United News of Bangladesh

Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran, who played a key role in his country's rise in international cricket, died on Tuesday at the age of 38 after a prolonged illness, the Afghanistan Cricket Board said. Zadran had been receiving treatment at a hospital in New Delhi since January after being diagnosed with an advanced form of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare immune disorder in which overactive white blood cells attack the body's own organs. His family said his condition was complicated by a severe infection, including tuberculosis that spread to his brain. His brother, Ghamai Zadran, and former Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan accompanied him to India after he fell ill in Afghanistan last October. "With profound grief and deep sorrow, the Afghanistan Cricket Board mourns the passing of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran," the board said in a statement. A left-arm fast bowler, Zadran made his international debut in 2009 and played 44 one-day internationals and 36 Twenty20 internationals for Afghanistan. His last international appearance came in 2020. He continued playing domestic cricket until 2022 and announced his retirement in January 2025. The Afghanistan Cricket Board called him one of the "foundation-laying figures" of the national team and said his dedication helped Afghanistan establish itself in international cricket. Zadran is best known for hitting the winning runs in Afghanistan's victory over Scotland national cricket team at the 2015 Cricket World Cup in Dunedin. It was Afghanistan's first win at a 50-over World Cup. "Throughout his career, Shapoor served Afghanistan cricket with honor, courage, and pride," the board said. Zadran died a day before his 39th birthday. END/UNB/SHT/FH

Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh by 25 runs in the opening ODI in Harare on Monday, overcoming a record bowling performance from Nahid Rana to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. After being dismissed for 141, Zimbabwe bowled Bangladesh out for 116 in 33.1 overs. Nahid returned the best bowling figures by a Bangladesh player in ODIs, taking 6 for 21 from his 10 overs. Bangladesh bowl Zimbabwe out for 141 as Nahid sets ODI record He broke the previous national record of 6 for 26, shared by Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Rubel Hossain. Bangladesh made early inroads after captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz chose to field. Miraz ran out a Zimbabwe opener with a direct hit before Taskin Ahmed dismissed Brian Bennett and Craig Ervine in successive deliveries. Nahid then removed Sikandar Raza, Wessly Madhevere and Innocent Kaia as Zimbabwe slipped further. Richard Ngarava and Tanaka Chivanga added more than 50 runs for the ninth wicket before Nahid returned to dismiss Ngarava. Zimbabwe were all out for 141. Bangladesh lost Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto inside the first four overs, both to Blessing Muzarabani. Richard Ngarava then dismissed Soumya Sarkar to leave the visitors at 19 for 3. Towhid Hridoy and Nurul Hasan added 49 for the fourth wicket, but Bangladesh lost momentum after Hridoy was dismissed. Mosaddek Hossain and Miraz also fell as the visitors slipped further behind the required rate. Nurul top-scored with 31 off 44 balls before becoming one of the last four wickets to fall. Bangladesh’s innings ended on 116, giving Zimbabwe its first victory of the series.

Nahid Rana took 6 for 21, the best ODI figures by a Bangladesh bowler, as Bangladesh dismissed Zimbabwe for 141 in the opening match of the three-match series in Harare. Bowling his full 10 overs, Nahid broke the Bangladesh record of 6 for 26 shared by Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Rubel Hossain. Mashrafe set the mark against Kenya in 2006. Rubel equaled it against New Zealand in 2013. Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz won the toss and chose to field. Zimbabwe were 29 without loss before losing three wickets for two runs. Miraz ran out the opener with a direct hit. Taskin Ahmed dismissed Brian Bennett with the next ball and bowled Craig Ervine first ball. Nahid removed Sikandar Raza, Wessly Madhevere and Innocent Kaia before completing his third five-wicket haul in ODIs. Richard Ngarava and Tanaka Chivanga added more than 50 runs for the ninth wicket. Bangladesh dropped Ngarava during the partnership. Nahid later dismissed him to finish with six wickets. Zimbabwe were all out for 141. The six-wicket haul was Nahid's third in 13 ODIs. It moved him behind only Mustafizur Rahman among Bangladesh pace bowlers for five-wicket hauls.  

