United News of Bangladesh

Mid-table Durbar Rajshahi  forced League leader Rangpur Riders to concede first defeat in the seven-team Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Cricket beating them by 24 runs at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Thursday. Despite the day’s maiden defeat, Rangpur Riders maintained their top slot in the league intact securing 16 points from nine matches with eight wins and one defeat while middle rated Durbar Rajshahi are still struggling for the qualifiers with eight points from ten encounters. Sent into bat first in the day’s match, Durbar Rajshahi piled up a moderate 170 for 9 in 20 overs with middle order Yasir Ali quick-firing 60 runs off 32 deliveries hitting two four and six sixes. Later Yasir was adjudged most valuable player of the match by Cricinfo. Opener Sabbir Hossain (39), one down Anamul Haque Bijoy (34), another opener Mohammad Haris (19) were the other notable batters to reach the double figures. BPL: Rajshahi beat Sylhet as Sunzamul takes three wickets Akif Javed and Khurshdil Shah grabbed three wickets each conceding 23 and 31 runs respectively. In reply, Rangpur Riders were bundled out for 146 runs in 19.2 overs with one down Saif Hasan making 29-ball 43 runs featuring five fours and two sixes. Nurul Hasan Shohan fired a captain knock of 41 runs off 26 balls hitting four fours and two sixes, bowling all rounder  Mohammad Saifuddin  made 14-ball 23 runs including two fours and a six while and Khurhdil Shah made 13-ball 14 runs featuring a six, were the main contributors for Rangpur Riders. Ryan Buri of Rajshahi claimed four wickets 22 runs and was adjudged player of the match while SM Meherob and Taskin Ahmed took two wickets each giving away 19 and 20 runs respectively.

Former captain of the Bangladesh national team and the captain of Fortune Barishal in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Tamim Iqbal, reached 8000 runs in T20s as the first Bangladeshi batter. The left-handed batter achieved the milestone of 8,000 runs on Thursday during his innings of 40 against Rangpur Riders in their BPL match in Sylhet. Before taking the field on Thursday, Tamim had 7991 runs to his name in this format of cricket. Tamim reached the milestone in his 272nd match and 271st innings in T20 cricket. He now has 8031 runs at an average of 32.91 and a strike rate of 121.27, including four centuries. Read: Tamim ponders Champions Trophy return amidst retirement rumours Most of the runs Tamim scored came for the Bangladesh national team where he scored 1701 runs. In BPL, Tamim is the all-time highest scorer with more than 3500 runs. He also has more than 600 runs in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Rangpur Riders won their fifth match in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Tuesday beating Dhaka Capitals by 7 wickets in Sylhet. It was the Riders’ fifth win in the fifth match, and in contrast, it was the fourth defeat of Dhaka in as many matches. Nahid Rana took three wickets for 21 runs for the Riders to seal the game for them. Opting to bowl first, Rangpur’s bowlers, led by Rana, dismantled Dhaka’s batting lineup, restricting them to a mere 111 runs in 16.3 overs. The other Rangpur bowlers provided strong support. Akif Javed and Khushdil Shah took two wickets each, while Mahedi Hasan and Kamrul Islam Rabbi picked up one apiece. Dhaka made a promising start with Jason Roy, 18 off 12, and Tanzid Hasan, 20 off 16, making a good impression. But they lost wickets on regular intervals that prevented them from making good partnerships. Read: Hales guides Rangpur Riders to big win over Sylhet Chasing 112, Rangpur Riders made quick work of the target. Alex Hales played a steady hand with 44 off 27 balls, smashing four boundaries and three sixes. Khushdil Shah ensured a swift finish, scoring an unbeaten 27 off 13 balls with four fours and a six. Riders reached the target in just 13.2 overs, finishing at 113 for 3 with 40 balls to spare. Azizul Hakim (5) and Saif Hassan (13) also contributed for them, but Hales and Khushdil were the main contributors in the chase. While the Riders are continuing on their winning streak, Dhaka have been struggling to make a good show in this BPL so far.

