United News of Bangladesh

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has cautioned its players and support staff after some of them expressed to leave Pakistan following a bombing in Islamabad this week. In a statement late Wednesday, the board said any player or staff member who defies its directive to continue the tour and returns home would face a formal review of their conduct. The SLC insisted it has taken “all necessary measures” in coordination with Pakistani authorities to ensure the team’s safety. The Sri Lankan squad is currently in Islamabad for a three-match ODI series. The explosion, which took place near the team’s hotel, has caused grave concern among players. Bangladesh dominate day 2 as Mahmudul, Mominul pile on runs in Sylhet According to international media reports, at least eight Sri Lankan cricketers had initially desired of leaving Pakistan. Following discussions between players, team management, and officials from both cricket boards, the remaining two ODIs have been pushed back by a day. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the matches will now be held on November 14 and 16 instead of November 13 and 15. Naqvi is also scheduled to meet the Sri Lankan team to assure them of security issues. The Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Islamabad has already reviewed the safety measures and expressed satisfaction, according to a PCB statement. Sri Lanka lost the opening match of the series by six runs. The team is also scheduled to take part in a T20 tri-series involving Pakistan and Zimbabwe after the ODIs. Pakistan has hosted international cricket again in recent years after a decade-long hiatus that began following the 2009 terrorist attack on the visiting Sri Lankan team in Lahore.

Bangladesh tightened their grip on the Sylhet Test with a commanding batting display, reaching 338 for 1 at stumps on the second day after dismissing Ireland for 286 earlier in the morning. Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy led the charge with a career-best 169 not out, while Mominul Haque provided solid support with an unbeaten 80. The pair added 170 runs for the second wicket after the early dismissal of Shadman Islam, who fell for 80 to left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys. Mahmudul, who had earlier completed his second Test hundred, continued to bat with authority, surpassing his previous highest score of 137 made against South Africa in 2022. His innings anchored Bangladesh’s dominance throughout the day. Earlier in the morning, Taijul Islam and Hasan Mahmud wrapped up Ireland’s innings within 14 balls. Barry McCarthy added 10 more runs to his overnight 21 before falling for 31. Bangladesh’s strong start was built on a 169-run opening stand between Shadman and Mahmudul — the team’s highest since 2015. With the hosts already 52 runs ahead and nine wickets in hand, they hold complete control heading into day three. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was Bangladesh’s best bowler in the first innings, taking 3 for 50, while debutant Hasan Murad, Hasan Mahmud, and Taijul Islam all contributed with two wickets apiece. The second and final Test will be played in Dhaka, followed by a three-match T20I series between the two sides.

Bangladesh strengthened their control of the Sylhet Test as Mahmudul Hasan Joy struck a composed century on Wednesday. And with this, the hosts crossed 200 for the loss of one wicket on day two after bowling out Ireland for 286 earlier in the morning. Mahmudul reached his second Test hundred with a square drive off Jordan Neill and was unbeaten on 105, while Mominul Haque was batting on 25 at the other end when tea was called. The day began perfectly for Bangladesh, as Taijul Islam and Hasan Mahmud claimed the final two Irish wickets in just 14 balls. Barry McCarthy, who resumed on 21, made 31 before being caught behind. In reply, Bangladesh openers Shadman Islam and Mahmudul provided a near-flawless start, adding 169 for the first wicket — the team’s highest opening stand since 2015. Shadman narrowly missed out on a century, dismissed for 80 off left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys. The strong foundation left Bangladesh firmly on top, with the top order making full use of favorable batting conditions. Mehidy Hasan Miraz had earlier led Bangladesh’s bowling effort with 3 for 50, while debutant Hasan Murad and Taijul Islam took two wickets each. The second and final match of the series will be held in Dhaka, followed by three T20Is between the sides.

