United News of Bangladesh

Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped, and injured star Steve Smith has been ruled out of Australia’s squad for the opening match of their upcoming three-Test series against the West Indies, Cricket Australia confirmed on Friday. Smith will miss the first Test due to a finger injury sustained during Australia’s World Test Championship (WTC) final defeat to South Africa last weekend at Lord’s. While his recovery is progressing, he has not yet healed enough to return. Cricket Australia expects him to be fit in time for the second Test, set to begin on July 3. Chief selector George Bailey announced that teenager Sam Konstas and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis would replace Smith and Labuschagne in the squad. Bailey explained that Smith required another week for his wound to heal and would be reassessed afterward. Galle Test: Nissanka's epic ton propels Sri Lanka's solid reply to Bangladesh “We have made the decision to give Josh and Sam the opportunity to replace Steve and Marnus,” said Bailey. “We are excited to see them get the chance to further their fledgling Test careers.” Nineteen-year-old Konstas has only two Test caps to his name but made a strong impression with a brisk 60 off nearly as many balls during last December’s Boxing Day Test against India in Melbourne. Josh Inglis, 30, has primarily represented Australia in limited-overs formats but impressed in his only Test series to date — against Sri Lanka in February — scoring a century on debut and showing promise. “In his only opportunity in Test cricket to date, Josh was outstanding in Sri Lanka, showing great intent and ability to put pressure on the opposition,” Bailey noted. Labuschagne, who averages 46.19 across 104 Test innings with 11 centuries and 23 fifties, has been out of form in recent series. He has not reached a hundred since the 2023 Ashes Test in Manchester and has failed to score above 26 in his last four Test innings. Promoted to open in the WTC final against South Africa, he made modest starts but was dismissed for 17 and 22. Injured Steve Smith going with Australia to West Indies “Marnus at his best can be a really important member of this team,” said Bailey. “He understands his output hasn’t been at the level we, or he, expects. We will continue working with him on the areas of his game we feel he needs to rediscover.” The final playing XI and batting lineup for the first Test will be confirmed closer to the match, which begins next Wednesday.

Australia’s star batter Steve Smith will travel with the team to the Caribbean for their upcoming three-match Test series against the West Indies, despite suffering a serious finger injury during the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Captain Pat Cummins confirmed on Saturday that Smith won’t require surgery for the compound dislocation to his right pinkie, sustained during the final at Lord’s. However, his availability for the first Test, scheduled to begin on June 25 in Barbados, remains uncertain. “I’d say the first Test is probably unlikely, and we’ll assess from there,” Cummins said, adding that it’s still too early to make a definitive call. Smith sustained the injury while fielding at first slip during a key moment in the final against South Africa. Positioned closer to the stumps than usual, he was struck on the finger by an edge off the bat of South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma. Smith dropped the catch, allowing Bavuma — then on 2 — to go on and score 66 runs, forming a match-winning partnership with Aiden Markram, who made 136. ICC Women's World Cup 2025 fixtures announced Although Smith is expected to recover from the injury in about two weeks, he will have to wear a splint for up to eight weeks — the duration of the Test series — meaning his participation depends on how well he can manage with it on. The upcoming series marks the beginning of Australia’s 2025-27 WTC campaign. Following the disappointing five-wicket defeat to South Africa inside four days, Cummins said the team is eager to bounce back. “It’s good we get to dust ourselves off and turn around in a couple of weeks and start focusing on the next challenge,” Cummins said. “That’s one of the good aspects of the WTC — every series, every Test, holds weight.” Cummins emphasized the need to strike a balance between introducing fresh talent and maintaining a winning team, especially with an Ashes home series approaching in November. He hinted that some senior players may consider retirement afterward. “This feels like a bit of a fresh start,” he noted. “We’re already thinking a couple of years ahead — if we make the next final, who will be part of the team? Should we start giving game time to new players now? Or stick with the current squad?” Despite a strong personal performance — taking seven wickets and reaching 300 career Test wickets — Cummins admitted the team missed a golden chance to win back-to-back WTC titles. He pointed to Australia’s 74-run first-innings lead as a missed opportunity to build a bigger advantage. Mathews set for farewell as Bangladesh begin WTC campaign “There were plenty of turning points,” Cummins said. “We had a lead, but we should have batted South Africa out of the game with a score well above 300. Unfortunately, we gave them a chance to come back, and now we’re left with a sense of missed opportunity.”

