United News of Bangladesh

Devon Conway struck a team-high 60 as New Zealand national cricket team defeated South Africa national cricket team by 68 runs in the second Twenty20 on Tuesday, leveling the five-match series 1-1. Sent in to bat, New Zealand posted 175-6 on a surface that became increasingly difficult as the match progressed. In reply, South Africa were bowled out for 107 in 15.3 overs, with pacers Ben Sears and Lockie Ferguson sharing six wickets. The Proteas struggled with timing on a pitch offering uneven pace and bounce, and all 10 wickets fell to catches. South Africa lost their last six wickets for 40 runs, with only George Linde showing resistance, smashing 33 off 12 balls, including three fours and three sixes. Sears returned figures of 3-14, while Ferguson claimed 3-16, including the wicket of Linde to end the innings. “We bowled well for a while but lost our way with the bat,” said South Africa captain Keshav Maharaj, noting that dew did not aid batting as expected and New Zealand’s disciplined bowling made scoring difficult. New Zealand made a solid start, reaching 43 without loss in the powerplay, with Conway leading the charge and Tom Latham contributing with inventive strokeplay. They were 81-2 at the halfway stage. Australia overcome China 2-1 to book place in Asian Cup final However, scoring slowed on the two-paced pitch. Nick Kelly (21 off 12) and Mitchell Santner (20 off 14) made useful contributions before Conway fell after anchoring the innings. A late flourish from Josh Clarkson, who scored 26 off nine balls, along with Cole McConchie, added quick runs in the final over. The third match of the series will be played in Auckland on Friday.

Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer-e-Jamaat, on Monday congratulated the Bangladesh national cricket team for securing a historic 2-1 ODI series victory over the Pakistan national cricket team. In a congratulatory message, he said, “On behalf of myself, my party and the people of the country, I extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to the Bangladesh national cricket team for winning the historic three-match ODI series 2-1 against Pakistan in a thrilling encounter at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday.” He said the brave and talented Bangladeshi cricketers demonstrated extraordinary skill, confidence and strong team unity in the thrilling match, calling the victory “a matter of great pride for the nation.” Shafiqur Rahman said that the eye-catching performance of the Tigers has brought immense joy and pride to people across the country. “This sporting success will inspire the country’s young generation and further strengthen Bangladesh’s status in the international arena,” he said. He also expressed hope that the Bangladesh team would continue its winning momentum in the future and bring more glory and recognition for the nation.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque on Monday congratulated the Bangladesh national cricket team for the three-match ODI series victory against Pakistan after securing an 11-run win  in the final match. In a congratulatory message, the state minister praised the team’s fighting spirit and determination, describing the series win as a historic milestone for Bangladesh cricket. “I am extremely proud of the indomitable spirit and competitive mindset shown by our cricketers,” he said, adding that the players’ patience and courage on the field brought joy to the entire nation. The minister also extended his greetings to the team’s coaches and all those associated with the Bangladesh Cricket Board for their contribution to the success. He expressed hope that the national team would continue its winning momentum and further strengthen Bangladesh’s position in world cricket.