Alex Hales hit a century in the first match of the Sylhet phase of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) as the Rangpur Riders beat the Sylhet Strikers by eight wickets on Monday. Sylhet batted first after losing the toss and posted 205 for four. Rony Talukdar and Zakir Hasan scored fifties for them, while a quickfire innings from Jaker Ali and Aaron Jones gave them a strong total to defend. Sylhet post big total against Rangpur in home ground Sylhet managed 74 runs in the last five overs, with Jones and Jaker hitting four sixes in the final over, bowled by Akif Javed. Mohammad Saifuddin was the most effective bowler for the Riders, picking up two wickets for 31 runs in his four overs. In reply, the Riders lost their opener, Azizul Hakim, for a duck. But Alex Hales and Saif Hassan were the mainstays for them to chase a big total. Alex hit a ton—113 off 56 with 10 fours and seven sixes, while Saif scored 80 off 49 balls with three fours and seven sixes.Their batting approach kept the asking rate under control throughout the chase. Saif fell in the 18th over, but the Riders were already within touching distance of the target. BPL: Mehidy shines as Khulna Tigers beat Dhaka Capital by 20 runs Riders completed the chase in 19 overs, finishing on 210 for two. Alex Hales was named Player of the Match for his match-winning century. It was the Riders’ fourth win in as many matches, while it was the second defeat in two matches.

Rangpur Riders won against Cricket Victoria by 56 runs and claimed the inaugural ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) title on a historic night at Providence. Rangpur Riders was the only Bangladeshi team in the league. It was their maiden participation in a foreign T20 event. After winning the toss, Riders captain Nurul Hasan elected to bat. Steven Taylor and Soumya Sarkar forged a 124-run partnership in just 14 overs. Taylor smashed 68 before falling to Karima Gore, while Sarkar carried his bat with an unbeaten 86 off 54 balls, striking seven fours and five sixes. The Riders closed their innings at an imposing 178-3 in 20 overs. Rangpur Riders reach final eliminating Lahore Qalandars Victoria, who had been the tournament’s standout team, crumbled under the pressure of the chase. Joe Clarke showed intent with a quick-fire 40 off 22 balls at the top of the order, but they lost quick wickets, and the Australian side was bowled out in the 18th over. The Riders’ bowling unit operated as a united force, with Harmeet Singh standing out. His slow left-arm spin produced figures of 3-19 from four overs. Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain and Saif Hassan bagged two wickets each.  

The Sylhet leg of the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) commenced as Khulna Tigers triumphed over Rangpur Riders by 28 runs on Friday. Mohammad Nawaz's stellar fifty and Dasun Shanaka's four-wicket haul were instrumental in securing the victory for the Tigers. Malik’s three no-ball controversy: Barishal denies rumors of contract termination The Sylhet International Stadium witnessed an almost-packed crowd, with Shakib Al Hasan returning to the field despite earlier concerns about his eye condition. Facing an early setback with the departure of Captain Anamul Haque for a duck, Khulna Tigers recovered with crucial contributions from Evin Lewis (37) and Mohammad Nawaz (55). Dasun Shanaka's brisk 40, combined with Nawaz's explosive innings, propelled the Tigers to a competitive total. ICC U-19 World Cup: Bangladesh to play US on Friday In response, Rangpur Riders struggled against a disciplined Khulna bowling attack. Despite Mohammad Nabi's resilient fifty (50), the Riders fell short of the target. Dasun Shanaka's impactful all-round performance, particularly his four crucial wickets, earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award. The Khulna Tigers now make a strong statement in BPL 2024 with their convincing 28-run victory over the Rangpur Riders. Australian pacer becomes best cricketer of 2023 In the second match of the day, Sylhet Strikers will take on Comilla Victorians. After a 10-match leg, the BPL will return to Dhaka.

The Sylhet phase of the ongoing 10th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is set to commence on Friday with a match between Khulna Tigers and Rangpur Riders. The BPL had a two-day break after the first phase in Dhaka. Shakib Al Hasan diagnosed with retinal condition in left eye A total of 10 matches will be played in Sylhet until February 3. Following this, the BPL action will return to Dhaka before heading to the port city of Chattogram. The final stage of the BPL is scheduled to take place in Dhaka. Currently, Khulna Tigers lead the points table with two wins in two matches, securing four points. Chattogram Challengers have also amassed four points with two wins in three matches. BPL 2024: Comilla Victorians secure maiden win as Barishal fails to defend 13 in last Over Sylhet Strikers are the sole team yet to earn a point, having lost both matches played thus far. Mushfiqur Rahim of Fortune Barishal leads the list of batters with the most runs in this year's BPL, amassing 156 runs in three matches. Imrul Kayes and Afghanistan’s Najibullah Zadran closely follow with 118 and 117 runs, respectively. BPL 2024: Babar, Omarzai Propel Riders to Victory in Low-Scoring Affair vs Strikers Among the local pacers, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, and Khaled Ahmed share the top place of leading wicket-taker in the BPL so far, each having five wickets.

