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Prime Bank and Shinepukur Secure Big Wins in Dhaka League
Prime Bank Cricket Club and Shinepukur Cricket Club emerged victorious in their respective Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League matches on Thursday.
In Fatullah, Prime Bank posted a challenging total of 269 for 9 against Gazi Tyres Cricket Academy, thanks to a 71-run knock by Mushfiqur Rahim.
For Gazi Tyres, Shamim Mia was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets. Iftekhar Sajjad and Nuhayel Sandeed also contributed with two wickets each.
Gazi Tyres' batting line-up faltered in response, and they were bowled out for a mere 128 runs in 32.2 overs. Asraful Alom Asif top-scored with 34 runs but found little support from his teammates.
Prime Bank's national team stars, Hasan Mahmud and Mahedi Hasan, wreaked havoc with the ball, taking three and four wickets, respectively. This dominant performance secured a 141-run victory for Prime Bank, bringing their points tally to 14 and placing them in fifth position on the points table.
Meanwhile, in Savar, Shinepukur Cricket Club triumphed over Legends of Rupganj by 67 runs. Irfan Sukkur's impressive century laid the foundation for Shinepukur's victory.
Premier Hockey: Usha KC finish with winning note beating Police SC
Usha Krira Chakra completed their Green Delta Insurance Premier Division Hockey League engagements with a winning note, beating Bangladesh Police SC by 2-0 in their last super league match at the Moulana Bhasani National Stadium here on Thursday.
Arshad put Usha KC ahead in the 27th minute with a field goal (1-0), while Indian player Mohammad Shariq confirmed the Usha victory by scoring one more goal in the 38th minute from a penalty corner (2-0).
After the day's match, the old Dhaka outfit Usha KC finished 4th in the league table, securing 31 points from all 15 league matches, while Police SC finished in a distant fifth place, collecting 20 points.
Dhaka Mohammedan SC dominated the league table, securing 35 points, while Dhaka Abahani Limited and Dhaka Mariner Youngs Club followed the leader neck and neck with 34 points each, all playing 14 matches.
However, the league title will depend on Friday's Mohammedan-Abahani vital match where the black and whites Mohammedans need just a win to be the league champions.
If Mohammedan SC concedes defeat or makes a draw with Abahani Ltd in their last Super League match, then Dhaka Mariner Youngs Club and Dhaka Abahani Ltd will be the title contenders.
Meanwhile, Dhaka, Mohammedan captain Rassell Mahmud Jimmy will miss Friday's title-deciding match after receiving three yellow cards.
But Mohammedan appealed to the Hockey Federation to withdraw his suspension, as he was not warned after receiving the second yellow card.
Shoriful bags four as Abahani thrash Shiekh Jamal
Abahani Limited delivered a dominant performance, crushing Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club by 10 wickets in a lopsided Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League match at Mirpur on Thursday.
'Mustafizur has nothing to learn from IPL,' says BCB Cricket Ops chair
Sheikh Jamal's batting crumbled under Abahani's relentless bowling attack, managing a paltry total of 88 runs. Shoriful Islam, the left-arm national pacer, was the star with the ball, claiming impressive figures of 4 wickets for 35 runs. Taskin Ahmed also chipped in with two wickets, leaving Sheikh Jamal reeling.
Ex-test cricketer Slater in custody after facing an Australian court on domestic violence charges
Abahani's openers, Anamul Haque (37*) and Mohammad Naim (53*), made light work of the chase, reaching the target in just 10.2 overs. Naim's aggressive knock, studded with eight fours and two sixes, ensured a swift victory for Abahani.
Shoriful Islam's devastating spell earned him the Player of the Match award.
Who's leading Bangladesh's Premier Cricket League?
With this win, Abahani cemented their place at the top of the points table. They now have won 11 matches in a row, becoming the only team to do so in this season of the Dhaka League.
Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe T20 Series 2024: Fixtures, Head-To-Head Records
The Tigers will take on Zimbabwe as a last assignment before visiting the USA. Zimbabwe will tour Bangladesh for a 5-match T20I series to bolster their preparation for World T20 as well. This is the first time these two teams will be facing each other since the thriller in World T20 2022 at Brisbane. Both teams are likely to come up with their best possible squads for this series. Here is all you need to know for the Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe Men's T20I Series 2024.
Full Fixtures of BAN vs ZIM T20I Series in 2024
The series is scheduled to kick off on Friday, May 3 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. It will end with the 5th T20I of the series on Saturday, May 11 at Dhaka's Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Table: Full fixture of the T20I series between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe
Match
Date
Venue
1st T20
Friday, May 3, 2024
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
2nd T20
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
3rd T20
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
4th T20
Friday, May 10, 2024
Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
5th T20
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
Read more: BCB appoints former Pakistan great Mushtaq Ahmed as spin-bowling coach
BAN vs ZIM Head-to-Head T20I Records So Far
Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe have faced each other 20 times in T20I. Bangladesh has won 13 games against Zimbabwe which is the most for them against a single opponent. Similarly, Zimbabwe has won 7 games against Bangladesh which is their highest (along with Ireland) against a single opponent.
There have been 7 bilateral T20 series played between these two sides. 3 have been won by Bangladesh, 1 by Zimbabwe and the rest were a draw. However, Zimbabwe were the last bilateral series winners among them. Therefore, it is the perfect opportunity for both sides to brush up before the World T20. Let’s dive into some more detailed H2H records among these two familiar sides.
Table: Head-to-Head Records between Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe
Records
Bangladesh
Zimbabwe
Match Wins
13
7
Highest Total
200/3
205/3
Lowest Total
135/9
119/7
Largest Victories by Runs
48 Runs
31 Runs
Largest Victories by Wickets
9 Wickets
3 Wickets
Read more: Tamim's international career in limbo as BCB offers no clarity
Table: Notable Individual Head-to-Head Records between Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe:
Records
Bangladesh
Zimbabwe
Most Matches
Mahmudllah Riyad (16)
Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams (16)
Most Runs
Litton Das (308)
Hamilton MasaKadza (377)
Highest Score
Najmul Hossain Shanto(71)
Hamilton Masakadza (93)
Most 50
Litton Das (3)
Wesley Madhevere (3)
Most Sixes
Soumya Sarkar (15)
Malcolm Waller (18)
Most Wickets
Mustafizur Rahman (24)
Graeme Cramer (11)
Best Bowling
Mosaddek Hossain (4-0-20-5)
Neville Madziva (4-0-34-4)
Most Catches
Soumya Sarkar (8)
Sikandar Raza (9)
Most Dismissals
Mushfiqur Rahim (7)
Regis Chakabva (5)
Highest Partnership
Shakib Al Hasan-Shamsur Rahman (118)
Vusi Sibanda, Hamilton Masakadza (101)
Most Matches as a Captain
Mashrafe Mortaza (6)
Elton Chigumbura (4)
Bottom Line
Both of the teams are coming to the series after suffering a 2-1 defeat against Sri Lanka. Bangladesh lost to them at their home while Zimbabwe lost to Sri Lanka. Therefore, both of them will go to the field having a similar situation. The last 1 year of Bangladesh at T20 cricket on home ground, where they beat England, Ireland, and Afghanistan, makes them a slight favorite for this series. On the other hand, Zimbabwe lost their last 3 series in a row. Nevertheless, both teams can ulitilise the BAN vs ZIM T20I Series 2024 to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup tournament.
Read more: 'Mustafizur has nothing to learn from IPL,' says BCB Cricket Ops chair
'Mustafizur has nothing to learn from IPL,' says BCB Cricket Ops chair
Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) Cricket Operations Chairman, Jalal Yunus has sparked debate with his statement that star left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman has nothing more to gain from playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
This declaration comes despite Mustafizur's strong performance for the Chennai Super Kings, where he has taken 10 wickets in five matches, including a four-wicket haul.