Bangladesh enjoyed a commanding start to their first innings after dismissing Ireland for 286 early on the second morning of the Sylhet Test, reaching 109 without loss at lunch. Openers Shadman Islam and Mahmudul Hasan Joy both struck fluent fifties to give the hosts a perfect start. Shadman raced to his seventh Test half-century off 49 balls and was unbeaten on 58 at the break, while Joy reached his fifth fifty soon after, staying not out on 50. The pair looked assured throughout the morning, keeping Ireland’s bowlers at bay. Earlier, Ireland, resuming on 270 for eight, added just 16 runs before being bowled out. Barry McCarthy, who resumed on 21, made 31 before falling to Hasan Mahmud, while Taijul Islam claimed the other wicket of the morning. Sylhet Test: Bangladesh wrap up Ireland for 286 early on day two Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the standout performer with 3 for 50, while debutant Hasan Murad, Hasan Mahmud, and Taijul Islam took two wickets each. Ireland’s innings was built on half-centuries from Paul Stirling (60) and debutant Cade Carmichael (59) before Bangladesh’s bowlers regained control. The first of the two-Test series has swung Bangladesh’s way after a near-flawless opening session with the bat. The final Test will be played in Dhaka, followed by a three-match T20I series.    

Bangladesh finished off Ireland’s first innings swiftly on the second morning of the Sylhet Test, bowling out the visitors for 286 runs after just 14 balls of play. Ireland resumed at 270 for 8 but could add only 16 runs before losing their remaining wickets. Barry McCarthy, who began the day unbeaten on 21, extended his innings to 31 before becoming the final wicket, caught behind off pacer Hasan Mahmud. Taijul Islam claimed the other wicket, removing Matthew Humphreys. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the pick of Bangladesh’s attack, finishing with 3 for 50 from 23 overs, while debutant left-arm spinner Hasan Murad impressed with two wickets in his maiden Test outing. Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, and Taijul Islam took one wicket apiece on day one. Sylhet Test: Bangladesh pull things back as Ireland finish day one on 270 for 8 Earlier on day one, Ireland looked well placed at 94 for 1 thanks to a 94-run second-wicket stand between Paul Stirling and debutant Cade Carmichael. Stirling top-scored with 60, while Carmichael made a journey of 59 runs. But regular strikes after lunch halted their progress, as Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained tight control through the afternoon. Ireland had won the toss and opted to bat first in the opening match of the two-Test series. The second and final Test will be played in Dhaka, followed by a three-match T20I series between the sides.

Bangladesh clawed back through disciplined bowling on the opening day of the Sylhet Test, restricting Ireland to 270 for eight at stumps after the visitors had made a steady start. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz led the attack with three wickets for 50 in 23 overs, while debutant left-arm spinner Hasan Murad impressed with two crucial scalps. Pacers Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana, along with Taijul Islam, chipped in with one wicket each to keep Bangladesh in control by the close of play. Ireland’s innings revolved around the contributions of Paul Stirling and Cade Carmichael, who each struck confident half-centuries. Stirling, the more aggressive of the two, top-scored with 60, while the debutant Carmichael showed composure to make 59. Their 94-run stand for the second wicket helped Ireland recover after losing skipper Andy Balbirnie for a duck in the first over. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers tightened their grip after lunch. Nahid Rana broke the partnership when Stirling edged to slip on 60, and Mehidy Hasan struck soon after to dismiss Harry Tector lbw for 1. The middle order offered brief resistance, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Barry McCarthy remained unbeaten on 21 as Ireland survived the full 90 overs but struggled to build lasting partnerships after the second-wicket stand. Despite early fielding lapses — Bangladesh dropped three catches in the first session — the hosts recovered well, showing control and patience on a pitch that offered occasional bounce and turn.

