafe played three matches for his BPL team before taking the break.
BPL 2024: Mahmudullah and Imran inspire Barishal’s big win over Sylhet
Sylhet Strikers endured yet another defeat in the ongoing season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in Sylhet when they took on Fortune Barishal. It was their fifth defeat in five matches so far in the BPL.
Mahmudullah Riyad and Ahmed Shehzad hit fifty each for Barishal, while Mohammad Imran took four wickets to guide them to their first win after three consecutive defeats.
BPL 2024: Riders Secure Third Victory Despite Late Surge by Victorians
Shehzad played a blistering inning, contributing 66 runs off 41 balls, including nine boundaries and two sixes.
The standout performance came from Mahmudullah, who remained unbeaten with a scintillating knock of 51 runs off 24 deliveries, smashing seven boundaries and two sixes. Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with a quick-fire 15 runs to propel Barishal to a commanding total.
BPL 2024: Khulna Tigers thump Dhaka in convincing 10-wicket win
Benny Howell was the most impactful bowler for Sylhet, scalping three wickets for 21 runs in his four-over spell.
In pursuit of the target, Sylhet faced a challenging task. Despite Zakir Hasan's 46 runs off 34 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, they could only manage 137 runs before being bowled out in 17.3 overs.
BPL 2024: Chattogram's winning streak continue
The bowling attack of Barishal proved too much for the Strikers. Mohammad Imran starred with the ball, claiming four crucial wickets for 29 runs in his 3.3 overs.
While Sylhet lost all of their five matches, Barishal won two of the five matches they have played so far. Sylhet are at the bottom of the points table; in contrast, Barishal in fifth place with four points from two wins.
BPL 2024: Riders Secure Third Victory Despite Late Surge by Victorians
Rangpur Riders notched their third win in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season on Tuesday, defeating Comilla Victorians by eight runs in Sylhet.
In the final two overs, the Victorians faced a formidable task—36 runs off 12 balls. Despite some powerful hitting by Jaker Ali, including two consecutive sixes off Shakib Al Hasan, they fell short.
Shakib had 29 runs to defend in the last over, and he delivered. He conceded a single off the first ball, and in the next two balls, Victorians lost two wickets. Although Jaker scored 18 runs off the last three balls, it wasn't enough for them.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Rangpur posted a challenging total of 165 runs for five wickets. Babar Azam top-scored with 37, while Azmatullah Omarzai contributed 36. Raymon Reifer took two wickets for the Victorians.
In response, Victorians suffered an early setback with the loss of Litton Das in the first over for a first-ball duck. Mahidul Islam Ankon steadied the ship with a half-century, and Towhid Hridoy played well until the last over. However, their efforts were in vain as the Victorians couldn't keep up with the soaring asking rate.
Azmatullah Omarzai took two wickets for the Riders. Despite concerns about his eye issue, Shakib bowled four overs, conceding over 10 runs per over but managing to take a wicket.
With this victory, Rangpur Riders climbed to the top three of the points table. They now have three wins in four matches, while the Victorians, the current BPL champions, suffered two defeats alongside two wins in four matches, placing them at number four in the points table. As of this match, Khulna Tigers and Chattogram Challengers lead the points table with 8 points each.
BPL 2024: Khulna Tigers thump Dhaka in convincing 10-wicket win
In a commanding performance at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, the Khulna Tigers defeated Durdanto Dhaka with a convincing 10-wicket win—only the fourth in the history of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)—on Sunday in Sylhet.
Opting to bat first, Durdanto Dhaka posted a total of 130 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs, featuring a steady 35 from Saim Ayub and a noteworthy 41 from Mohammad Naim.
ICC U-19 Men's World Cup: Bangladesh play Nepal in their first super six match on Wednesday
However, a collective effort from the Khulna Tigers' bowlers, led by Mohammad Nawaz with three wickets, restrained Dhaka from gaining momentum. The middle order struggled, concluding their innings at a modest run rate of 6.50.
In response, the Khulna Tigers' openers, led by Anamul Haque, displayed exceptional batting prowess. Anamul's unbeaten 58 off 48 deliveries, including 4 boundaries and 2 sixes, along with Afif Hossain's quickfire 37 off 27, ensured a swift chase.
BCB Special Committee meets with Shakib, Tamim to evaluate World Cup performance
Evin Lewis, who retired hurt after contributing 26 runs, had already set the tone for Khulna Tigers. While reaching the target, Khulna did not lose a wicket, securing the victory by 10 wickets with 32 balls remaining.
The Durdanto Dhaka bowlers struggled to break through the Khulna Tigers' solid batting display, with none of them managing to claim a wicket. Taskin Ahmed, Mosaddek Hossain, and Saim Ayub were among those who couldn't find a breakthrough.
BPL 2024: Chattogram's winning streak continue
With this win, Khulna dethroned Chattogram Challengers from the top of the points table. The Challengers had claimed the top spot with a win over Sylhet Strikers in the first match of the same day.
ICC U-19 Men's World Cup: Bangladesh play Nepal in their first super six match on Wednesday
Former champions Bangladesh will start the super six campaign of the ICC U-19 Men's World Cup' 2024 taking on their South Asian rivals Nepal, the 3rd ranked team of Group D on Wednesday (Jan 31).