BCB extended Mustafizur's IPL participation by one day, allowing him to play on May 1. He is expected to join the national team camp on May 3.
“Mustafizur has nothing left to learn by playing in the IPL. His learning process is over. In fact, many IPL players can learn from Mustafizur. Bangladesh will not benefit from this. Others will benefit from having Mustafizur,” Jalal asserted in Mirpur on Wednesday.
Jalal emphasised that the IPL is not limited to four-over spells for Mustafizur and expressed concern over the physical demands of the tournament's tight schedule.
“Our concern is Mustafizur's health. His fitness. They (the IPL teams) will want to take 100% from him. They don't have a headache about his fitness, but we do,” Jalal added. “What do we need? We need a fresh Mustafizur. We don't want an exhausted Mustafizur.”
He explained that the decision is part of managing Mustafizur's workload due to his recent heavy involvement in cricket.
Jalal's comments drew a reaction from renowned Bangladeshi cricket coach Mohammed Salah Uddin, who took to social media with a mocking response: “Nothing (is) expected better than that, brilliant thinking. Best jokes ever (I) heard,” accompanied by laughing emojis.
Super League Hockey: Dhaka Mariner Youngs stay in title race crushing Ajax SC
Dhaka Mariner Youngs Club stayed in the title race of the Green Delta Insurance Premier Division Hockey League, beating Ajax SC by 9-2 goals in a super six match at the Moulana Bhasani National Stadium here on Wednesday.
Earlier, Mohammedan SC also brightened their chance to clinch the league crown, beating Usha KC by 6-5 goals in a keenly contested super six match last Tuesday.
After the day's match, Dhaka Mohammedan SC dominated the league table, securing 35 points, while Dhaka Abahani Limited and Dhaka Mariner Youngs Club followed the leader neck and neck with 34 points each, all playing 14 matches.
However, the league title will depend on Friday's (April 19) Mohammedan-Abahani vital match where the black and white Mohammedans needed just a victory to be the league champions.
If Mohammedan conceded defeat against Abahani in their last match, then Dhaka Abahani and Dhaka Mariner Youngs Club entered the title battle.
In the day's lone match, star defender Shohanur Rahman Sabuj and Indian Sudeep Chirmako made hattricks, scoring four and three goals, respectively, while Mainul Islam Koushik and captain Fazle Hossain Rabby scored one each for the league champions, the Mariner Youngs.
Imtiaz Ahmed Rubel and Indian player Promot Dewan scored one goal each for Ajax SC.
Tamim's international career in limbo as BCB offers no clarity
As the Bangladesh team prepares for the upcoming Zimbabwe series, the possibility of veteran opener Tamim Iqbal's return to international cricket remains unclear.
A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official offered little insight into the situation.
What Lies Ahead for Tamim Iqbal?
Tamim's last international appearance was in September of last year. Since then, a combination of injuries and his absence from the national team have kept him out of the team. Tamim's request late last year to be excluded from the new year's national contract suggested a potential end to his international career.
However, neither Tamim nor the BCB have made definitive statements about his future.
BPL 2024: Tamim guides Barishal to playoff spot
“Did Tamim say that he was coming back?” Jalal Yunus, chairman of cricket operations, countered when asked about Tamim's potential return. “We had no such discussion with Tamim.”
Jalal also mentioned that he was tasked with discussing Tamim's future plans but declined to disclose the discussion's outcome. Instead, he said Tamim would meet with the board president to clarify his intentions. It was not clear when the anticipated meeting with Tamim and the board president would occur.
Mahmudullah included, Tamim axed from BCB's new central contracts
Tamim's strong performance in the recent Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he led Fortune Barishal to their first title and was the season's top scorer, fueled speculation about a return to the T20I format. Tamim retired from T20Is but has not made any further announcements.
