United News of Bangladesh

India won the toss and chose to field first against Afghanistan in the opening match of their three-match ODI series after persistent rain reduced the contest to 25 overs per side in Dharamshala on Saturday. The toss was delayed by more than four hours due to adverse weather conditions before officials confirmed a shortened match. The series marks the first-ever bilateral ODI series between India and Afghanistan. The second match is scheduled to be played in Lucknow on June 18, while the third and final ODI will take place in Chennai on June 20. The two sides have previously met only in ICC World Cups and Asia Cups in the 50-over format, with India winning three of their four encounters and the remaining match ending in a tie. India enter the series after losing three of their last five ODIs, while Afghanistan arrived in strong form, having won their previous four one-day internationals. Earlier this month, India secured an innings-and-300-run victory over Afghanistan in a one-off Test that ended inside three days. India handed ODI debuts to left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey and fast bowler Gurnoor Brar. Veteran opener Rohit Sharma returned to international action, while star batter Virat Kohli was unavailable due to a hamstring injury. All-rounder Hardik Pandya also missed the match because of injury, while pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was rested. With overcast conditions and the possibility of further rain, the pitch was expected to assist pace bowlers and potentially favor the team batting second. Lineups: Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Saleem Safi, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi India: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna    

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expressed serious concern and issued a strong condemnation following the harassment and abuse of national team cricketer Nayeem Hasan reportedly by members of a law enforcement agency. The incident occurred in Chattogram on Friday night, prompting an immediate reaction from the country's cricket governing body. In an official statement released on Saturday, the BCB strongly condemned the behavior directed at the off-spinner, stating that it views the matter with the utmost seriousness. The board described the treatment of a national athlete as deeply regrettable and called for swift, official intervention. “The BCB expects a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and urges the relevant authorities to take appropriate action against those found responsible,” the board said in its release. The BCB also confirmed that it has been in close contact with Nayeem and his family since the incident occurred to ensure their well-being and offer necessary assistance. Additionally, board officials are actively engaging with the local administration and relevant authorities in Chattogram to ensure a proper resolution. Reiterating its commitment to safeguarding the welfare, dignity, and rights of its players, the BCB stated it will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Mohammedan Sporting Club won the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) title on a dramatic final day of complex mathematical equations and weather disruptions, ending a painful 16-year championship drought. The historic victory marks Mohammedan's first league crown since the tournament received official List 'A' status. Heading into the final round, the title race required a specific set of results across two concurrent fixtures at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) grounds. Mohammedan needed to defeat arch-rivals Abahani Limited while relying on a Prime Bank Cricket Club loss. Both results fell perfectly into place. While Dhaka Leopards pulled off a tight nine-run victory over Prime Bank via the DLS method, Mohammedan simultaneously dismantled defending champions Abahani by 63 runs under a separate DLS calculation. Mohammedan finished the campaign atop the table with 18 points from nine victories. Abahani and Prime Bank both finished tied on 16 points, with Abahani claiming the runner-up spot due to a superior head-to-head record. Sent in to bat first, Mohammedan's top order dominated the Abahani attack. Opening batsman Anamul Haque struck a brilliant 141 off 115 balls, moving past Tamim Iqbal to claim the record for the most List 'A' centuries by a Bangladeshi batsman with 25 hundreds. His partner, Parvez Hossain, blasted 150 off 116 balls to propel Mohammedan to a massive 406 for 4—the second-highest team total in DPL history. Chasing the mountain of runs, Abahani struggled before heavy rain halted play in the 25th over at 178 for 4. Anik Sarkar remained stranded on 85, and because persistent downpours prevented a restart, match officials used the DLS method to hand Mohammedan the decisive victory.

New Zealand’s record run-scorer Kane Williamson has retired from international cricket with immediate effect, cutting short his participation in the ongoing three-Test series in England. The 35-year-old batsman made the decision following New Zealand's defeat in the opening Test at Lord's, opting out of the remaining fixtures at The Oval and Trent Bridge. Williamson had already relinquished his central contract in June 2024 to balance franchise commitments, having previously retired from T20Is last November. "Over the last few days it's become clear now is the right time," Williamson said in a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) statement. "I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms." Williamson concludes a legendary 16-year career as New Zealand’s most prolific Test batsman, accumulating 9,515 runs at an average of 54.06 in 110 matches. He also scored 7,256 ODI runs and 2,575 T20I runs. The undisputed pinnacle of his career came in 2021, when he captained New Zealand to victory over India in the inaugural World Test Championship final. Under his leadership, New Zealand also reached the final of the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup. Williamson will now transition fully into franchise cricket and backend roles, having already signed as a strategic advisor for the IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants.