Iran's national football team left North America on Tuesday after being eliminated from the FIFA World Cup, ending a campaign marked by travel disputes with U.S. authorities, memorable performances on the pitch and the disappointment of narrowly missing a place in the knockout stage. The team is returning to a country still affected by the ongoing conflict involving Israel and the United States. Despite the early exit, many supporters said the players had given them hope and deserved appreciation. "Even though they didn't advance, they gave people something to believe in," said Mohammad Modarres, 38, who travelled from San Diego to see the team off. Painful end to the campaign Iran drew all three of its group-stage matches, leaving its hopes of reaching the knockout round dependent on the outcome of the Algeria-Austria match on Saturday. Players and staff watched the match together in the lobby of their hotel in Tijuana. They celebrated when Algeria scored a stoppage-time goal, believing it would send Iran through. "I've never seen a room celebrate like that," said Kimia Ranjbar, 25, a lifelong Team Melli supporter from the Los Angeles area. The celebrations were short-lived, however, as Austria scored a late equaliser, ending Iran's hopes and leaving the team in silence. It was another frustrating moment in a tournament that also saw a late goal by Shoja Khalilzadeh against Egypt ruled out for offside after initially putting Iran ahead. Off-field challenges Iran's World Cup preparations and participation were overshadowed by political tensions. Questions had emerged over whether the team would be allowed to compete because of the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Iran's request to play its matches in Mexico was rejected. The team also had to relocate its base camp from Arizona, while several key staff members were denied U.S. visas. U.S. authorities also refused Iran's request to enter the country two days before its Los Angeles matches, although some travel restrictions were eased ahead of the team's final group game. During a World Cup security briefing on Monday, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the United States had made several accommodations for the Iranian team and repeated claims that many people Iran wanted to bring with the squad had links to the country's Revolutionary Guard. "I'm just glad they're done and they're not coming back," Mullin said. FIFA did not immediately comment. In a statement to The Associated Press, the Iranian team criticised Mullin's remarks, saying they reflected a lack of respect for international standards expected from a World Cup host. "The fact that he openly celebrates Iran's elimination says far more about him than it does about our team," the statement said. The team also questioned the fairness of some logistical decisions during the tournament, although it thanked Mexico and the city of Tijuana for their hospitality. Mixed reactions among supporters Members of the Iranian diaspora remained divided over supporting the national team, with some arguing that backing the squad could be viewed as support for Iran's government, while others insisted football should remain separate from politics. "You don't see someone blaming Christian Pulisic for something President Trump does," Modarres said. Although the players avoided commenting directly on the conflict, they paid tribute to victims of a deadly missile strike on an elementary school at the start of the war. When they arrived in Mexico, players wore pins bearing the number "168," referring to the reported number of people, mostly children, killed in the attack. They also left a message in the dressing room at Los Angeles Stadium calling for peace among all nations. Supporter Sherry Ghaemi described the gesture as "honourable." Strong bond with Mexico Despite the difficult circumstances, the team earned admiration from fans in Mexico. Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand's seven-save performance against Belgium and Ramin Rezaeian's equaliser against New Zealand were among the highlights of Iran's campaign. "They're going home not as losers, but as winners," Ghaemi said. Iranian-American fan Siavash Khosrowshahi, who travelled from Los Angeles to Tijuana after the team's elimination, described meeting the players as a memorable experience. He said he even surprised his mother in Tehran by putting Beiranvand on the phone during a video call. Throughout the tournament, Tijuana residents warmly welcomed the Iranian squad, often chanting in Spanish, "Iran, brother, now you are Mexican." Local resident Arely Ramírez said the city was proud to show its hospitality to the visitors. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed similar feelings before departing on Tuesday. "We're leaving Tijuana today, but our hearts stay here," he said. Although disappointment remained after the World Cup exit, many supporters were already looking ahead to the AFC Asian Cup in six months, hoping Team Melli would have another chance to shine.

