United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh captain Litton Das expressed an unusual message on Tuesday, expressing frustration over the team-selection process ahead of the T20I series against Ireland. The tension surfaced when Litton was asked about Shamim Hossain’s exclusion from the squad. Shamim, who had scores of 0, 1 and 1 in his last three T20Is, was left out without prior discussion with the captain — something Litton said took him by surprise. “Of course it would have been good if he was in the squad,” Litton said. “But this wasn’t my call. The selectors dropped him without informing me — without any notice.” Litton went further, questioning the very process behind selection. “All my life I believed captains knew who was coming in and who was going out,” he said. “But apparently that’s not the case anymore.” His frustration sharpened when the conversation shifted to the new-look middle order, which now features five right-handed batters — Mahidul Islam replacing Shamim, alongside Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali and Nurul Hasan. “That’s a good point,” Litton told a reporter. “If that idea came from above instead of from you, it would help. At international level, you need right-hand and left-hand balance.” Litton said he had been explicitly told that he would have no say in selection. “I’ve been told by the board and selectors that I must work with whatever squad I am given. I won’t have a say in who I want or don’t want.” The captain also expressed regret over being unable to support Shamim during a lean patch. “Not everyone will perform every series. Shamim played extraordinary cricket for us before. As captain, I should have been able to support him. I’m really sorry I couldn’t.” Asked if he had raised concerns with the board, Litton did not hold back. “A distance has been created, yes. I’ve been told clearly: my job is to take the team I’m given and produce results.” On whether he would continue as captain under such conditions, Litton kept his response brief: “We’ll see.” Bangladesh play Ireland in the first T20I in Chattogram tomorrow.      

Traditional rivals India and Pakistan will meet in Colombo after being drawn together in the same group for the T20 World Cup, according to the groups and schedule announced Tuesday by the ICC. The 20-team tournament is divided into four groups of five. Italy, making its debut in a major ICC event, joins Group C with England, West Indies, Bangladesh and Nepal. Group B features co-host Sri Lanka along with Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman. New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada and the UAE make up Group D. India will begin its month-long campaign on Feb. 7 in Mumbai against the United States. It will then face Namibia on Feb. 12, Pakistan on Feb. 15, and finish its Group A fixtures against the Netherlands in Ahmedabad on Feb. 18. The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash will be held at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium — one of Sri Lanka’s three venues alongside Sinhalese Sports Club (Colombo) and Pallekele in Kandy. Pakistan, which plays all of its group matches in Colombo, opens on Feb. 7 against the Netherlands, then meets the United States on Feb. 10, India on Feb. 15 and Namibia on Feb. 18. The format mirrors that of the 2024 World Cup hosted by the U.S. and West Indies. The top two teams from each group move on to the Super Eight stage, split again into two groups. The leading two from each Super Eight group will advance to the semifinals. Should India progress to the Super Eight, it will play in Ahmedabad, Chennai and Kolkata. A potential semifinal for India would be staged in Mumbai. Colombo or Kolkata has been shortlisted to host the second semifinal if Sri Lanka or Pakistan qualifies. The tournament final is scheduled for Ahmedabad — unless Pakistan reaches the title match, in which case Colombo will host the final. India is the defending champion after beating South Africa in the 2024 final in Barbados — the same tournament in which captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from T20 cricket. Sharma was named the ambassador for next year’s World Cup on Tuesday. Having won titles both in 2007 and 2024, he is one of the few players to be part of two victorious campaigns. “I wish all the players the very best and hope they enjoy India’s hospitality while taking home wonderful memories,” Sharma said. Source: AP

