cricket
Mehidy eyes county cricket opportunity with Warks
Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has expressed his interest in playing county cricket in England. The 25-year-old has received a call-up from Warwickshire, a county club, and sees this as a significant opportunity to enhance his skills.
Mehidy, who has been an integral part of the Bangladesh national team, is keen to join Warwickshire for the upcoming one-day competition in August, provided he is not engaged with his international commitments.
In a recent interview with local media, Mehidy said: "If there are no national team fixtures and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) issues me a NOC, definitely I would be looking to play some games for Warwickshire."
Mehidy’s inclusion in Warwickshire came through his teammate at Mohammedan Sporting Club, Jack Lintott, an English cricketer who recently made his debut in the Dhaka Premier League.
Lintott recommended Mehidy to the Warwickshire set-up. This connection was crucial to Mehidy’s opportunity to feature in the highly competitive English domestic season.
Bangladesh bowling coach Allan Donald also spent many years playing for Warwickshire, also known as Warks for short.
Bangladesh's national team schedule aligns well with Mehidy’s aspirations. Following their home series against Afghanistan, which is slated to conclude on July 16, Bangladesh will have some breathing space before the Asia Cup commences in September. This gap provides Mehidy with the chance to join Warwickshire and participate in the county matches.
Mehidy has played 74 ODIs for Bangladesh so far and scored 858 runs with a century and two half-centuries. He has 85 wickets in this format as well.
Asia Cup Cricket 2023: Analysis of Group A
India, Pakistan, and Nepal will play in Group-A at the Asia Cup Cricket 2023, which is set to start on September 2 and end on September 17. While Pakistan and India joined as the ICC full member, Nepal qualified for the tournament after winning the 2023 ACC Men’s Premier Cup. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will play in Group B. Among the two groups, Group A will surely provide an intense battle as two rivals, India and Pakistan, will compete to become the group champion. That brings a question, will Nepal get any chance? Let’s find out in Group A analysis of the 2023 Asia Cup Cricket tournament.
Analysis of Group A
Unlike Group B, all the focus in Group A will be on the India vs. Pakistan match. As a newcomer and less experienced team, Nepal might not give a good fight against these heavy-weight teams.
India
India has appeared in 14 Asia Cups since 1984. Among these, 12 appearances were in ODIs, and 2 were T20I Asia Cup. And India is the most successful team in the tournament, as they won 6 ODI tournaments and one T20I. However, India’s last title came in the 2018 Asia Cup, which was the ODI tournament. So far, India played 49 ODIs in Asia Cup and won 31 of them, losing 16 matches. As the ODI World Cup is approaching this year, the tournament will be played in the ODI format.
Read more: Asia Cup Cricket 2023: Analysis of Group B
Analyzing India’s most recent ODI matches, it can be said that India is a strong contender for the 2023 Asia Cup. Although India lost their last ODI series against Australia by 2-1 in March, they have won two series by 3-0 against New Zealand and Sri Lanka. However, before starting the Asia Cup, India will play a series against the West Indies in August. So this will also help them to prepare for the tournament.
Pakistan
In addition to India and Sri Lanka, Pakistan stands as the only other country to have emerged victorious in the Asia Cup cricket tournament. Similar to Sri Lanka and India, Pakistan started their campaign as the continental champions back in 1984.
Since then, they have participated in an impressive 14 out of the 15 editions of the prestigious Asia Cup. Their consistent presence in the tournament reflects their status as a tough cricketing nation in the Asian region. Pakistan played 45 Asia Cup matches in the ODI format and won 26 of them.
In the last two years, Pakistan played several ODI series. Out of their last 4 series, Pakistan won three of them. The most recent series win came against New Zealand, which took place in April- May this year. They won by 4-1, which reflects them as another strong team in the Asia Cup 2023.
Read more: Bangladesh to host Afghanistan in June-July 2023
Nepal
Nepal made it to the group stage of the Asia Cup for the first time. Nepal's remarkable journey in cricket continues as they secured their qualification for the Asia Cup by defeating the United Arab Emirates in a thrilling final of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Premier Cup on May 2. In the final match, Nepal showcased their bowling ability, stopping the Emirates team to 117 runs.