The match will kick at 2 pm ( Bangladesh time) at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein in South Africa.
They will play Group D champions Pakistan in the other super six match at Benoni in South Africa on Saturday (February 3).
After the 16- team first group phase ended on Sunday, top 12 teams, divided in two groups, entered the super six stage.
BCB Special Committee meets with Shakib, Tamim to evaluate World Cup performance
The Super Six will involve the top three sides from each of the four round-robin groups, with teams progressing from Groups A and D comprising one Group while the teams from B and C in another group.
Each of the teams will carry forward their points and net run rate (NRR) in the super six stage which they earned in the group stage matches.
The six teams, which made super six berth from group A and D are: India, Bangladesh, Ireland (Group A) Pakistan, New Zealand and Nepal ( Group D).
South Africa, England, West Indies, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe qualified for the super six stage from Group B and C respectively.
The remaining four teams --USA, Afghanistan, Namibia and Scotland – which didn't make the super six berth-– will compete in the play-off matches for the last four places of the tournament.
The teams will play two matches in the Super Six stage against their opponents from the corresponding group which finished in a different position in their group.
BPL 2024: Chattogram's winning streak continue
That means India (toppers of Group A) will face off against New Zealand (second position in Group D while Nepal, third position in Group D) will play Bangladesh, the 2nd team of Group A) .
The top two sides from the two Super Six groups will qualify for the semi-final stage.
The two semi-final matches scheduled to be held on February 6 and 8 respectively while the final is set to take place on ( February 11) , with all three knockout games set to take place in Benoni.
Complete fixtures of the Super Six matches
January 30:
India v New Zealand in Bloemfontein
Sri Lanka v West Indies in Kimberley
Pakistan v Ireland in Potchefstroom
BCB to Discuss Bangladesh’s World Cup Disappointment with Shakib
January 31:
Nepal v Bangladesh in Bloemfontein
Australia v England in Kimberley
Zimbabwe v South Africa in Potchefstroom
February 02:
India v Nepal in Bloemfontein
West Indies v Australia in Kimberley
South Africa v Sri Lanka in Potchefstroom
February 03:
Pakistan v Bangladesh in Benoni
New Zealand v Ireland in Bloemfontein
England v Zimbabwe in Potchefstroom
BCB Special Committee meets with Shakib, Tamim to evaluate World Cup performance
The special committee, constituted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in late November last year, convened with Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal to analyze the disappointing performance of the Bangladesh team in the World Cup. However, the committee has not disclosed the outcome of these discussions.
Enayat Hossain Siraj, the convenor of the committee, indicated that the media department of BCB would host a press conference to unveil the results.
BPL 2024: Chattogram's winning streak continue
“These matters are not something that can be divulged to the media at this moment,” Enayet Hossain stated during a media interaction in Sylhet, where Shakib and Tamim are busy for their teams in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
“Because this has been handled very confidentially. When the time is right, the information will be shared collectively, and the public will also be informed. We have held separate discussions with both Shakib and Tamim,” he added.
BCB to Discuss Bangladesh’s World Cup Disappointment with Shakib
It is understood that the BCB president is set to travel to Indonesia for a meeting of the Asian Cricket Council, with his return expected in early February.
The BCB is anticipated to conduct a board meeting at that time, during which the findings of the special committee regarding Bangladesh's performance in the 2023 World Cup will be disclosed.
Enayet Hossain confirmed that the committee he leads has completed its work, and they will submit their findings to the board. This committee has two more members— Akram Khan and Mahbub Anam.
West Indies Pull Off an Epic Test Win in Australia After 27 Years
In the previous World Cup, Bangladesh secured victory in only two out of the nine matches they played. Shakib, who captained the team during the tournament, labeled it as the worst World Cup ever for the Bangladesh team.
BPL 2024: Chattogram's winning streak continue
Chattogram Challengers secured a convincing eight-wicket win over Sylhet Strikers in the 13th match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Chasing a target of 138, Chattogram comfortably reached 138/2 in 17.4 overs, with 14 balls to spare.
BCB to Discuss Bangladesh’s World Cup Disappointment with Shakib
Tanzid Hasan's half-century, scoring 50 off 40 balls, set the tone for the successful run chase. Tom Bruce remained unbeaten with a well-crafted 51 off 44 balls, steering his team to victory.
Earlier, Sylhet Strikers posted a total of 137/4 in their allotted 20 overs. Harry Tector scored 45 off 42 balls, while Zakir Hasan contributed a brisk 31 off 26 deliveries.
West Indies Pull Off an Epic Test Win in Australia After 27 Years
Bilal Khan starred with the ball for Chattogram, claiming three wickets for 24 runs in his four overs.
It was the third consecutive win for the Challengers, and with this, they topped the points table.
However, if Khulna Tigers win the next match of the day against Durdanto Dhaka, they will dethrone the Challengers from the top place.
BPL 2024: Babar's osifty as Rangpur Cruise to Victory vs Dhaka
While the Challengers are en route to confirm a place in the final four, four defeats in four matches made the task tough for Sylhet Strikers.