Bangladesh women's team narrowly missed the direct qualification for the ICC Women's 0DI World Cup 2025 losing to hosts West Indies by eight wickets in a series deciding day-night 3rd and last ODI match at the Warner Park, Basseterre in St Kitts Friday night  After the Friday' s  match, Bangladesh women' s team not only failed to qualify for World Cup directly, but also lost the three- match ODI series 1-2 against the Caribbeans. Bangladesh women's needed just an outright victory or no result in Friday's 3rd and last match for their direct qualification in ODI World Cup, but suffered a frustrating eight wicket defeat destroying their long charished dream. New Zealand qualified to play in the World Cup directly toppling Bangladesh by virtue of better run rate despite of securing 21 points in the Women's Championship  like Bangladesh. Women's ODI Series: Bangladesh taste maiden victory against West Indies in any format Earlier, Bangladesh Women's came close to fulfill their dream to play in the World Cup as they tasted the maiden win against West Indies in any format of cricket beating them by 60 runs in the 2nd ODI to level the three-match 1-1 last Tuesday after conceding a nine-wicket defeat in the first ODI. However, Bangladesh has an outside chance to qualify for  the eight-nation final round of the Women's ODI World Cup after playing in the six- team qualifying round with Pakistan, West Indies, Ireland, Scotland and Thailand. Top two teams of the qualifying round will earn the rights to play in the eight- team final round with Australia England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and hosts India. In the 3rd and last ODI on Friday night  Bangladesh women's team batted first after winning toss and were bundled out cheaply for just 118 runs in 43.5 overs with Sharmin Akter (37l  Sobhana Mostary (25) and Fargana Hoque  (22) were the main contributors  In reply, West Indian women's easily reached their target scoring 122 runs the loss of eight wickets in 27.3 overs.

Pakistan hopes its tried and tested spin template will be successful against the West Indies as the two bottom-placed teams in the World Test Championship gear up for the two-test series starting from Friday. The same pitch has been prepared for the first test in Multan on which Pakistan spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali neutralized England’s aggressive “Bazball” in October when the groundskeepers successfully dried out the 22-yard strip with the help of giant industrial-sized fans and patio heaters. “We emphasized during the England series that home conditions are very important in test cricket,” Pakistan captain Shan Masood said on Thursday. “We adapted a style of play, style of pitches, (and) now we will try ... to carry forward the momentum of the England series.” Pakistan came from behind to beat England 2-1 on engineered dry pitches in Multan and Rawalpindi after losing the first test by an innings when the tourists amassed a record 823-7 declared in the first innings. Clark’s century powers Chittagong to big win over Khulna Off-spinner Sajid and left-arm spinner Noman grabbed 39 of the 40 wickets in the last two test matches against England, and were in the 15-man squad after being overlooked for the away series against South Africa, which Pakistan lost 2-0. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who missed the home series against England because of illness, was included as the third specialist spinner in the playing XI with off-spinner Salman Ali Agha giving the home team a fourth spin option. Pakistan has lost eight of its last 10 test matches under Masood’s captaincy since he was elevated to red-ball skipper in December 2023. But the skipper believed Pakistan couldn’t capitalize a number of times against Australia, Bangladesh and South Africa after putting opponents on the back foot. “There are lots of test matches during last year when we lost the games after coming into a winning position,” Masood said. “There were only one or two one-sided matches … we came into good positions but couldn’t finish it. The lesson for this team is how we can convert it into victories.” Pakistan will be without its in-form opening batter Saim Ayub, who was ruled out of competitive cricket for up to six weeks after fracturing his right ankle during the series in South Africa. Ayub will be replaced by Mohammad Huraira, who scored half-centuries in both innings during the three-day warmup game against the West Indies in Islamabad. The West Indies has yet to win a series in this WTC cycle. It has lost to India, England and South Africa while drawing 1-1 against Australia and Bangladesh. But captain Kraigg Brathwaite was hopeful that his team could finish the WTC cycle on a high. “This series is very important for us,” Brathwaite said. “It’s a new year … it is important to finish this cycle strong and that’s our focus.” Fast bowler Shamar Joseph was ruled of the series due to shin splits while another pacer, Alzarri Joseph, preferred to play in the ILT20 league in the United Arab Emirates. Brathwaite said the tourists have left out vice-captain Joshua Da Silva from the playing XI while fast bowler Kemar Roach misses out because of illness. Multan will also host the second test, starting from Jan. 25 due to ongoing upgrades at Pakistan’s two main stadiums in Karachi and Lahore for next month’s Champions Trophy.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday greeted the Bangladesh Cricket Team for their historic 3-0 series victory over the West Indies with an impressive 80-run win in the third T20I. "Congratulations to the Bangladesh Cricket Team on their outstanding 3-0 clean sweep in the T20 series against the West Indies," he said in a post on his verified Facebook page. Tarique said this remarkable achievement is a testament to the Bangladesh team’s unwavering dedication, exceptional teamwork and extraordinary skills on the field. “Such victories not only showcase your talent but also inspire millions across the nation, reinforcing the pride and passion we hold for cricket,” he observed. As the Bangladesh cricket team continues to raise the bar, he hoped this success would propel them toward even greater accomplishments on the international stage. “The entire nation stands united in celebrating your triumph,” Tarique said expressing his pleasure. BNP leader Salahuddin off to London to meet Tarique Bangladesh clinched an 80-run victory over the West Indies on Friday in the third T20I, completing a historic 3-0 series sweep at the Arnos Vale Ground. With this win, Bangladesh ended the long tour of the West Indies. They started the series with a draw in the two-match Test series and then lost the ODIs 3-0. But the Tigers came back strongly in the T20Is.