Bangladesh fought back with quick wickets after lunch to check Ireland’s early momentum on the opening day of the Sylhet Test on Monday. At lunch, Ireland were comfortably placed on 94 for 1, but two strikes in successive overs — from pacer Nahid Rana and off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz — dragged the visitors back to 101 for 3. Paul Stirling, who looked in command during the morning session, finally fell for 60 after being dropped twice by the Bangladesh fielders. Nahid Rana found his outside edge, and Shadman Islam made no mistake this time at slip. Just an over later, Mehidy Hasan trapped Harry Tector leg-before for 1, shifting the momentum Bangladesh’s way. Earlier, Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie fell for a duck in the very first over, trapped lbw by Hasan Mahmud, before Stirling and debutant Cade Carmichael steadied the innings with a 94-run stand. Stirling’s fifty came off just 61 balls with eight boundaries, marking his second half-century in Tests. Bangladesh’s fielding, however, remained a concern — three catches were dropped in as many overs during the morning. Both Stirling and Carmichael benefitted from the lapses, but the hosts made amends soon after lunch. Bangladesh’s bowling attack — featuring two pacers and three spinners — appeared well-balanced on a pitch offering some bounce and turn. Debutant left-arm spinner Hasan Murad bowled a tidy spell, while Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan were steady from the other end.

Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said he is returning to leadership with “clarity and full independence” as Bangladesh prepare to face Ireland in Sylhet on Tuesday. Bangladesh played their last match five months ago against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Najmul, who had stepped down from captaincy during the Sri Lanka tour in June, was persuaded by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to continue leading the red-ball side through 2027. “I spent those months away from captaincy in a relaxed way and enjoyed that time,” he told reporters in Sylhet. “But when the board spoke to me, I felt that Bangladesh cricket is bigger than me as an individual. I had to think about what the team needed, not just what I wanted,” he added. The BCB’s vice-president, Faruk Ahme,d was tasked with convincing Najmul to stay on, assuring him of full freedom in decision-making. The left-hander said that promise, and the involvement of former cricketers on the board, gave him confidence to return. “When senior former players give advice, it’s for the good of the team and for me personally,” he said. “I respected that and felt it was right to put the team before myself.” No action to be taken on speculation over harassment claims: BCB Najmul also indicated that communication issues that led to his earlier resignation had been resolved. “The board has spoken openly about what problems might arise and how we can address them. Everything is now clear,” he said, adding that he has already discussed coordination with T20 captain Litton Das and ODI skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz. “We three captains sat together to talk about how to take Bangladesh forward across formats. I’m confident the board will give us the support we need,” Najmul said.    

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has said it will not take any decision based on speculation or emotion over the sexual harassment allegations made by former national cricketer Jahanara Alam. The board insisted that only a full and independent investigation will determine the outcome. Speaking to reporters early this week after the opening day of the Bangladesh Cricket Conference, BCB president Aminul Islam and director Amzad Hossain reiterated that the board’s three-member inquiry committee — announced on Saturday night — will handle the matter with full independence and report its findings within 15 working days. “Our board has zero tolerance for any form of harassment — verbal, physical, mental, or online,” Amzad said. “But we will not act on suspicion. Every decision will be based on verified evidence and the committee’s report. If anyone is proven guilty, strict action will follow.” The committee is led by a retired Supreme Court justice and includes BCB director Rubaba Dowla, the board’s only female director. Aminul defended her inclusion amid concerns over potential conflicts of interest, explaining that a board representative was necessary to facilitate access to internal information. Jahanara’s explosive allegations — made in a YouTube interview — accused former selector and manager Manjurul Islam and the late women’s wing chief Towhid Mahmud of harassment during the 2022 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand. Since then, former players Romana Ahmed and Reshma Aktar Aduri have come forward with similar claims, including one naming Nazmul Abedin, now BCB’s cricket operations head.    

Heavy rain forced the abandonment of the fourth Twenty20 international between New Zealand and the West Indies on Monday, leaving the hosts ahead 2–1 in the five-match series with one game remaining. The West Indies took the opening match by seven runs, while New Zealand bounced back to claim the second by three runs and the third on Sunday by nine runs. New Zealand won the toss at Saxton Oval Monday and chose to field. Only 6.3 overs had been bowled when the rain set in with the West Indies at 38-1. The last match of the series will be played at University Oval, Dunedin on Thursday. Teams: New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Jimmy Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy. West Indies: Alick Athanaze, Amir Jangoo, Shai Hope (captain), Sherfane Rutherford, Ackeem Auguste, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Roston Chase, Shamar Springer.