United News of Bangladesh

The Pakistan Cricket Board has named four uncapped players in its 16-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series in Bangladesh next month. The selection, announced this week, features left-handed openers Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais, pace-bowling all-rounder Amad Butt, and wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammad Ghazi Ghouri. While Ghouri recently made his One-Day International debut against Bangladesh in March, the other three players have no prior international experience. The selectors rewarded domestic form, particularly from the recent President’s Trophy and Quaid-e-Azam Trophy tournaments. The 30-year-old Butt earned his maiden call-up following a standout season for PTV in the President's Trophy, where he claimed a tournament-high 32 wickets in seven matches at an average of 19.21. The pace bowler brings significant domestic experience to the squad, having secured more than 200 first-class wickets since his debut in 2015. Fazal, 23, secured his spot after finishing as the leading run-scorer in the President's Trophy. Playing for the State Bank of Pakistan, he compiled 622 runs at an average of 51.83, including two centuries. He is joined by fellow left-handed opener Awais, who transitioned directly from the 2024 Under-19 World Cup to dominate the domestic circuit. Awais led the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy scoring charts in his debut season, amassing 844 runs for Sialkot at an average of 76.72. Across two years of first-class cricket, Awais has accumulated 2,673 runs with 10 centuries. Ghouri, also 23, bolsters the squad's wicketkeeping options following a highly productive domestic season. He earned his Test selection after finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in the President's Trophy with 531 runs at an aggressive strike rate of nearly 86. The Pakistan Test squad is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka in early May for the two-match series.  

The return to fitness of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has presented Bangladesh's team management with a difficult selection dilemma ahead of their must-win second ODI against New Zealand. Mustafizur missed the series opener due to knee discomfort, paving the way for left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam to make his first ODI appearance in 16 months. Islam capitalized on the last-minute opportunity, emerging as the team's most effective bowler. However, with Mustafizur now reportedly fit to play, Shoriful’s spot in the starting lineup remains uncertain despite his standout performance. Addressing the intense competition within the pace bowling unit, Islam welcomed the situation as a positive indicator for the national team's depth. "There is no frustration here," Shoriful said. "Those who are playing are doing well, and those outside the squad are also good cricketers. It is a healthy competition." Shoriful added that he is prepared to step aside if the management opts to rotate the squad, noting that fielding the best possible team to secure ranking points for direct World Cup qualification remains the ultimate priority. While the bowling unit's recent successes have frequently been undermined by top-order batting failures, Shoriful refused to criticize his teammates for the team's struggles. "If we lose, the batters feel as bad as we do," Shoriful said, adding that the bowlers could always strive to make things easier for the batting lineup. "Hopefully, in the next match, the batters will do very well, we will support them, and we will win the match collectively."

It's a huge day in the Premier League title race, with Arsenal travelling to Manchester City in a meeting between the top two. A win for Arsenal and the long-time league leaders will regain a nine-point advantage, leaving them in a strong position to become English champions for the first time since 2004. A win for City and the gap would be reduced to three points. City would also have a game in hand, at next-to-last Burnley on Wednesday. After that, both teams would have five matches left. A draw? That would suit Arsenal more, keeping a six-point cushion between the teams. City is at home and is in better form, winning its last three games — 2-0 over Arsenal in the English League Cup final, 4-0 against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarterfinals and 3-0 at Chelsea in the league — and having one of the division's most exciting players in France playmaker Rayan Cherki. Arsenal, meanwhile, has lost three of its last five games in all competitions as it stumbles toward the end of a season that could still bring the Premier League and Champions League titles. Before the City-Arsenal match, Everton hosts Liverpool in the Merseyside derby, and it's also Aston Villa-Sunderland and Nottingham Forest-Burnley.