Bangladesh secured a 11-run victory over Pakistan in the series-deciding third ODI on Sunday, claiming the three-match series 2-1 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Defending a target of 291, Bangladesh dismissed Pakistan for 279 on the final ball of the innings, with spinner Rishad Hossain conceding just two runs and executing a stumping in a tense final over. "This is a massive series win for us," Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz said. "The team showed incredible fight today, especially when the game got tight at the end." The victory was anchored by opener Tanzid Hasan, who scored his maiden ODI century. Tanzid smashed 107 off 107 deliveries, including seven sixes and six boundaries, to power Bangladesh to a total of 290 for 5 in their 50 overs. He formed a 105-run opening stand with Saif Hassan (36) and added 53 for the second wicket with Najmul Hossain (27). Towhid Hridoy provided late support, remaining unbeaten on 48 off 44 balls alongside Litton Das, who contributed 41. Pakistan's chase started poorly against Bangladesh's pace attack. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed struck in the first over, removing Sahibzada Farhan, and followed up by bowling Mohammad Rizwan in the third over. Fellow pacer Nahid Rana claimed the wicket of Maaz Sadaqat in the second over, leaving Pakistan reeling at 17 for 3. Salman Agha mounted a fierce counterattack, scoring a brilliant 106 off 98 balls to keep Pakistan in contention. He formed an 82-run partnership with debutant Saad Masood (38) and a 48-run stand with Faheem Ashraf. However, Ahmed returned to break the lower-order resistance. He bowled Ashraf and later claimed the crucial wicket of Agha in the 48th over, effectively derailing Pakistan's chase. Ahmed finished with figures of 4 for 49, while Mustafizur Rahman took 3 for 54.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday congratulated the Bangladesh national cricket teamfor their thrilling victory over the Pakistan national cricket team and for winning the ODI series 2–1. In a message, the Prime Minister warmly greeted the players following Bangladesh’s historic 11-run win in the final match of the series held at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. “Bangladesh’s brave young cricketers have proved that victory can be achieved through determination and united effort by winning today’s thrilling match against Pakistan by 11 runs and clinching the ODI series 2–1,” he said. The Prime Minister said the team’s impressive performance has made the nation proud. He expressed hope that the young players will continue their journey of success in the days ahead. Bangladesh secured the three-match series 2–1 with an 11-run victory in the final ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday night. The win marked Bangladesh’s second bilateral ODI series triumph over Pakistan national cricket team after 11 years.

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed announced his retirement from international cricket on Sunday, ending a career that saw him lead the national team in 100 matches across formats. “I would like to thank the Pakistan Cricket Board for the trust they placed in me over the years,” Sarfaraz said in a statement. “Pakistan cricket has always been close to my heart, and I will continue to support the game in every possible way.” Following the disappointing T20 World Cup, the PCB has included him in the revamped four-member men’s selection committee. Pakistan levels series after run-out controversy and rain disruptions Sarfaraz made his ODI debut against India in 2007, his first Test appearance against Australia in 2010, and his T20 debut against England in Dubai. Across formats, he scored 6,164 runs with six centuries and 35 fifties, represented Pakistan in 54 Tests, 117 ODIs and 61 T20s, and as a wicketkeeper, held 315 catches and 56 stumpings. During his nearly two-decade-long career, Sarfaraz led Pakistan to the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy triumph and the 2006 U-19 World Cup title. He also holds the national record of 10 catches in a Test and remains the only Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter to score an ODI century at Lord’s. “Captaining Pakistan was a dream come true,” he said, expressing pride in mentoring players like Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman. His final international appearance was a Test against Australia in Perth in 2023.

Opening batter Tanzid Hasan struck his first One-Day International century to anchor Bangladesh to a competitive 290 for five in the third and final match of the series against Pakistan at Shere Bangla National Stadium on Sunday. Tanzid’s 107 off 107 balls provided the backbone of the innings after Bangladesh was asked to bat first in the series decider. The 23-year-old left-hander reached the milestone in style, pulling spinner Salman Agha for six to record his maiden ton in his 31st appearance. His innings included seven sixes and six boundaries before he fell to a soft dismissal, caught at short cover off Abrar Ahmed. The hosts enjoyed a prolific start as Tanzid and Saif Hassan shared a 105-run opening stand, Bangladesh’s second 50-plus opening partnership in 17 innings. Saif contributed a steady 36 before being bowled by Shaheen Afridi. Pakistan’s pace spearhead Haris Rauf momentarily shifted the momentum in the later stages. Rauf claimed two wickets in consecutive deliveries in the 47th over, removing Litton Das for 41 and bowling Rishad Hossain for a golden duck. Litton, who was earlier dropped on three, struggled to find his usual rhythm, taking 51 balls for his 41. Despite losing set batters, Towhid Hridoy maintained the pressure with a brisk, unbeaten 48 off 44 deliveries. However, Pakistan’s death bowling proved effective; Bangladesh managed only 13 runs in the final two overs, falling just short of the 300-run mark.

Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim hit a century in the series decider against Pakistan on Sunday in Dhaka. Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first. The opening partnership amassed over 100 runs, fueled by Tamim's fluent display in the middle. On 94, Tamim struck Salman Agha for a six to complete his maiden hundred in style. It was his sixth six of the innings. Stranded South African and West Indies squads finally depart India following logistical deadlock Bangladesh won the first match, but Pakistan bounced back in the rain-affected second match. The third match was now the series final.

Pakistan squared the three-match ODI series on Friday with a 128-run victory over Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, a match defined by a contentious run-out and lengthy weather delays. Chasing a rain-adjusted target of 243 from 32 overs after a two-hour interruption, Bangladesh collapsed for 114 in 23.3 overs. The total mirrored Pakistan’s score from the series opener, though the hosts reached it with far less resistance. Outside of a brief 58-run stand between Litton Das, who scored 41 off 33 balls, and Towhid Hridoy, the Bangladesh middle order offered little defiance. The contest’s defining moment occurred during the Pakistan innings when Salman Agha was run out in a manner that sparked visible on-field tension. Salman was dismissed after a Mehidy Hasan Miraz delivery deflected off the bat back toward the non-striker. While the laws of the game supported the dismissal, Salman expressed his frustration by discarding his equipment as he departed, while the Bangladesh camp defended the tactical appeal. The dismissal proved a turning point. Pakistan had reached a formidable 231 for 3, fueled by an aggressive 75 from opener Maz Sadaqat and a 109-run partnership between Salman (64) and Mohammad Rizwan. Following the run-out, the Pakistan lower order collapsed, losing seven wickets for 43 runs to finish at 274. Rishad Hussain spearheaded the comeback, taking 3 for 56. However, Bangladesh’s response faltered immediately. Opening bowlers reduced the hosts to 15 for 3 before a severe thunderstorm halted play. When the match resumed under a revised DLS target, the momentum remained firmly with Pakistan. Sadaqat capped a standout performance by taking 3 for 23 with the ball, while Haris Rauf, returning to the lineup, claimed 3 for 26. The series concludes with the final match on Sunday, with both teams level at 1-1.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed Thursday that the final contingents of the South African and West Indies squads have departed India, ending a weeklong logistical deadlock that left international stars stranded by airspace closures across West Asia. The ICC announced that 29 members of the South African party—including players, staff, and family—along with 16 West Indies representatives boarded flights within the last 24 hours. The departures resolve a mounting PR crisis for cricket’s governing body, which faced accusations of mismanagement and favoritism as players remained stuck in hotels days after their tournament exits. The West Indies, two-time T20 World Cup champions, saw their campaign end in the Super Eight stage against India on March 1. South Africa’s tournament concluded following a semifinal loss to New Zealand on March 4. While both teams were initially scheduled for swift exits, the ICC’s attempts to secure chartered flights were repeatedly thwarted by shifting geopolitical tensions that restricted regional flight paths. The delay became a flashpoint for controversy after England, who were eliminated in the semifinals by India on March 5, managed to secure a chartered flight and depart by March 7. The disparity in treatment prompted sharp rebukes from high-profile figures. West Indies head coach Daren Sammy aired his frustrations on X, while South African veterans Quinton de Kock and David Miller took to Instagram to allege biased treatment by the ICC. In a statement released Thursday, the ICC rejected claims of partiality, attributing the staggered departures to the volatile nature of international logistics during the ongoing regional crisis. "Throughout this period, ICC operations and logistics teams worked continuously with governments, airlines, charter providers, and member boards," the ICC stated. "Our objective was to navigate the evolving constraints posed by the shifting situation. The priority remained the safe return of all remaining players and staff, requiring frequent adjustments to flight plans as conditions changed." The logistical resolution comes four days after India's victory over New Zealand in the final on March 8, a tournament finish that was increasingly overshadowed by the stranded squads' public discontent.