United News of Bangladesh

Three goals for three lost finals. Cameroon finally won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday with a 3-0 victory over tournament debutant Malawi. Marie Ngah Manga headed two goals and Naomi Eto scored the other while Cameroon kept Malawi’s Chawinga sisters in check to claim its first win in the final at the fourth attempt. The Indomitable Lionesses, who failed to qualify for the previous edition of the tournament, had lost on their last three appearances in the final – all to 10-time winner Nigeria. “I feel like it’s a dream because you know Cameroon have been working hard to have this moment and today for us to be champion of Africa is a very, very wonderful thing,” Ngah Manga said. FIFA's under-fire president, Gianni Infantino, attended the game along with CAF President Patrice Motsepe. Infantino later helped Motsepe hand out medals to the top three teams. Algeria defeated Morocco in the third-placedecider on Saturday. Infantino also posed with Motsepe and Samuel Eto’o, the president of the Cameroon Football Federation, for a photo with Cameroon forward Monique Ngock after she received the player of the tournament trophy. Cameroon too strong Malawi made the better start but suffered a double blow when Ngah Manga headed the opener from close range in the 21st minute, shortly before Eto – who had her back to goal – turned brilliantly to send the ball inside the right post. Eto was also involved in the first goal, forcing a save from Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo before Ngah Manga scored. Malawi failed to muster a response and Ngah Manga effectively sealed the result on a break when Eto got to the ball before Sikelo and produced a perfect cross for her teammate to head her second goal of the game and fifth overall in the tournament. Cameroon substitutes ran onto the field to celebrate with their teammates. The Chawinga sisters had pushed Malawi after the break. Tabitha Chawinga felt she should have had a penalty, but a VAR check deemed otherwise. Then she drew a good save from Michaely Bihina, and her sister Temwa went close from the rebound. Cameroon veteran Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné went on in stoppage time and duly scored, only to have the goal ruled out for offside. The 37-year-old Onguéné was part of the Cameroon team that lost the final at home to Nigeria in 2016. Despite her disallowed goal, this time she could celebrate.  

Najmul Hossain Shanto believes Bangladesh’s historic Test victory over Australia in Darwin was the result of a change in mindset particularly among the pacers.  Bangladesh beat Australia by nine wickets on Sunday to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, just days after being bowled out for 54 by a Cricket Australia XI in their warm-up match. “Very happy, proud of myself and the way the boys played. We did a lot of hard work,” Shanto said after the win. He pointed to the changing attitude toward fast bowling in Bangladesh’s Test cricket. “That is the biggest change for Bangladesh in Test format,” he said. “Earlier, five years ago, pacers didn’t want to play Tests. But we have been playing lots of Test cricket and they are giving importance to Test format. They want to play, want to perform, want to be world-class.” Bangladesh’s fast bowlers set up the victory. Hasan Mahmud took six wickets in Australia’s first innings of 198 and added three more in the second innings. Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain also played their part. Hasan, named player of the match for his nine wickets, said Bangladesh focused on its plans rather than the result. “Before the match, in the practice session, we were doing our best every second and believed in ourselves without thinking of the outcome,” he said. “We got some team plans with the coaches, watching videos, and that’s what we did at the ground.” Australia captain Pat Cummins said the damage was done on the opening day. “Probably that day one,” Cummins said when asked where the match was lost. “I thought our prep was spot on, no excuses. They played well. We had to find a way to bat longer and then we couldn’t penetrate with the ball.” He credited Bangladesh for the way they played. “They outplayed us in all facets, they were patient and disciplined,” Cummins said. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who scored 65 in Bangladesh’s first innings and took five wickets in Australia’s second, said belief was crucial. “We had the belief,” he said. “Australia are a world-class team and have lots of good players. We knew if we beat them, it would be very good for our country.” Bangladesh’s 426 was built around Tanzid Hasan’s maiden Test century, Shanto’s 84 and useful contributions from Mominul Haque and Mehidy. The lower order then added valuable runs to give Bangladesh a 228-run lead. Australia were bowled out for 284 in their second innings, leaving Bangladesh a target of 57. Mominul and Shadman Islam completed the chase in 14.2 overs. Shanto said Bangladesh would need the same discipline in the second Test in Mackay. “We have to play five days of good cricket,” he said. “If we play session by session, if the lower order keeps chipping in, those are the things.”  

Bangladesh beat Australia by nine wickets in Darwin on Sunday to secure one of the biggest Test wins in their history. Chasing 57, Bangladesh reached 53 for 1 in 14.2 overs, with Mominul Haque unbeaten on 26 and Shadman Islam on 25. The victory came 23 years after Bangladesh last played a Test in Australia. It also capped a remarkable turnaround after they were bowled out for 54 by a Cricket Australia XI in their tour match last week.  