Lalit Rajbanshi proved to be the standout performer, claiming an impressive four wickets for just 14 runs. The talented Sandeep Lamichhane also made a significant contribution, taking two wickets for 34 runs in his 10 overs. Chasing the target, Nepal displayed their batting skill, reaching the required total in 19.3 overs. Gulshan Jha emerged as the batting hero, scoring a magnificent 67 runs off 84 balls for the team's victory.
This year has undoubtedly been a momentous one for Nepalese cricket, as they not only secured their qualification for the World Cup qualifiers earlier in the year but also earned their spot in the prestigious Asia Cup.
Read more: Bangladesh A earn hardfought draw against West Indies A
Who Will Proceed to Super Four from Group A?
It is clear that India and Pakistan will surely advance to the Super Four as the other opponent Nepal has less experience. Although Nepal has been doing well recently, they are yet to play a big team like India and Pakistan.
Final Words
India, being the champions of the inaugural edition, holds the record of being the most successful team in the Asia Cup. Since the inception of the tournament, a total of 15 editions have taken place, showcasing thrilling battles among Asian cricketing nations. The tournament format expanded to include the T20I format in 2016, adding an additional layer of excitement to the competition. Now, it is time to see the years-old rivalry between India and Pakistan in Asia Cup Cricket 2023 Group A.
Bangladesh A earn hardfought draw against West Indies A
The first unofficial Test match of the West Indies A tour of Bangladesh ended in a draw after Bangladesh A put up a resilient performance in their second innings following on at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
West Indies A won the toss and elected to bat first in the match, and they got off to a solid start with openers Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kirk McKenzie putting on a 130-run partnership.
McKenzie scored a fine 86, while Chanderpaul top-scored with 83. Alick Athanaze and Joshua Da Silva also contributed with scores of 85 and 77, respectively.
For Bangladesh A, Musfik Hasan took three wickets, while Nayeem Hasan bagged two wickets each as West Indies A declared their innings at 427/7.
In response, Bangladesh A were bowled out for just 264 in their first innings. Saif Hassan was the standout performer with the bat, scoring 95, while Afif Hossain contributed with a well-made 45, and Jaker Ali scored 64 and remained unbeaten.
Jair McAllister was the pick of the bowlers for West Indies A, claiming five wickets for 60 runs.
Following on, Bangladesh A showed great resilience in their second innings, finishing the match at 187/7 and earning a draw from a tough positon.
Shadman Islam scored a gritty 64 off 90 balls, while Jaker remained unbeaten on 36.
McAllister was again the pick of the bowlers for West Indies A, claiming two wickets, while Gudakesh Motie also picked up two wickets.
Both the teams will lock horns in two more unofficial Tests in this series, with one will begin on May 23, and the other one on May 30. Both matches will be played at the same venue— Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
Cricket World Cup 2023: BCB chief wants journalists to express opinions on squad
The highly anticipated World Cup is scheduled to take place later this year in India. Bangladesh has already qualified for the tournament, and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is working diligently to finalise the squad for the biggest cricketing event.
During a media interaction on Thursday, the president of the BCB expressed his desire for journalists to share their opinions on the squad selection process.
"There are many individuals here who possess extensive cricket knowledge. I am considering asking you to name the best XI and would be delighted to hear your thoughts on the matter," stated Nazmul Hasan, the BCB president.
Nazmul also offered his perspective, mentioning that six cricketers—Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Towhid Hridoy—have almost secured their spots in the World Cup team.
However, he highlighted that other positions are yet to be confirmed. Nazmul stated that Mahmudullah Riyad, the seasoned all-rounder, will face strong competition to secure a spot in the World Cup squad, as there are talented players capable of fulfilling the role he has played for the Tigers.
"Afif Hossain has a good chance. Yasir Ali Rabbi and Mosaddek Hossain have also shown promising performances in the past. Considering their bowling abilities, both Afif and Mosaddek have a chance, and Afif is also a proficient fielder," remarked Nazmul.