Pakistan Shaheens claimed the Rising Stars Asia Cup title after a tense final in Doha went to a Super Over, where Bangladesh A fell short despite a stirring late surge from their lower order. Replying to Pakistan’s 125, Bangladesh A appeared done for at 53 for 7 before No. 10 Abdul Gaffar Saqlain and No. 11 Ripon Mondol scripted an extraordinary revival. Their fearless hitting produced 20 runs in the penultimate over, dragging the match to the brink of an unlikely steal. Bangladesh needed seven off the final over, then two off the last ball. A scrambled leg-bye levelled the scores, sending the final into a Super Over—just as Bangladesh had done in their semifinal win over India. But the momentum slipped quickly. Batting first, Bangladesh managed only six runs. Habibur Rahman took a single off the first ball before two quick wickets fell—Saqlain splicing a catch back to bowler Ahmed Daniyal, and Jishan Alam having his stumps rattled after a wayward delivery down the leg side gifted Bangladesh five wides. Daniyal, who had dominated the death overs all evening, finished the Super Over with two wickets for one legal ball faced. Chasing seven, Pakistan showed fewer nerves. Saad Masood and Maaz Sadaqat walked out calmly, and Mondol—Bangladesh’s hero with both bat and ball in previous matches—found no early breakthrough this time. A leg-bye and a single set up the winning moment before Masood flicked a low full toss to the square-leg rope. He punched the air as the Shaheens sealed the title, their third in this tournament’s history. For Bangladesh, the heartbreak was softened only by Mondol’s emergence as the tournament’s standout quick under pressure. His 3-for in the main innings had earlier kept Bangladesh alive when Pakistan were cruising at 96 for one. Bangladesh had clawed back with a flurry of late wickets, but 125 proved just enough for Pakistan on a wearing surface where run-making was sporadic. Saqlain’s fearless 16* off 12 balls and Mondol’s 11 off nine nearly flipped the script again, echoing Bangladesh’s dramatic Super Over win in the semifinal. But in the end, Pakistan held firmer in the decisive moments, with Daniyal’s control in the death overshadowing Bangladesh’s spirited fightback.

The country’s top 16 brands participated in the “bKash Cricket Carnival 2025,” held recently at the Bashundhara Kings Cricket Ground. Organised by bKash, the carnival featured teams from Aarong, RFL, Bata, Walton, Shwapno, Unimart, Apollo Clinic, Shohoz, Artisan, Infinity Mega Mall, Easy Fashion, Jatri, GoZayaan, InterContinental Dhaka, Unique Hotel & Resorts, and bKash itself, according to a media statement. Artisan emerged as the champion, while Unique Hotel & Resorts finished as runner-up. bKash organised the tournament to strengthen its relationships with top merchant partners through a festive cricket event. By accepting payments through bKash, these leading brands are helping to reinforce the digital transaction ecosystem and promote cashless habits among customers, the statement said. After the final match on Saturday, bKash Chief Commercial Officer Ali Ahmmed handed over trophies to the champion and other winning teams.

Bangladesh completed a big 217-run victory over Ireland in the Dhaka Test on Sunday, sealing the two-match series 2–0. Bangladesh closed the match defined by milestones, dominant batting, and a super spin attack led by Taijul Islam and Hasan Murad. Ireland, set an improbable 509 to win, were bowled out for 291 deep into the fifth afternoon. Bangladesh needed 59.3 overs on the final day to take the last four wickets, with their spinners taking turns to tighten the noose on a surface that had grown increasingly mischievous. The final innings again revolved around Taijul, who collected four wickets to go with his four in the first innings, finishing with eight in the match. In doing so, the left-arm spinner overtook Shakib Al Hasan to become Bangladesh’s all-time leading wicket-taker in Test cricket with 249 wickets. Hasan Murad matched him blow for blow in the last innings, also taking four and underlining his growing promise as a long-term partner in Bangladesh’s spin attack. Ireland’s fight-back was anchored by Curtis Campher, who produced one of the grittiest fourth-innings efforts seen in Mirpur. The allrounder remained unbeaten on 71, facing 259 balls — the longest fourth-innings vigil ever played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. Harry Tector added a composed 50, but wickets continued to fall around them. Bangladesh's victory was built on a towering first-innings total of 476, led by a century from Mushfiqur Rahim and a sublime 128 from Liton Das. Pakistan crushes Sri Lanka by 7 wickets in tri-series clash Mominul Haque added 63, while Shadman Islam and Mahmudul Hasan Joy provided steady starts. Andy McBrine’s six-wicket haul kept the visitors afloat, but they were unable to prevent Bangladesh from dictating tempo. Ireland responded with 265, as Lorcan Tucker fought for an unbeaten 75 and Jordan Neill struck 49. Yet the innings remained fractured by recurring collapses engineered by Taijul and Murad, who shared six wickets. In Bangladesh’s second innings, the hosts pressed ahead with intent, declaring at 297 for four. Mominul (87), Shadman (78), and Mahmudul (60) set up the total, while Mushfiqur added an unbeaten 53 to crown a historic personal milestone. The match marked Mushfiqur Rahim’s 100th Test, making him the first Bangladeshi to reach the landmark. Barcelona celebrate Camp Nou return with 4–0 win over Bilbao He celebrated it with a hundred in the first innings and a fifty in the second, becoming only the 11th batter in cricket history to score a century in a 100th Test match. Bangladesh’s bowlers then took over, wearing Ireland down session by session across two days, with Taijul, Murad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Khaled Ahmed combining to secure the final push.