Bangladesh delivered a clinical performance with the ball to defeat the West Indies by 27 runs in the second T20I at Arnos Vale Ground, securing the three-match series with one game to spare. It was Bangladesh’s first T20I series win against West Indies since 2018. After a disappointing 3-0 loss in the ODI series, the visitors have bounced back emphatically in the shorter format. Being sent to bat first, Bangladesh struggled to gain momentum on a slow and damp pitch. Captain Litton Das (3 off 10) was the first to depart, stumped off Akeal Hosein, as Bangladesh found themselves in early trouble at 8 for 1. The top order faltered against the West Indies’ disciplined bowling, with Tanzid Hasan (2), Soumya Sarkar (11), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (26) failing to capitalize on starts. At 72 for 6 in the 14th over, Bangladesh seemed headed for an underwhelming total. India trails Australia by 278 runs on the 4th day of the 3rd test However, a watchfull knock by Shamim Hossain turned the tide. The left-hander smashed 35 off just 17 balls, including two fours and two sixes, lifting Bangladesh to a defendable 129 for 7 in 20 overs. Gudakesh Motie took two wickets for the West Indies. Chasing a modest target of 130, the West Indies' innings was shaken early under the pressure of Bangladesh's disciplined bowling. Taskin Ahmed struck in his very first over, removing Brandon King (8) and Andre Fletcher (0) to leave the hosts reeling at 19 for 2. Mahedi Hasan and Rishad Hossain then combined to decimate the middle order, with Nicholas Pooran (5) and Rovman Powell (6) falling cheaply. Bangladesh edge out West Indies in thrilling first T20I The hosts' hopes rested on Roston Chase, who fought well with a 32-run knock off 34 balls. Akeal Hosein added a battling 31 off 31 at the tail end, but their efforts were in vain as wickets kept tumbling at the other end. Taskin returned to claim the final scalp, dismissing Hosein and wrapping up the West Indies innings at 102 in 18.3 overs.

In a dramatic finish, Bangladesh edged past the West Indies by seven runs in the first T20I, securing their first victory against the Caribbean side in the format in six years. Liton Das, the Bangladesh captain for the series, now eyes a series win. Batting first, Bangladesh managed 147 for six, with the West Indies falling short at 140 in 19.5 overs.  After the victory, Bangladesh skipper Liton expressed his focus on clinching the series. Shakib barred from bowling in bizarre twist at career's tail end  “I want our team to play aggressive cricket. They are showing their quality, and despite the long tour, they are playing really well. We’ve started well, and if we continue this momentum, we can win the series,” Liton said.  During the toss, Liton had set a target of 180 runs but later admitted that the pitch did not behave as expected. "We have played here before, but this wicket didn’t play as well as I thought. Once we started batting, I realized 150-160 was a fighting total. We trusted our bowlers to defend it, and they delivered," he added.  