Zimbabwe secured a historic victory over Bangladesh on Tuesday, winning the one-off Test at the Harare Sports Club by an innings and 85 runs inside three days. It is now their largest-ever Test victory by an innings and their first innings win against Bangladesh since 2001. Resuming their second innings on Day 3 at 40 for 1 while trailing by 230 runs, Bangladesh collapsed to 185 all out in 45 overs against a disciplined Zimbabwean pace attack. Bangladesh dismissed for 140 in first innings against Zimbabwe Seamer Blessing Muzarabani led the host nation's bowling performance with figures of 4 for 65 from 17 overs. Bangladesh suffered immediate setbacks in the morning session when Muzarabani struck twice in his opening spell. Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy was caught by Brian Bennett for 22, and experienced Mominul Haque was dismissed for 13 following a spectacular diving catch by Brad Evans at third slip, leaving the visitors at 46 for 3. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim provided temporary resistance, building a 61-run partnership for the fourth wicket. The stand was broken when Najmul missed a low full toss from left-arm pacer Newman Nyamhuri and was bowled for 30. Mushfiqur was dismissed shortly before the lunch interval, caught behind by wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga off Muzarabani for 34. The lower order offered little resistance after lunch as debutant Towhid Hridoy fell to Muzarabani for 9, marking his second single-digit score of the match. Fellow debutant Amite Hasan played fluidly for his 25 before edging Richard Ngarava to Craig Ervine. Ngarava quickly followed by dismissing Khaled Ahmed for a duck, finishing with 3 for 32. Nyamhuri concluded the match by having Hasan Mahmud caught by Muzarabani for 15, ending a brief 23-run final partnership with Ebadot Hossain, who remained unbeaten on 12. The foundation for Zimbabwe's victory was laid during the first two days of play. Bangladesh was bowled out for 140 in their first innings after being inserted to bat on Day 1. Zimbabwe responded with a commanding total of 410, building a 270-run first-innings lead. Opener Innocent Kaia was named Player of the Match for his marathon innings of 140 runs from 227 balls. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam was the standout performer for Bangladesh in the field, claiming figures of 7 for 138 across 40.2 overs. The two teams will now focus on the shorter formats, beginning a three-match ODI series on July 6.

Former national team captain and current Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Tamim Iqbal was named an honorary life member of the Marylebone Cricket Club on Sunday. Tamim was elected alongside four other former international cricketers: Cheteshwar Pujara of India, Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine of New Zealand, and Mel Jones of Australia. He becomes the third Bangladeshi cricketer to receive the honor from the MCC, which was founded in 1787 and remains the sole authority on the laws of cricket. "We are delighted to be able to welcome five fantastic cricketers as our newest Honorary Life Members," Rob Lawson, the chief executive and secretary of the MCC, said. "Each of them is richly deserving of the recognition for their lifelong dedication to the game. We look forward to welcoming them to Lord’s as MCC Members in the years to come." Tamim previously earned a place on the honors board at Lord's after scoring a century against England in 2010. Following that performance, he was named one of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack’s Cricketers of the Year and Wisden’s Test Cricketer of the Year in 2011. He was recently elected as the youngest president of the BCB.

England captain Ben Stokes will retire from international cricket following the third Test against New Zealand national cricket team, the England team announced on Sunday. The announcement was made during the fourth day of the third Test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, bringing an end to Stokes' distinguished 15-year international career. The all-rounder enjoyed some of the finest moments in England cricket history, most notably playing a pivotal role in England's dramatic triumph over New Zealand in the 2019 Cricket World Cup Final. Stokes was also instrumental in England's victory at the 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup and was appointed Test captain later that year. However, the final chapter of his career has been overshadowed by controversy. Stokes was dropped for the second Test of the ongoing series for disciplinary reasons following a night out after the opening match. Despite the setback, Stokes departs as one of England's most influential cricketers, having played a central role in some of the country's greatest achievements in international cricket.