Sahibzada Farhan blasted an unbeaten 80 off just 45 balls to steer Pakistan to a dominant seven-wicket victory over out-of-form Sri Lanka in the T20 tri-series on Saturday. Sri Lanka, still reeling from a heavy loss to Zimbabwe in their opening match, mustered only 128-7 after opting to bat first. Early promise from Kamil Mishara (22) faded quickly as Pakistan’s bowlers tightened their grip. Mohammad Nawaz led the attack with impressive figures of 3-16, while Abrar Ahmed chipped in with a wicket as Sri Lanka slipped to 80-5 by the 12th over. Janith Liyanage’s unbeaten 41 off 38 provided some late resistance, but disciplined death bowling from Mohammad Wasim and Mirza restricted the visitors to a modest total. Conway–Ravindra century stand guides NZ to 5-wicket win over WI in 2nd ODI Pakistan replied with authority as Farhan launched a flurry of strokes to give the hosts a rapid start. Despite losing Saim Ayub for 20, Farhan kept attacking, adding 69 valuable runs with Babar Azam (16) and reaching his fifty in 33 balls. Dushmantha Chameera claimed two wickets late in the innings, but Pakistan’s chase remained well on track. Farhan sealed the win — and surpassed his previous best T20 score — with a straight six off Malinga, guiding Pakistan to 131-3 in only 15.3 overs. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha praised the all-round performance, while Sri Lanka’s skipper Dasun Shanaka lamented his side’s ongoing batting struggles throughout the tour. Pakistan, unbeaten in the series so far, will face Zimbabwe next on Sunday. Source: AP 

Bangladesh ended the fourth day of the Dhaka Test needing only four wickets to complete a commanding win over Ireland, after declaring their second innings at 297 for three and setting a target of 508. Ireland closed on 176 for six, stretched by grit but increasingly constrained by a surface breaking down beneath them. The day belonged once again to Bangladesh’s spinners, with Taijul Islam reaching a historic milestone. His three wickets in Ireland’s second innings lifted him to 249 Test scalps — surpassing Shakib Al Hasan to become the highest wicket-taker in Bangladesh’s Test history. Taijul has already taken seven in this match, bowling with the sort of accuracy and control that has defined his decade-long career. Harry Tector offered Ireland brief resistance with a spirited half-century, but he fell moments after raising the milestone, chipping a drive to mid-off. That dismissal reopened the innings, and Bangladesh pressed hard through the final hour. Curtis Campher remained unbeaten on 34 at stumps, joined by Andy McBrine, but survival appeared a matter of time rather than possibility. Earlier in the day, Bangladesh tightened their grip with a disciplined, confident morning session. Mominul Haque produced his 25th Test fifty, and Mushfiqur Rahim — fresh from his century in the first innings — moved into the 40s with characteristic calm. Their 106-run partnership framed a statement of control as Bangladesh stretched the lead past 500. Shadman Islam’s 78 anchored the early scoring before Andy McBrine pinned him in front, and Jordan Neill removed captain Najmul Hossain Shanto with a sharp bouncer. Ireland might have had more to show had Cade Carmichael held a straightforward chance offered by Mushfiqur at deep backward square — a pivotal moment that ensured Bangladesh’s dominance continued unbroken. The home side declared shortly after reaching 297 for three, adding to their first-innings 476. Ireland, who posted 265 in reply earlier, were left to withstand a relentless attack on a pitch offering sharp turn, uneven bounce and the occasional shooter. Hasan Murad delivered another canny spell of off-spin, while Khaled Ahmed added a wicket with the old ball. Ireland have battled with spirit throughout the match, showing clear signs of improvement and a willingness to absorb long spells. But against Bangladesh’s well-drilled spin unit — on a surface deteriorating rapidly — the challenge remains steep.  