He further emphasised that while Mahmudullah's experience may be a factor in his consideration for the World Cup, it does not guarantee a place in the playing XI.
"We must break free from the mindset that someone has a fixed position in the playing XI solely because they are part of the squad," added Nazmul.
Bangladesh to host Afghanistan in June-July 2023
Afghanistan's cricket team is scheduled to tour Bangladesh for a three-series match starting on June 10, 2023, consisting of a Test match in Mirpur, three ODIs in Chittagong, and two T20I matches in Sylhet.
On Wednesday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the schedule, with the only Test match set to be played on June 14 in Mirpur.
Following the Test, Afghanistan will take a break for their series against India before returning to Bangladesh on July 1st to play three ODIs in Chittagong on July 8, 12, and 14, followed by two T20Is in Sylhet on July 14 and 16.
Initially, the International Cricket Council (ICC) had planned for Afghanistan to play two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is in Bangladesh.
However, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) proposed reducing the number of matches to accommodate their tour of India, which the BCB accepted.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh team just returned from the tour of England for a three-match ODI series against Ireland they have won by 2-0, with one match being washed out due to rain.
Asia Cup Cricket 2023: Analysis of Group B
The 2023 Asia Cup Cricket tournament will take place in Pakistan from September 2 to 17. The event will feature 6 teams, and they will compete in the One Day International (ODI) format. It is considered the preparatory series leading up to the 2023 Cricket World Cup. The five full members of the Asian Cricket Council, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh will join the tournament. This year, Nepal will also play in the Asia Cup as they qualified by winning the 2023 ACC Men's Premier Cup.
On January 9, 2023, the tournament's groups and format were unveiled, dividing the six teams into two groups of three each. Bangladesh is in Group B along with Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. We will look at Group B's prospects in Asia Cup 2023.
Analysis of Group B
Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka will play in Group B at the 2023 Asia Cup. These three teams are ICC's full members. Hence, they did not need to go through qualifying.
Sri Lanka will join the tournament as defending champions. Sri Lanka appeared 13 times in the Asia Cup and won six times, becoming the second most successful team. They delivered incredible performance in the 2022 Asia Cup. The Lankans were unstoppable throughout the tournament. However, a 105-run loss against Afghanistan in the opening match was the only dissatisfaction. After that, in the rest of the matches, the opponents did not get any chance to beat Sri Lanka. In the final match, they defeated Pakistan by 23 runs to take home the 6th title. They were not much stronger than their opponents, but their dedication helped them win the tournament.
Read more: U-19 ODIs: Pakistan take series 4-1 with 80-run victory over Bangladesh
However, this year, Sri Lanka is struggling in the ODI format as they lost most of the ODI series in the last couple of years. Also, they are having a bad time in ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League too. So far, they won only 7 matches out of 24.
On the other hand, another group member Afghanistan is a bit stronger. This will be Afghanistan's third appearance. Afghanistan showed a pretty steady performance in the Asia Cup. They reached the super four twice in 2018 and 2022. The Afghans have been very consistent in recent ODI performances. They drew an ODI series against Sri Lanka in November 2022. Before that, they won a series 3-0 against Zimbabwe. Furthermore, Afghanistan also played well in the ICC Super League. They won 11 ODIs out of 15 matches played and lost only three. So, in the ODI format of Asia Cup 2023, Afghanistan has a great chance to outperform the other two teams (Sri Lanka and Bangladesh) of Group B.
However, among the three teams of Group B, Bangladesh is the favorite to become the group champion and proceed to Super Four. Bangladesh played some outstanding ODI series recently. For example, they beat India by 2-1 in December 2022. After that, they beat England in one ODI game. And, recently, Bangladesh won two series against Ireland. Considering these facts, Bangladesh might win both matches in the group stage. And Afghanistan might be the second team to proceed to the Super Four.