Reigning world champions Spain kept their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification hopes alive with a commanding 5-0 victory over Ukraine on Saturday at the Nuevo Archangel Stadium in Cordoba, Spain, Xinhua reports. The result came after Spain’s midweek defeat away to England, and the win ensured that their home clash against England on June 5 is likely to decide who tops the qualifying group and who must go through the playoffs. Spain, who had earlier beaten Ukraine 3-1 in the reverse fixture, took the lead after just 90 seconds when Lucia Corrales delivered a precise cross from the left for Edna Imade to head home. Ronaldo, Portugal eye World Cup push in Group K with Colombia, Uzbekistan, Congo Despite dominating possession with over 70 percent and earning 10 first-half corners, Spain struggled initially to break down Ukraine’s disciplined defence. Ukrainian goalkeeper  made a single notable save in the first half, denying Alexia Putellas. In the final minute before the break, Olha Ovdiychuk nearly equalised with a powerful strike that hit the post and almost deflected in off Spanish goalkeeper Adriana Nanclares. Two minutes after the restart, Corrales and Imade combined again, with Imade scoring another header to double Spain’s lead. As temperatures rose above 30 degrees Celsius, Ukraine began to fade, and Spain added more goals. Vicky Lopez assisted Maria Mendez for the third in the 61st minute, while Eva Navarro’s shot deflected in for the fourth in the 70th minute. Lopez then sealed the emphatic win in the 75th minute, finishing after rounding the goalkeeper to complete the 5-0 scoreline.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the schedules for two upcoming home series on Friday, confirming a two-match Test series against Pakistan in May followed by a six-match white-ball series against Australia in June. The Pakistan squad is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on May 3. The first Test will commence on May 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the capital. The teams will then travel to Sylhet for the second Test, which begins on May 16 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Both matches are part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle. Following Pakistan's departure, Australia will arrive on June 5 for three One-Day Internationals and three T20Is.. The ODI series is set to begin on June 9, with the second and third matches scheduled for June 11 and June 14. All ODI fixtures will start at 11 a.m. local time. The T20I leg of the Australian tour will start on June 17, followed by matches on June 19 and June 21, featuring 2 p.m. starts. The board has not yet confirmed the host venues for the Australia series.

Fast bowlers Blair Tickner and Nathan Smith orchestrated a late batting collapse to lead New Zealand to a 26-run victory over Bangladesh in the first ODI on Friday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. The victory gives New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Defending what was thought to be a quite modest total of 247/8 after winning the toss and electing to bat first, New Zealand bowled out the hosts for 221 in 48.3 overs. Tickner claimed four wickets for 40 runs in his 10 overs, while Smith secured three for 45, effectively ending Bangladesh's chase by dismissing top-scorer Towhid Hridoy in the penultimate over. Bangladesh encountered immediate trouble in the fourth over of their chase. Smith bowled opener Tanzid Hasan for two and dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto for a first-ball duck on consecutive deliveries, reducing the hosts to 21 for two. Saif Hassan and wicketkeeper Litton Das stabilized the innings with a 93-run partnership for the third wicket. Saif compiled a steady 57 off 76 balls, including eight boundaries, while Das contributed 46 from 68 deliveries. However, both established batters fell in the middle overs. Saif was caught off the bowling of Will O'Rourke, and Das was bowled by Dean Foxcroft, stalling the home team's momentum. Left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox applied further pressure with an economical spell, conceding just 32 runs in his 10 overs and dismissing Afif Hossain for 27. Hridoy anchored the lower-middle order, striking two fours and two sixes in a 60-ball 55. As the required run rate climbed above 10 runs per over, Tickner systematically dismantled the tail. In the 46th over, he caught and bowled Rishad Hossain and subsequently bowled Shoriful Islam on the next delivery. He followed up by bowling Taskin Ahmed in the 48th over. Smith secured the victory moments later by inducing a catch from Hridoy to deep midwicket. Earlier, New Zealand's innings was anchored by half-centuries from Henry Nicholls and Foxcroft. Following the early departure of Nick Kelly, Nicholls constructed a 68-run innings from 83 balls. He shared a 73-run stand with Will Young, who scored 30, before falling to leg-spinner Rishad Hossain. Foxcroft accelerated the scoring rate in the lower-middle order, striking eight boundaries to compile a brisk 59 from 58 balls before Nahid Rana breached his defense. Smith provided crucial late runs with an unbeaten 21 off 22 deliveries. Left-arm fast bowler Shoriful Islam led the Bangladesh bowling attack, delivering two maidens and conceding 27 runs while taking two wickets in 10 overs. Taskin Ahmed and Rishad Hossain also claimed two wickets each, conceding 50 and 44 runs, respectively. Pace sensation Nahid Rana once again worked up a good head of steam, touching the high-140s, but proved expensive, conceding 65 runs off his allotted 10 overs, for just one wicket. 