Bangladesh are 57 runs away from a historic Test victory after bowling Australia out for 284 in their second innings in Darwin. Australia added 123 runs to their overnight total on Sunday but lost their last six wickets for 123 runs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz took five wickets, while Hasan Mahmud took three to finish with nine in the match. Australia resumed on 161 for 4, with Cameron Green and Alex Carey at the crease. Green made 87 before Hasan Mahmud bowled him for the ninth wicket at 278. Miraz had earlier dismissed Carey for 49, Beau Webster for 15 and Pat Cummins for 14, after removing Steven Smith for 44 on Saturday. He then trapped Nathan Lyon lbw for 15 to end the innings at 284. Bangladesh had bowled Australia out for 198 in the first innings before making 426, taking a 228-run lead. Tanzid Hasan made his maiden Test century, while Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 84 and Miraz made 65. Hasan Mahmud took six wickets in Australia’s first innings and three in the second. Taskin Ahmed took the other wicket. Bangladesh now need 57 runs in their fourth innings to secure what would be their first Test win over Australia.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz put Bangladesh in a strong position on the fourth morning in Darwin, taking three wickets as Australia reached 243 for 7 at lunch, a lead of 15. Australia added 82 runs in 31 overs in the morning session but lost Alex Carey, Beau Webster and captain Pat Cummins. Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 85, while Mitchell Starc was 14 not out. The pair have added 36 for the eighth wicket. Miraz has taken four wickets in Australia’s second innings, including all three wickets to fall on Sunday morning. He found sharp turn and bounce from the Darwin surface to trouble Australia’s batters. Green, who resumed on 43, has been Australia’s main source of resistance. He has faced 151 balls and hit six fours. Australia began the day on 161 for 4, still 67 runs behind Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 426. Bangladesh had earned that advantage after bowling Australia out for 198 on the opening day. Tanzid Hasan then made his maiden Test century, while Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 84 and Mehidy made 65. Australia lost four wickets on the third day but Green and Carey held firm to take them to stumps at 161 for 4. Miraz said at lunch that he had focused on bowling in the right areas rather than constantly searching for wickets. “I wanted to keep things simple,” Miraz told former Australia fast bowler and commentator Brendon Julian. “There are a lot of footmarks outside off stump, so I tried to bowl there. I didn’t look for a wicket every over. On a pitch like this, discipline is important.” Asked whether Bangladesh had planned to beat Australia before the Test, Miraz said the team had prepared well and saw the match as a major opportunity. “We thought this was a great opportunity for us,” he said. “If we can beat them, it will be good for our country and for the players.”

Novak Djokovic made an early exit from the Cincinnati Open on Saturday, losing to Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante in his first match since the Wimbledon semifinals. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was beaten 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 by the world No. 50 in a match lasting 2 hours and 44 minutes under hot and humid conditions. Djokovic, ranked fifth in the world and a three-time Cincinnati champion, appeared to struggle physically during the match. The defeat ended his 10-match winning streak at the tournament. The 39-year-old Serb said an unspecified health condition that has troubled him for several years made it particularly difficult to compete in hot and humid weather. “It’s just a condition that I have, health-wise, that has been bothering me for the past couple of years,” Djokovic told reporters. He said heat and humidity had often caused problems and that the pressure and nerves of returning to competition had made the situation worse. Djokovic had been playing his first tournament since losing to top-ranked Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon semifinals. He also admitted that Saturday’s defeat could potentially mark his final appearance in Cincinnati. “I certainly hope so, but it looks more likely not, unfortunately,” Djokovic said when asked whether he would return. “But let’s see what the future brings.” Djokovic saved 13 of the 15 break points he faced, but Tirante broke his serve in the ninth game of the deciding set before serving out the match. Tirante, 25, described the victory as the biggest of his career. “I think this is the best win of my career,” he said, praising his ability to handle the pressure of facing one of tennis’ greatest players. Djokovic has enjoyed considerable success in Cincinnati, compiling a 45-13 record and winning the tournament in 2018, 2020 and 2023. His next scheduled major event is the US Open, which begins in New York on Aug. 30. In the women’s draw, Philippine player Alexandra Eala advanced after Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse retired during the second set because of an ankle injury. Eala, ranked 20th in the world, won her first WTA singles title in Washington earlier this month and has now won eight of her last nine matches. American Jessica Pegula also advanced with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Switzerland’s Simona Waltert. The third-ranked Pegula improved her hard-court record in 2026 to 25-6. She won the Cincinnati title in 2024.