Left-arm pacer Newman Nyamhuri took four wickets as Zimbabwe dismissed Bangladesh for 140 in their first innings before tea on the opening day of the only Test match at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday. After Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to field, their bowling attack capitalised on early movement to reduce Bangladesh to 36 for 2, dismissing openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy for 2 and Shadman Islam for 20. Mominul Haque and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto stabilized the innings with a 77-run partnership for the third wicket. Mominul struck 60 off 81 balls, including 12 boundaries, to register his 28th Test half-century. The stand was broken when Mominul was caught by Craig Ervine off Nyamhuri with the score at 113. Mominul’s dismissal triggered a collapse where Bangladesh lost their remaining eight wickets for 27 runs. Brad Evans dismissed Najmul for 19, caught behind by wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga. Richard Ngarava then removed Mushfiqur Rahim bowled for 9 and had debutant Towhid Hridoy caught behind for 3. Blessing Muzarabani claimed the wicket of the other debutant, Amite Hasan, for 4 before Nyamhuri swept through the lower order. Nyamhuri dismissed Taijul Islam for 9 and bowled Khaled Ahmed for a duck to finish with figures of 4 for 61 from 12.2 overs. Muzarabani also removed Hasan Mahmud for a duck, finishing with 2 for 19, while Ngarava and Evans claimed two wickets each to end the innings in 47.2 overs.  

India kept their Women's T20 World Cup semifinal hopes alive with a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh on Thursday, setting up a decisive final group-stage clash against unbeaten Australia. Chasing a modest target of 137 at Old Trafford, India reached 139-5 with 19 balls to spare after restricting Bangladesh to 136-8. The victory means India must beat four-time winners Australia in their final Group match on Sunday at a sold-out Lord's to secure a place in the semifinals. "We're all set for Australia," India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said after the match. "We'll get a lot of confidence if we win that." India's chase was anchored by opener Shafali Verma, who capitalised on an early reprieve after being dropped behind the stumps in the first over. She dominated the powerplay as India raced to 63-1 and brought up her second half-century of the tournament off just 29 deliveries. Verma was eventually stumped for 53, but by then India had taken firm control of the chase. Yastika Bhatia contributed 23 runs, while Jemimah Rodrigues added 26. "I was sad I got out," Verma said. "I would've been happier had I batted through." Earlier, India endured a sloppy outing in the field, dropping four catches and receiving two warnings for medium-pacer Nandni Sharma's repeated overstepping on the pitch. Bangladesh, however, failed to fully exploit the lapses due to a lack of big-hitting in the middle order. Juairiya Ferdous top-scored with 33 before being caught and bowled by Sharma in the ninth over, while captain Nigar Sultana made 32 before being stumped late in the innings. Australia have already secured four consecutive wins in the tournament, including a convincing victory over South Africa, and head into Sunday's encounter as favourites against India.

Australia beat Bangladesh by seven wickets with 54 balls remaining in the third T20I in Chattogram on Sunday, completing a 3-0 sweep of the three-match series. Chasing a target of 110, Australia reached 112 for 3 in 11 overs. Captain Mitchell Marsh led the chase with 60 runs from 28 balls, hitting seven boundaries and four sixes before being caught by Shamim Hossain off the bowling of Shoriful Islam. Marsh and Josh Inglis put on 54 runs for the opening wicket inside the six-over powerplay. Inglis made 17 off 16 balls before falling to Nasum Ahmed, while Cooper Connolly added 15 runs. Matt Renshaw, named player of the series, and Tim David remained unbeaten at the crease to secure the victory. Nasum was the most economical bowler for Bangladesh, taking 1 for 10 from his three overs. Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss, elected to bat first at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, and were restricted to 109 for 8 in 20 overs. The hosts suffered a top-order collapse, falling to 11 for 3 in the fifth over as Tanzid Hasan was run out for 5, Saif Hassan fell to Spencer Johnson for 1, and Parvez Hossain Emon was caught off Nathan Ellis for 1. Bangladesh captain Towhid Hridoy anchored the remainder of the innings, top-scoring with an unbeaten 61 from 51 balls, which included three boundaries and two sixes. Rishad Hossain was the only other Bangladesh batter to reach double figures, contributing 16 runs before falling to Nikhil Chaudhary. Johnson led the Australian bowling attack with figures of 2 for 6 from his four overs. Adam Zampa claimed 2 for 22, while Ellis took 2 for 21 to contain the hosts throughout the innings. Mitchell Marsh was adjudged player of the match, while Matt Renshaw player of the series after scoring 113 runs and taking three wickets in three matches.