Bangladesh declared the second innings of the Dhaka Test against Ireland at 297 for three, securing a lead of 508 runs, and setting a massive target for the visitors.  A fluent half-century from Mominul Haque and another composed knock from Mushfiqur Rahim helped the hosts reach 280 for three in their second innings, adding 124 runs in an assertive morning session. Bangladesh resumed the day in full control and scored freely at a run rate of 4.24. Ireland did manage two breakthroughs, but the momentum never shifted. Andy McBrine trapped Shadman Islam for 78 with a delivery that thudded into the back pad, and Jordan Neill sent back captain Najmul Hossain Shanto with a sharp, rising ball. Ireland might have opened the door further had Cade Carmichael held on to a straightforward catch offered by Mushfiqur Rahim at deep backward square. The reprieve proved costly. Mushfiqur, fresh from his first-innings century, settled quickly and moved into the 40s with characteristic ease. At the other end, Mominul Haque played with calm precision, reaching his 25th Test half-century. The pair added 106 runs for the fourth wicket, rotating the strike smoothly and punishing anything loose. Their partnership ensured Bangladesh’s innings continued to build without urgency, and there were no immediate signs of a declaration. Earlier in the match, Bangladesh posted 476 in their first innings before bowling out Ireland for 265.  

Bangladesh secured a lead of 367 runs at the end of the third day of the Dhaka Test against Ireland on Friday.  After posting 476 in the first innings, Bangladesh finished the third day with 156 for one, with Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque remaining unbeaten on 69 not out and 19, respectively. Earlier, Ireland posted 265 against tigers’ first innings and fell behind.  Taijul bags 4 as Bangladesh bowl Ireland out for 265 to secure big lead Taijul Islam took four wickets for the team, and with these four wickets, he tied Shakib Al Hasan for the most Test wickets for Bangladesh. “Every player has a dream to play for the national team,” Taijul said. “Now I will try to do (play) as much as possible.” Now, both Shakib and Taijul have 246 wickets in the longer format of international cricket. Taijul now has a good chance to surpass Shakib in this Test when Ireland bats in their second innings.  “I had a dream to take many wickets, everyone has that dream,” Taijul added. “When you play for the national team, you have to perform.” Bangladesh won the first Test of the series in Sylhet. A win or even a draw in Dhaka will ensure the series for the hosts.  After the two-match Test series, both teams will lock horns in the three-match T20I series.    

Bangladesh secured a big lead of 211 runs in the ongoing Dhaka Test against Ireland on Friday. Taijul Islam took four wickets for 76 runs to help bowl Ireland out for 265, with Lorcan Tucker top-scoring with 75. Khaled Ahmed and Hasan Murad bagged two wickets each. Bangladesh had batted first and posted 476, with Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das hitting a century apiece. Mushfiqur’s ton was a special milestone as he reached the mark in the 100th Test of his career spanning more than two decades. Bangladesh won the first match of the series in Sylhet, meaning a win—or even a draw—will secure the series for the hosts.