National team captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed a desire to see Tamim back in international cricket. However, the overall situation surrounding Tamim's potential return remains shrouded in uncertainty.
BCB dismisses speculation over Hathurusingha
A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official has refuted recent media speculation about head coach Chandika Hathurusingha's future with the Bangladesh team.
Reports suggesting Hathurusingha would not return to Bangladesh surfaced after he travelled to Australia, where his family resides, ahead of the Eid break and the final Test against Sri Lanka.
“There is no doubt,” stated Jalal Yunus, BCB's chairman of cricket operations, when questioned about Hathurusingha. “Why should we doubt? We don't understand the reason behind (the speculation). Did we provide any statement (regarding Chandika)?”
Addressing the media at Mirpur on Wednesday, Jalal confirmed that the coaching staff will arrive in Dhaka ahead of the upcoming Zimbabwe T20Is. The head coach is scheduled to arrive on April 21st, with the other coaches following by the 23rd.
He further indicated that the selectors will soon announce the squad for the Zimbabwe series and that the World Cup team will likely be based on the same group of players.
“The selectors are working on the squad for the Zimbabwe series,” Jalal said. “As far as I know, they have been discussing the team composition and will finalise it soon.”
National team players are currently participating in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League. However, they will soon join the national squad in preparation for the Zimbabwe series, which begins on May 3, in Chattogram. The first three matches will take place in Chattogram, with the final two matches in Dhaka.
Federation Cup Football: Bashundhara Kings reach semifinals beating Rahmatganj MFS
League champions Bashundhara Kings smartly reached the semifinal of the Federation Cup Football as the 2nd team eliminating Rahmatganj MFS by 2-0 goals in the 2nd quarterfinal at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj on Tuesday.
Defending champions Dhaka Mohammedan SC advanced to the semifinal of the Federation Cup Football Tournament as the first team eliminating Sheikh Russel KC by 2-1 goals in the first quarter final at the same venue on April 2.
Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club to play Police FC in the 3rd quarterfinal on April 23 while Dhaka Abahani Ltd will face Fortis FC in the 4th and last quarterfinal on April 30, both at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj
In the day's well contested 2nd quarterfinal, Sohel Rana put the Kings ahead in the 24th minute of the match by a powerful shot, capitalizing on a Robson Robinho clever pass (1-0).
Nigerian booter Mfon Sunday Udoh scored the 2nd goal for the Kings in the 62nd minute sending the ball over the advanced opponent custodian, also off a Robson Robinho pass (2-0).
Later, the Kings day's play maker Robson Robinho was adjudged the best player of the match.
Super League Hockey: Mohammedan SC brighten their chances of clinching league title beating Usha KC
Dhaka Mohammedan SC brightened their chances of clinch Green Delta Insurance Premier Division Hockey League title beating Usha KC by 6-5 goals in a keenly contested super six match at the Moulana Bhasani National Stadium on Tuesday.
With the day's important win, Dhaka Mohammedan SC dominated the league table table securing 35 points from 14 matches while Dhaka Abahani Limited and Dhaka Mariner Youngs Club followed the leader with 34 and 31 points, playing 14 and 13 matches respectively.
Mohammedan SC will play their traditional rivals Dhaka Abahani Limited in their remaining super league match on Friday (April 19) and their win against Abahani will assure the league crown.
Dhaka Abahani Limited and Dhaka Mariner Youngs Club also have chance to clinch league title if they win their remaining (one and two respectively) super league matches.
In the day's vital match, Malaysian player Faizal Bin Sarri made a hattrick for the black and whites Mohammedan SC scoring three goals while Al Nahyan Shuvo, Din Islam Emon and another Malaysian Fitfi Bin Sarri scored one goal each.
Indian player Ishrat Iktidar struck twice while Arshad Hossain Raju, Ahmed Topu and another Indian recruit Mohammad Shariq scored one goal each for old Dhaka giant Usha KC.