Bangladesh cricket star Shakib Al Hasan, currently representing Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), is scheduled to fly to Singapore on Sunday for a medical consultation concerning his persisting eye problems. Ahead of the BPL commencement on Friday, Shakib returned from the UK after seeking medical advice for his eyes. However, it appears that the cricketer continues to grapple with discomfort in his eyes. BPL 2024: Fortune Barishal triumphs over Rangpur Riders Jalal Yunus, the Cricket Operations Chairman of BCB, confirmed that Shakib is going to Singapore to see a doctor.  “Yes, he is traveling to Singapore tomorrow,” he said on Saturday. “Whether he can continue playing in the BPL depends on the doctors' recommendations. He will have to follow their advice. BPL will miss Shakib.” BPL 2024: Dhaka Make Flying Start, Beating Defending Champions Shakib has been contending with eye issues since the late last year's World Cup in India. In media interviews, he expressed the difficulty he faced in performing due to eye-related problems. Despite this, Shakib played for the Riders on Saturday and took two wickets against Fortune Barisal. Shoriful Shines in BPL Opener with a Hat-trick “Our team highly values Shakib,” remarked Nurul Hasan Shohan, Shakib's captain in the BPL, during a press conference on Saturday. “I believe he has been struggling with his eyes for the last few days. The doctors will determine his condition.”

Sylhet Strikers provided their fans with the ultimate Bashonti present by advancing to the final of this year's Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) with a 19-run victory over Rangpur Riders on Tuesday in Mirpur. The Strikers, led by Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, will now face the Comilla Victorians in the final on February 16th. It will be the first time a Sylhet franchise will compete in the BPL final. Rangpur needed 28 runs in the last over to chase down the target of 183. Rubel Hossain conceded two fours off the first two balls, but he made a comeback off the last three balls and ensured a win for the Strikers. Before failing to score 28 runs in the last over, the Riders were going well. In the fourth-wicket partnership, Nurul Hasan Shohan and Rony kept the scorecard afloat. They scored 82 off 52 balls. The partnership was broken after a drama unfolded when Mushfiqur Rahim returned to the field. The wicketkeeper-batsman was absent from the field at the start of the second innings. In his absence, Akbar Ali, a substitute fielder, kept wicket for the Strikers. However, when Mushfiqur returned to the field before the 17th over, the playing conditions required him to resume his role as the designated wicketkeeper of the Strikers. For unknown reasons, Mushfiqur was unable to take on this responsibility. In this scenario, the Strikers had two options: either to give the gloves to Mushfiqur and replace Akbar or to choose someone from the playing XI to take on the role. The Strikers decided to entrust Zakir Hasan with the gloves. This drama caused a pause in the match that lasted several minutes. In the meantime, Nurul and Rony lost momentum. Off the first ball of the 17th over, Sakib dismissed Nurul. In the same over, Rony was trapped run-out by Zakir. And the Riders never got the momentum back. Dasun Shanaka and Mahedi Hasan, two batters who had the onus on them to get going for the Riders, failed, and eventually, the Riders tumbled for 163 for eight in 20 overs. Luke Wood scalped three wickets for the Strikers, while Rubel and Sakib took two wickets each. Read more: BPL 2023: Rangpur book last playoff spot beating Dhaka Earlier, the Riders won the toss and sent the Strikers to bat first. The in-form Towhid Hridoy and Najmul Hossain Shanto ensured a blistering first-wicket stand, scoring 65 off nine overs. After Hridoy was sent back by Hasan Mahmud, Mashrafe surprised many by putting himself to bat at number three. He also displayed some old batting glimpses, scoring 28 off just 16 balls at an average of 175. Thisara Perera and George Linde also contributed well, scoring 21 each. Hasan Mahmud and Dasun Shanaka took two wickets each. But their efforts were not enough to restrict the Strikers to a lower total.  

Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has announced a lower ticket price for the 2nd qualifier, which will be played on February 14 at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. Sylhet Strikers will take on the Rangpur Riders in the 2nd qualifier, and it will determine which team will challenge the Comilla Victorians in the grand finale on February 16. The tickets for this match are now discounted, as compared to the first qualifier. Fans can buy their tickets at the Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium and the ticket booth adjacent to Gate 1 of Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Read More: BPL 2023: Dhaka end with another defeat The tickets are priced from Tk 100 to Tk 1,000, depending on the stand the fans choose. The grandstand is the most expensive option, and it offers the best view of the game. The eastern stand is the cheapest option but still provides a decent view. The VIP stand, the clubhouse, and the north/south stand are also available at different ticket prices. The ticket counters will remain open from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm. Each fan can buy up to four tickets. On their way to the 2nd qualifier, the Sylhet Strikers lost the first qualifier to the Comilla Victorians, while the Rangpur Riders won the eliminator against the Fortune Barishal. The second qualifier match will start at 2:00 pm on February 14. Read more: BPL 2023: Khulna sign off on high note