Bangladesh remain in front in the first Test in Darwin, but Australia finally found some stability with the bat on the third day. Australia closed on 161 for 4, still 67 runs behind Bangladesh’s 426, with Cameron Green unbeaten on 43 and Alex Carey on 19. The pair shared an unbroken 39-run stand to see Australia safely through the final session. Bangladesh added 75 runs to their overnight total on Saturday before being bowled out for 426. Mehidy Hasan Miraz made 65, while Taskin Ahmed remained unbeaten on 14. Josh Hazlewood took 6 for 89, completing a six-wicket haul that limited Bangladesh’s lead to 228. Bangladesh’s first innings was led by Tanzid Hasan’s maiden Test century. The opener made 101, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 84 and Mominul Haque 49. Mushfiqur Rahim added 36 as Bangladesh built a commanding first-innings advantage. Australia then suffered another poor start. Hasan Mahmud removed Travis Head for 17 and Jake Weatherald for a duck, leaving the hosts 37 for 2. Taijul Islam dismissed Marnus Labuschagne for 31 before Mehidy removed Steven Smith for 44 at 122 for 4. Green and Carey then dug in. Green has faced 86 balls and struck two fours, while Carey has made 19 from 50 balls. Hasan Mahmud finished the day with 2 for 33, while Taijul and Mehidy took one wicket apiece. Australia’s recovery was a marked improvement after they were bowled out for 198 on the opening day. But Bangladesh still have the advantage, with Australia needing another 67 runs just to draw level.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz was unbeaten on 65 as Bangladesh reached 417 for 8 at lunch on the third day of the first Test against Australia on Saturday, stretching their lead to 219 runs. Miraz and Taskin Ahmed added 45 without being separated in the morning session, putting on their fifth partnership of more than 40 runs in the innings. Miraz has faced 152 balls, hitting five fours and a six. Taskin is 12 not out from 22 balls. Australia managed only two wickets in the 23-over session, both taken by Josh Hazlewood. Hasan Mahmud and Taijul Islam were dismissed as Bangladesh lost their seventh and eighth wickets. Australia also missed two chances off Pat Cummins. Steven Smith and Travis Head both put down catches. Miraz finished the session in style, hitting Cameron Green for six over the boundary. His partnership with Taskin has taken Bangladesh closer to a lead of 250. Bangladesh resumed the day on 351 for 6 after Tanzid Hasan’s 101, Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 84 and Mominul Haque’s 49 helped them build a strong position. They had started the innings 102 runs behind Australia, who were bowled out for 198 on the first day. Australia now face the prospect of having to chase a large deficit in their second innings, with Bangladesh still two wickets away from completing their first innings.  

The government has a plan to develop playgrounds wherever open spaces are available as part of its move to establish careers in sports as a profession field for the country's citizens, according to State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque. “The government has started working to establish sports as a profession. There is a plan to build playgrounds wherever open spaces are available. Sports will be made compulsory from the grade-IV in the next academic year,” he said, while attending a "Shadow Parliament" debate programme in the capital on Friday.  The state minister addressed the programme marking International Youth Day 2026 as the chief guest. In collaboration with CARE Bangladesh and SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh, Debate for Democracy organised the debate on ‘Private sector engagement is more important than the government in Building Skilled Manpower’ at the FDC.

Tanzid Hasan hit his maiden Test century on Friday as Bangladesh took a commanding 88-run lead over Australia at tea on the second day of the first Test in Darwin. Bangladesh reached 286 for 3 at tea, with Tanzid’s 101 off 197 balls playing a key role in putting the visitors firmly in control after Australia were bowled out for 198 on Thursday. Tanzid reached 100 from 188 balls, pushing Nathan Lyon to long-off for a single. He was out soon after for 101 from 197 balls, with eight fours and a six. It was only Tanzid’s second Test, but he played with little sign of being overawed by Australia’s attack. He resumed on 32 not out after Bangladesh had finished the first day on 96 for 1, 102 runs behind Australia’s 198. Tanzid and Mominul Haque put on 102 for the second wicket before Mominul fell for 49. Their partnership came four runs short of Bangladesh’s highest second-wicket stand in Australia, the 108 between Habibul Bashar and Hannan Sarkar in Cairns in 2003. Tanzid reached his fifty from 102 balls, hitting five fours. He needed only 86 more balls for his second fifty, adding three fours and a six. He drove well, played confidently off the back foot and twice took on Beau Webster, including a six down the ground. There was one let-off. Tanzid was on 62 when Steven Smith could not hold a chance at slip Smith had described the pitch as “tricky” after Australia were bowled out for 198 on Thursday. Bangladesh’s batters have so far offered little evidence of that, with Tanzid, Mominul and Najmul Hossain Shanto all batting comfortably.