Bangladesh ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz has returned home from the hospital following a head injury sustained during the second ODI against Australia at Mirpur yesterday. The captain was struck on the head by a bouncer from Australian pacer Nathan Ellis. Although Miraz was seen vomiting on the field shortly after the impact, he continued to play. However, team management immediately moved him to a hospital after the match as a precautionary measure. All-round depth and 'proactive' spin power Miraz’s blueprint for Australia National team manager Nafees Iqbal confirmed the update on Friday through a video message released by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). "Miraz has returned home after being kept under observation for about 12 hours," Nafees said. "He was hit on the head by a bouncer and threw up, which was initially quite concerning. Even though he felt fine later, the BCB medical team and physios quickly decided to send him to Evercare Hospital." Hospital staff performed an initial scan on Thursday night, followed by a second scan on Friday morning. With both reports clearing him of any severe internal injury, doctors released him Friday afternoon. Despite his release, team management has not yet confirmed whether Miraz will feature in the final match of the series. Nafees noted that a definitive decision will depend on how the skipper fares during Saturday's training session. Bangladesh has already clinched the three-match bilateral series after winning the first two matches at Mirpur. The third and final ODI, now a dead rubber, will take place on Sunday.

Bangladesh have made history at Mirpur on Thursday, securing their first-ever ODI series victory over Australia with a five-wicket win in the rain-affected second match. Following a lengthy weather delay that revised their target via the DLS method, the hosts chased down 192 runs in just 35 overs, sealing the three-match bilateral series with a game to spare. When the play resumed after the rain interruption, Bangladesh's target was adjusted to 192 from 41 overs. The chase began with an early hiccup when opener Tanzid Hasan fell to Xavier Bartlett for a duck in the first over. However, Bangladesh recovered quickly through stable contributions across the top order. Soumya Sarkar and Najmul Hossain Shanto anchored the rebuild, each scoring vital identical scores of 42 to keep the run rate stable. Litton Das chipped in with a brisk 21 off 18 balls before falling to Cameron Green, while Mosaddek Hossain contributed 15 before falling to Adam Zampa, leaving the score at 144 for five. Towhid Hridoy and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz then assumed total control of the chase, forging an unbroken 51-run partnership to guide the hosts home. Hridoy played a measured anchor role to finish unbeaten on 40 from 55 balls, while Miraz provided the finishing fluency, hitting an unbeaten 22 off 22 deliveries. With the crowd sensing a historic achievement, Miraz finished the match in style during the 35th over off Riley Meredith. After Hridoy crunched a boundary in front of square, Miraz sealed the win and the series by hooking a 143 kph short delivery firmly over the fine-leg boundary for six, sparking jubilant celebrations across the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Earlier in the day, Australia’s decision to bat first backfired immediately as they collapsed to an unprecedented zero for three, marking the first time in their international history that three wickets fell without a run on the board. Taskin Ahmed struck early, removing Matthew Short for his third consecutive duck in ODI cricket. In the following over, Mustafizur Rahman compounded the tourists' misery by dismissing both Cooper Connolly and Matt Ranshaw for ducks. Australia’s top-order collapsed further to leave them reeling at 81 for six, threatening a sub-100 total. However, a resilient seventh-wicket partnership between Marnus Labuschagne and Xavier Bartlett steadied the ship, adding 103 runs to push the total toward respectability. Just as Australia reached 187 for eight in 42 overs, a heavy downpour halted play, forcing a premature end to the visitors' innings after a late double-strike from Taskin Ahmed. Mustfizur Rahman was adjudged player of the match after taking three wickets for 27 in seven overs.  