Bangladesh secured a nail-biting 7-run victory over the West Indies in the first T20I at Kingstown, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The victory came in the morning of Bangladesh’s 54th Victory Day anniversary, commemorating the country’s liberation from Pakistan in 1971, making the occasion even more special. Mahedi Hasan was the star of the match, earning Player of the Match honours for his brilliant all-round performance. He contributed an unbeaten 26 runs with the bat and then dismantled the West Indies batting lineup with a career-best 4 for 13.   Bangladesh add Nahid Rana to T20I squad against West Indies After being put into bat, Bangladesh posted a modest total of 147 for 6. Soumya Sarkar top-scored with 43 off 32 balls, while Shamim Hossain’s quickfire 27 off 13 provided much-needed momentum at the death. Mahedi played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings, forging a vital partnership with Shamim. West Indies' Akeal Hosein was the best bowler for the hosts, taking 2 for 13 in his four overs.   West Indies, chasing 148, were rocked early by Taskin Ahmed and Mahedi. By the 7th over, the hosts were reduced to 38 for 5, with Mahedi’s four-wicket burst sending jitters through the batting order. “We tried to bowl straight and stick to our process,” Mahedi explained. “It was crucial to maintain partnerships, and I’m glad we could execute our plans.” Bangladesh set 322 target for West Indies in final ODI Despite the collapse, captain Rovman Powell led a fightback with a 60 off 35 balls. Alongside Romario Shepherd, Powell stitched a record 67-run partnership for the eighth wicket, giving West Indies a glimmer of hope. With 20 runs needed off the final three overs, Taskin Ahmed delivered a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Shepherd for 22. Powell followed soon after, caught in the deep, as West Indies fell short, bowled out for 140 in 19.5 overs.   “The pitch didn’t behave as expected, and we felt 150-160 would have been a good score,” Bangladesh captain Litton Das lauded his team’s fighting spirit. “But we believed in our bowlers and fielders, and they delivered. This win gives us confidence going into the next game.” Litton also set a personal milestone, breaking the record for most dismissals by a Bangladesh wicketkeeper in a T20I innings with five.   “We lost wickets in clusters, and that was the only way they could stay in the game,” Powell admitted his side missed opportunities. “Our batting let us down after a credible bowling performance. We need honest conversations about what went wrong.”

Bangladesh set a competitive target of 322 for West Indies in the third and final ODI of the three-match series in Basseterre on Thursday. Mahmudullah Riyad's unbeaten 84 off 63 balls and Jaker Ali's solid 62 off 57 anchored a 140-run unbroken stand for the sixth wicket, rescuing Bangladesh from a mid-innings wobble and lifting the total to 321 for 5 in 50 over. West Indies to bowl first against Bangladesh in 3rd ODI The innings began shakily for Bangladesh, with Alzarri Joseph removing Tanzid Hasan (0) and Litton Das (0) in quick succession, leaving the visitors reeling at 9 for 2. Soumya Sarkar (73 off 73) and skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz (77 off 73) steadied the innings with a 136-run partnership for the third wicket. Soumya’s composed knock, with six fours and four sixes, ended when he was trapped lbw by Gudakesh Motie. Soon after, Mehidy was run out in a moment of brilliance by Sherfane Rutherford, leaving Bangladesh at 171 for 4. Bangladesh announces squad for Women’s U19 Asia Cup Afif Hossain fell shortly after for 15, caught by Brandon King off Rutherford. Mahmudullah and Jaker Ali then took control, mixing boundaries with smart running between the wickets.Mahmudullah struck seven fours and four sixes, while Jaker added five boundaries and two sixes to lift the run rate in the final overs. Bangladesh added 104 runs in the last 10 overs, ensuring a strong finish. West Indies' bowlers struggled after their early breakthroughs, with Alzarri Joseph finishing as the pick with 2 for 43 from 10 overs. BPL Football: 3rd round of BPL Football begins Friday Gudakesh Motie and Rutherford claimed a wicket each, but the hosts now face a challenging chase to secure a clean sweep.

West Indies have won the toss and opted to bowl first in the third ODI against Bangladesh on Thursday in Basseterre.  The hosts won the first two matches of the series, ending a 10-year drought of an ODI series win against Bangladesh. Now, the hosts aim to register a clean sweep against the Tigers.  While the hosts eye a 3-0, Bangladesh are eager to end the series with a win.  Bangladesh made three changes to its playing XI, with Taskin Ahmed, Nasum Ahmed, and Hasan Mahmud replacing Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana, and Shoriful Islam. West Indies have also made some changes. Jayden Seals, who helped the hosts win the last match, is out with an injury to pave the way for Alzarri Joseph. Along with this change, Jediah Blades and Amir Jangoo are making their debuts for them in this match.  Bangladesh announces squad for Women’s U19 Asia Cup Bangladesh playing XI: Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Afif Hossain, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nasum Ahmed. West Indies playing XI: Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Amir Jangoo, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jediah Blades.//