Read more: Fizz in dream return bowls Tigers to series win against Ireland
Bangladesh's Prospects in Asia Cup 2023
Bangladesh has appeared in 13 Asia Cups so far. However, the Tigers don't have many satisfactory outcomes; they are yet to win a tournament. The best were runners-up in 2012 and 2018. Bangladesh played 45 matches so far in the Asia Cup and won only 7, and lost 38 matches. So, Bangladesh's performance in the Asia Cup has been quite poor. But, this year, Bangladesh will join the tournament with a strong team. And the country has been preparing to give a good fight. And Bangladesh's most recent performances also portray their determination and dedication.
Although we are over three months away from the Asia Cup Cricket 2023, Bangladesh's recent performances against Ireland, England, and India make them one of the top contenders. Bangladesh's 2-1 ODI series win against India in December 2022 is one of the top inspirations to perform better in the next matches. And we have seen improvements in the England and Ireland series. Tigers have shown incredible performances on the home ground as well as abroad.
If the Bangladesh cricket team can continue its current performance, the county has a great chance to win the Asia Cup this year or at least they can reach the final. However, Bangladesh didn't play against Pakistan lately. So, they will need to analyze Pakistan's recent performance and playing style to find a way to beat them. Other than that, Bangladesh is well aware of other opponents such as India, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka.
Read More: Tigers dismissed for 274 as Ireland battle to tie series in 3rd ODI
Final Words
As a preparation for the ODI World Cup 2023, this year's Asia Cup will be held in the ODI format. It is expected that, in the upcoming Asia Cup Cricket 2023 tournament, Group B matches will be exciting as all three teams (Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka) have enough experience. Group A contains India, Pakistan, and Nepal.
U-19 ODIs: Pakistan take series 4-1 with 80-run victory over Bangladesh
Pakistan U-19s secured the series with an impressive 80-run victory over Bangladesh in the fifth Youth ODI at the Shahid Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi on Monday.
Pakistan's dominant performance led them to a 4-1 series win over the hosts, with the only T20 scheduled to take place on May 17 at the same venue.
Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bowl first, but Pakistan posted a competitive total of 244 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 50 overs.
Hamza Nawaz played a pivotal role, scoring 72 runs off 76 balls, including six fours and three sixes, while Azan Awais and Shahzaib Khan contributed 41 and 67 runs, respectively.
Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, taking four wickets for 42 runs.
In response, Bangladesh's chase got off to a poor start as they lost three quick wickets for just 21 runs.
Although Ahrar Amin and Mohammad Shihab James tried to rebuild the innings with their 97-run partnership for the fifth wicket, the rest of the Bangladesh batting lineup failed to deliver, and they were eventually bowled out for 164 runs in just 36.3 overs.
Ali Asfand and Arafat Minhas were the standout bowlers for Pakistan, taking three wickets each, while Sajjad Ali claimed two wickets.
END/UNB/SHT/ssk
Fizz in dream return bowls Tigers to series win against Ireland
Bangladesh secured a nail-biting win over Ireland in the 3rd ODI of the three-match series, part of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League, at the County Ground in Chelmsford.
The victory was secured in the last over, with Bangladesh winning by just 5 runs. Mustafizur Rahman bagged four wickets to help the Tigers clinch the series.
With just 10 runs to defend in the last over, bowler Hasan Mahmud conceded only 1 run off the first 3 balls, with 2 wickets falling off those deliveries, including a run-out. Ireland could only score 3 more runs off the last 3 balls.
After winning the toss, Ireland elected to field first. Bangladesh got off to a shaky start, losing the debutant Rony Talukdar early on for just 4 runs.
However, Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal steadied the innings with a well-crafted 69 off 82 balls, his first fifty after 9 innings.
Najmul Hossain Shanto also played a useful knock of 35 off 32 balls, while Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim contributed with scores of 35 and 45, respectively. The Bangladesh innings got a major boost in the latter stages thanks to some fine hitting by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who scored a quickfire 37 off just 39 balls.
They, however, missed a chance to reach 300 or more, losing 5 wickets for just 13 runs in the last part of the innings. They posted 274 all out in 48.5 overs.