Bangladesh need 192 runs in 41 as their revised target in the second ODI against Australia when the play resumes after hours of rain-hit hiatus in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon. Rain came in when Australia were batting at 187 for eight, right after Taskin Ahmed’s double strike. After winning the toss, the visitors decided to bat first. But their dream of putting up a big total was hit hard when they lost three wickets without scoring even a single run. It was the first time in Australia’s history that they lost as many wickets with nothing on the board. Matthew Short was the first man to fall for a duck. It was a back-of-a-length delivery from Taskin Ahmed, which shaped back to the stumps from outside the off. Short failed to play it, suffered his third duck in a row in three ODIs, with one before this series. In the second over of the match, Mustafizur Rahman sent back Cooper Connolly and Matt Renshaw for a duck each. Australia lost its sixth wicket for 81 runs, which raised a genuine concern for them to be bowled out in less than 100 runs. But in the seventh wicket stand, Marnus Labuschagne and Xavier Bartlett posted 103 runs. Australia lost the first match at the same venue, which was their first defeat to Bangladesh in an ODI in 21 years. Bangladesh are now sitting on a good chance to beat Australia in an ODI series for the first time in their history.

Middle-order batter Towhid Hridoy has been appointed the new vice-captain of the Bangladesh T20 International squad, replacing top-order batsman Saif Hassan, who voluntarily stepped down from the role to focus on his batting. The structural shake-up to Litton Das’s led side was confirmed by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief selector Habibul Bashar during a press conference following the squad announcement on Thursday. Saif, who was appointed Litton's deputy ahead of the last Asia Cup, requested the board to relieve him of his leadership duties following a prolonged slump in form. “Our regular T20 vice-captain Saif Hassan personally requested us to relieve him of this responsibility,” Habibul Bashar said. “His goal is to concentrate heavily on his batting rather than carrying the additional pressure of leadership. The board respected his decision, and we have decided that Towhid Hridoy will take over as the T20 team's new vice-captain.” Hridoy brings existing leadership experience to the national setup, having regularly captained at the domestic level, including his current stint leading Mohammedan Sporting Club in the ongoing Dhaka Premier League (DPL). Bashar noted that the selection committee was thoroughly impressed by Hridoy's tactical growth during the domestic tournament. “I watched him captain Mohammedan throughout this DPL season, and his leadership genuinely impressed me,” Bashar added. “He proved himself in all the areas we look for in a leader. His captaincy,  sense of responsibility, on-field behavior, and ability to manage the team under pressure have all been highly positive,” he further said. While external discussions often link young leaders to long-term captaincy roles, the chief selector remained focused on immediate goals, expressing confidence that Hridoy is currently the most suitable fit to support Litton. “Only time will tell what the future holds,” Bashar said regarding Hridoy's long-term leadership prospects. “But right now, he is the best possible choice for the vice-captaincy, and that is why the board finalized his appointment.”

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday announced the squads for the T20I home series against Australia, and the lone away Test against Zimbabwe.  The T20 series against Australia will be played in Chattogram, and the only Test against Zimbabwe will take place in Harare, starting on 28 June. The T20I series matches are scheduled for June 17, 19 and 21.  Bangladesh’s T20I squad: Litton Das (Captain), Parvez Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hassan, Shamim Hossain, Tawhid Hridoy (Vice Captain), Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana and Abdul Gaffar Saqlain. Test squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Tanzid Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Tawhid Hridoy, Amite Hasan and Robiul Haque.

Heavy monsoon rain halted Bangladesh’s wonderful bowling display against Australia in the 2nd ODI in Mirpur on Thursday.  After winning the toss, the visitors decided to bat first. But their dream of putting up a big total was hit hard when they lost three wickets without scoring even a single run. It was the first time in Australia’s history to lose as many wickets with nothing on the board.  Matthew Short was the first man to fall for a duck. It was a back-of-a-length delivery from Taskin Ahmed, which shaped back to the stumps from outside the off. Short failed to play it, suffered his third duck in a row in three ODIs, with one before this series.  In the second over of the match, Mustafizur Rahman sent back Cooper Connolly and Matt Renshaw for a duck each.  Australia lost its sixth wicket for 81 runs, which raised a genuine concern for them to be bowled out in less than 100 runs. But in the seventh wicket stand, Marnus Labuschagne and Xavier Bartlett posted 103 runs.  Rain came in when Australia were batting at 187 for eight, right after Taskin Ahmed’s double strike.  Australia lost the first match at the same venue, their first defeat to Bangladesh in an ODI in 21 years. Bangladesh are now in a good position to beat Australia in an ODI series for the first time in their history.