Bangladesh reached 51 for two after 10 overs in pursuit of a 248-run target against New Zealand, following a brief top-order collapse sparked by fast bowler Nathan Smith. New Zealand posted 247 for eight in their allotted 50 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat first, anchored by half-centuries from Henry Nicholls and Dean Foxcroft. In the chase, Bangladesh encountered immediate trouble in the fourth over. Smith bowled opener Tanzid Hasan for two and dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto for a first-ball duck on consecutive deliveries, leaving the hosts at 21 for two. Saif Hassan, unbeaten on 18, and wicketkeeper Litton Das, not out on 15, navigated Bangladesh through the remainder of the initial overs without further loss. The team requires another 197 runs from 40 overs to secure a victory. Earlier, Nicholls stabilised the New Zealand innings after the early loss of opener Nick Kelly, constructing a measured 68 from 83 deliveries, including nine boundaries. He shared a 73-run partnership with Will Young, who contributed 30, before falling to leg-spinner Rishad Hossain in the 28th over. Foxcroft accelerated the scoring rate in the lower middle order, striking eight boundaries to compile a brisk 59 from 58 balls. Smith provided late momentum to the innings with an unbeaten 21 off 22 deliveries. The Bangladesh bowling attack utilised a collective effort to restrict the scoring. Left-arm fast bowler Shoriful Islam delivered the most economical spell, conceding 27 runs and claiming two wickets across his 10 overs, which included two maidens. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed and Rishad Hossain also secured two wickets each, conceding 50 and 44 runs, respectively. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz and fast bowler Nahid Rana claimed one wicket apiece, though Rana proved expensive, yielding 65 runs in his 10 overs.

New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first in the opening match of the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh on Friday in Dhaka. Bangladesh brought in Shoriful Islam replacing Mustafizur Rahman, who has been suffering from an injury. This New Zealand squad is somewhat inexperienced compared to Bangladesh. However, the Bangladesh captain and coach both noted they are expecting a tough challenge from the visitors. Bangladesh XI: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (w), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam New Zealand XI: Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Nick Kelly, Dean Foxcroft, Tom Latham (c & w), Muhammad Abbas, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will O'Rourke, Jayden Lennox.    

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) introduced a "Captains’ Card" on Thursday, granting former national team leaders lifetime access to all board events and comprehensive medical benefits. BCB ad-hoc committee president Tamim Iqbal distributed the cards during a ceremony at a Dhaka hotel Tamim, who received his own card from former captain Shafiqul Haq Heera, said the initiative was designed to honour the historical leaders of Bangladesh cricket and alleviate the anxiety many face when visiting stadiums post-retirement.  "I am sure all the captains present here have felt a sense of insecurity at some point about whether they would be recognized, stopped, or disrespected if they went to the ground," Tamim said. "This has happened to me as well. The card is meant to remove that hesitation." Cardholders will receive the same medical services from the BCB medical department as active national players. The board will also arrange health insurance for the former captains and provide financial assistance for overseas medical treatment if necessary. The event marked a rare gathering of Bangladesh's cricketing leadership, though several prominent figures were absent. Out of the 26 men and six women who have captained Bangladesh across all formats, only Rumana Ahmed represented the women's team.  Notable absentees included former Awami League lawmakers Naimur Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza. Also missing were Faruque Ahmed, Khaled Mashud, and Aminul Islam Bulbul, key figures in the elected board that the National Sports Council dissolved last week to make way for Tamim’s ad-hoc committee.  Tamim said that all former captains were invited, though he noted his attempts to reach his immediate predecessor were unsuccessful.  “I called Bulbul bhai, sent him a message, and then realized I was blocked,” Tamim said. Despite the absences and recent administrative turmoil, Tamim emphasized that the BCB will hold the cards for those who could not attend. “I do not want to talk about politics or what recently happened at the BCB,” Tamim said. “Your contribution to Bangladesh cricket is immense. Whenever you can, whenever you come to the country, please accept the card. We are all cricketers and we respect each other.”//  

Cristiano Ronaldo is set for what could be his final World Cup campaign as Portugal headline Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan and Congo. At 41, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who holds the record for most international goals in men’s football with 143, is expected to feature if fit. He has indicated the upcoming tournament will be his last and could become, alongside Lionel Messi, one of the first players to appear in six World Cups. Portugal, ranked fifth, qualified despite a setback against Ireland and will be looking to improve on their 2022 quarterfinal finish. Managed by Roberto Martinez, the squad includes Bruno Fernandes and João Neves. Their campaign begins against Congo on June 17 in Houston. Colombia, ranked 13th, return after missing the 2022 tournament, led by captain James Rodriguez, the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner. Coached by Néstor Lorenzo, they face Uzbekistan in their opener. Uzbekistan, ranked 50th, will make their World Cup debut under Fabio Cannavaro, with captain Eldor Shomurodov leading the side. Congo, back for the first time since 1974, secured qualification via a playoff win over Jamaica. Led by Chancel Mbemba and coach Sébastien Desabre, they complete a competitive group. Group K promises a mix of experience and emerging talent as Portugal pursue another shot at global glory.