United News of Bangladesh

Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat, Bangladesh’s first ICC Elite Panel umpire, now has become the first Bangladeshi umpire to officiate in the Ashes too. Sharfuddoula served as the television umpire during the opening test in Perth on Friday. He is scheduled to stand as an on-field umpire for the second test in Brisbane, the ICC confirmed. A member of the International Cricket Council’s Elite Panel since March 2024, Sharfuddoula has previously officiated in ODI and T20 World Cups, as well as the Champions Trophy earlier this year. He gained international attention during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia last winter, drawing praise from former cricket greats Simon Taufel and Ricky Ponting for his decision-making. His selection for the marquee series between Australia and England comes amid strict neutrality regulations. According to a report by The Sydney Morning Herald on Nov. 8, top-performing elite umpires from England and Australia were ineligible to officiate the series. With other neutral officials occupied with series in New Zealand and India, the ICC selected Sharfuddoula alongside India’s Nitin Menon and South Africa’s Adrian Holdstock for the opening matches. While Sharfuddoula secured the assignment, he ranked 12th among elite umpires regarding Decision Review System performance this year, having had 10 decisions overturned in 29 reviews prior to the Perth test. Following the Brisbane test, officials Nitin Menon, Jeff Crowe, Ahsan Raza, and Chris Gaffaney are scheduled to oversee the remaining matches in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney.

Bangladesh are on the driving wheel after the second day of the Mirpur Test against Ireland, who lost five wickets for 98 runs to end the day, replying to Bangladesh’s first innings of 476 powered by centuries from Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das. Hasan Murad, the left-arm spinner, bagged two wickets, while Khaled Ahmed, Taijul Islam, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took one wicket each for Bangladesh. Andy Balbirnie, the Irish captain, and his opening partner, Paul Stirling, managed a good start, but they failed to carry on. They kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Earlier, Bangladesh posted 476 in their first innings. Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das led the batting line with centuries. Mushfiqur, who is playing his 100th Test, hit a century and joined the elite club of players who did the same. He is only the 11th batter in the history of cricket to hit a ton in the 100th Test of the career. After Mushfiqur, Litton also knocked a ton in the Mirpur Test. The right-hander hit his fifth ton of the career. In the first innings, Andy McBrine bagged six wickets for Ireland, while Matthew Humphreys, and Gavin Hoey took two wickets each. Bangladesh won the first Test of the series in Sylhet, meaning a win or even a draw will ensure the series for the Tigers.

England begins its quest to reclaim the Ashes in Australia on Friday, facing a daunting record of 13 losses and two draws in the last 15 Tests Down Under. The series, spanning seven weeks across five cities, raises key questions: Can an aging Australian side maintain its unbeaten home streak since 2010-11? Can England, led by Ben Stokes, finally secure a win on Australian soil? And can Joe Root, the world’s top-ranked Test batter, score his first Ashes century in Australia? Australia faces its own challenges. Captain Pat Cummins and pacer Josh Hazlewood are sidelined by injury, leaving Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon to lead the attack. Debutants Brendan Doggett and Scott Boland will make history as the first Indigenous players in the same Australian Test XI. Allrounder Cameron Green is fit to bowl, while Jake Weatherald, 31, earns his Test debut. Steve Smith will captain for the third time this year, supported by Marnus Labuschagne at No. 3. England, determined to end the drought, plans to leverage pace-friendly conditions with bowlers Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse, and Gus Atkinson, alongside Stokes. Spinner Shoaib Bashir is also in the 12-man squad. Stokes acknowledges the historical challenge but emphasizes the opportunity to create new history, drawing inspiration from England’s 3-1 series victory in 2010-11. Smith, 36, is noted for his relaxed leadership style this year compared with his competitive intensity of the past. Starc described him as still fiercely competitive but learning to manage his focus beyond cricket. Squads Australia: Jack Weatherald, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (captain), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland. England (from): Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith, Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Shoaib Bashir.

Mushfiqur Rahim, who has just became the first Bangladeshi cricketer to play 100th Test, hit a century in the same match, and made a permanent place in the history book on Thursday morning. Mushfiqur was just one run away from his historic century at the end of day one. He faced the whole first over of the second day, but couldn't pick up that one run. In the next over, bowled by Jordan Neill, Mushfiqur softly pushed the ball to the corner to take the single, and officially joined the list of the 10 legends who have scored centuries in their 100th Test. Mushfiqur held his nerve well and reached the milestone facing his eighth delivery on the day. Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat in Mushfiqur’s landmark match, where he became the first Bangladeshi to reach the 100-Test milestone. The hosts made a steady start as openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam put on 52 for the first wicket. Both settled in, but neither managed to convert their starts. Ireland made their early breakthroughs through Andy McBrine, who removed Shadman for 35 before accounting for Mahmudul on 34. Before Bangladesh crossed 100, Ireland also claimed the wicket of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. The innings then stabilised through a 107-run fourth-wicket stand between Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur. Mominul looked composed but eventually departed for 63, again to McBrine. Mushfiqur and Litton Das then tightened Bangladesh’s grip with an unbroken 90-run partnership for the fifth wicket. At stumps on day one, Bangladesh stood at 292 for 4, with Mushfiqur on the brink of a historic century at 99 not out and Litton unbeaten on 47.