Chasing a target of 275, Ireland got off to a poor start, losing Stephen Doheny early on for just 4 runs. However, Paul Stirling and skipper Andy Balbirnie put on a solid partnership of 109 runs for the second wicket. Stirling played a fluent knock of 60 off 73 balls, while Balbirnie scored a patient 53 off 78 balls.
Harry Tector, the centurion of the previous match, also chipped in with a useful 45 off 48 balls, and Lorcan Tucker scored a well-made 50 off 53 balls. Captain Andy Balbirnie also hit a fifty— 53 off 78 balls.
However, the Bangladesh bowlers kept chipping away with wickets at crucial intervals, and the Irish chase ultimately fell short by just 5 runs, ending up on 269 for 9 wickets in 50 overs.
Mustafizur, who has been going through a bad patch for a while now, scalped 4 wickets, conceding 44 runs in 4 overs, earning him the award of player of the match. Hasan also conceded 44 runs in 9 overs and bagged two wickets.
With this win, Bangladesh won the series 2-0. The first match of the series was washed out due to persistent rain, while the second match was also cut short due to the rain.
Tigers dismissed for 274 as Ireland battle to tie series in 3rd ODI
Tamim Iqbal scored 69 runs and Mushfiqur Rahim contributed 45 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 274 in 48.5 overs in the third ODI of the three-match series against Ireland on Sunday.
Although Bangladesh looked set to reach 300, some quick wickets— five wickets in 13 runs— toward the end of the innings prevented them from achieving their target. Bangladesh’s biggest partnership came on the sixth wicket when Mushfiqur and Mehdiy Hasan Miraz added 72 runs on the board.
Ireland won the toss and chose to bowl first at County Ground, Chelmsford. Bangladesh began their innings well, with opener Tamim leading from the front. He scored a fifty after nine innings. However, he fell for 69 runs off 82 balls with 8 fours and a six, caught by Craig Young off the bowling of George Dockrell.
Debutant Rony Talukdar was the first wicket to fall for Bangladesh, dismissed by Tucker for 4 runs. Najmul Hossain Shanto scored a useful 35 runs off 32 balls, but was caught by Balbirnie off the bowling of Craig Young. The middle-order batsmen Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy also contributed with scores of 35 and 13 runs respectively, but both were dismissed by Mark Adair. Litton looked set to build a big innings, but he failed to carry on.
Mushfiqur scored 45 runs off 54 balls but was eventually dismissed lbw by Andy McBrine. The onus was on him to accelerate the scoring rate towards the end of the innings, but he was given out lbw after a review went against him. Mehidy Hasan Miraz also played an important role, scoring 37 runs off 39 balls before being caught by Craig Young off the bowling of Mark Adair.
Mrittunjoy Chowdhury played a crucial cameo towards the end of the innings, scoring an unbeaten 10 runs off just 8 balls, helping Bangladesh reach a total of 274 runs.
Mark Adair was the pick of the bowlers for Ireland, finishing with figures of 4 for 40 in his 8.4 overs. Andy McBrine and George Dockrell also bagged two wickets each for Ireland.
Bangladesh won the second ODI by chasing down a total of more than 300 runs, with Shanto scoring his maiden ODI century, while the first match was washed out due to rain. A victory in this match would secure the series for the Tigers.
Bangladesh bats first as Rony, Mrittunjoy make debut
Ireland won the toss and elected to send Bangladesh to bat first in the third ODI on Sunday in Chelmsford.
Rony Talukder, a right-handed batter who returned to the national team after eight years recently, has played 7 T20Is and has scored more than 3000 runs in List-A cricket. He now made his ODI debut.
Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, a left-arm pacer, received his maiden call to the national team and has played 30 List-A matches, taking 42 wickets.
Bangladesh won the second match of the three-match series by chasing more than 300 runs, after the series opener was washed out due to rain.
Shakib Al Hasan is not playing in this match due to an injury.
Bangladesh's Playing XI: Tamim Iqbal (c), Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Rony Talukdar, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (w), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, and Ebadot Hossain.
Ireland's Playing XI: Stephen Doheny, Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie (c), Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (w), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Andy McBrine, Craig Young, and Joshua Little.