A rare century opening stand between Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra laid the foundation for New Zealand’s five-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second ODI on Wednesday. The win gives New Zealand a decisive 2-0 lead in the three-match series, securing their 11th straight series triumph on home soil ahead of Saturday’s finale. Batting first after losing the toss, West Indies posted 247-9 in the rain-reduced 34-over contest, thanks largely to a brilliant hundred from captain Shai Hope. His 109 off 67 balls not only powered the innings but also pushed him past the 6,000-run milestone in ODI cricket. With the knock—his first ODI century against New Zealand—Hope has now scored centuries against every Test-playing nation, becoming the second-fastest West Indian after Viv Richards to reach 6,000 runs. Still, Hope said his effort fell short: “I got 109, but it wasn’t enough. I felt I needed 120 or 130 for us to win.” New Zealand’s chase was anchored by Conway’s fluent 90 off 84 balls and Ravindra’s brisk 56 off 46. Their 106-run stand—coming from 100 deliveries—was New Zealand’s first hundred-run opening partnership in 73 matches and over five years. Mushfiqur stands one run away from a century in his 100th Test Tom Latham chipped in with 39 off 29 balls, and Mitchell Santner struck a rapid 34 from just 15 deliveries to see New Zealand home with three balls to spare. The hosts needed eight runs from the final over, helped along when Jayden Seales bowled a no-ball that went for four. Earlier, Hope had raced to 90 from 62 balls but spent nearly three overs stuck on that score as partners fell around him. After Shamar Springer was dismissed first ball of the last over, Hope found himself off strike with West Indies on 235-9. Seales managed a quick single, allowing Hope to smash Kyle Jamieson for six to reach his century, featuring 13 boundaries and four sixes. Play began three hours late due to rain, with humid conditions causing substantial swing early on. Batting remained tricky whenever bowlers maintained a full length and denied width. Source: AP 

Bangladesh cricket star Mushfiqur Rahim is poised to enter the record books. He closed the opening day of the Mirpur Test against Ireland unbeaten on 99, needing just one more run to become only the 11th man in history to score a century in his 100th Test. Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat in Mushfiqur’s landmark match, where he became the first Bangladeshi to reach the 100-Test milestone. The hosts made a steady start as openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam put on 52 for the first wicket. Both settled in, but neither managed to convert their starts. Ireland made their early breakthroughs through Andy McBrine, who removed Shadman for 35 before accounting for Mahmudul on 34. Before Bangladesh crossed 100, Ireland also claimed the wicket of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. The innings then stabilised through a 107-run fourth-wicket stand between Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur. Mominul looked composed but eventually departed for 63, again to McBrine. Mushfiqur and Litton Das then tightened Bangladesh’s grip with an unbroken 90-run partnership for the fifth wicket. At stumps, Bangladesh stood at 292 for 4, with Mushfiqur on the brink of a historic century at 99 not out and Litton unbeaten on 47.  

Bangladesh opted to bat after winning the toss in the second Test against Ireland in Mirpur on Wednesday. This Test is a landmark occasion as Mushfiqur Rahim became the first Bangladeshi to play 100 Test matches. The Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium — where Mushfiqur has scored ample runs, turned celebratory as the 38-year-old walked out for his milestone appearance. Nearly two decades have passed since his teenage debut at Lord’s, and his longevity mirrors Bangladesh’s own Test journey across 155 matches. Conditions were expected to favor batting early, prompting Bangladesh’s decision to take first strike. The hosts stuck with the same top order, while left-arm spinner Hasan Murad kept his place after his impressive performance in Sylhet. Tigers clinch dominant innings victory over Ireland in Sylhet Ireland made one change, bringing in leg-spinner Gavin Hoey for Craig Young, anticipating helpful conditions for spin from the second day onward. Captain Andy Balbirnie said his team would “push hard to spoil the Mushfiqur celebrations.” Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Hasan Murad Ireland:Andy Balbirnie (capt), Paul Stirling, Cade Carmichael, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Stephen Doheny, Andy McBrine, Jordan Neill, Matthew Humphreys, Gavin Hoey.

Mushfiqur Rahim walked into his 100th Test on Wednesday morning to a warm, emotional tribute at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, telling teammates and fans that he remains committed to giving “one hundred percent” to Bangladesh cricket — just as he has since his debut as a teenager. Speaking during a brief ceremony before the second Test against Ireland, Mushfiqur thanked “Allah for such a wonderful opportunity” and paid heartfelt tribute to the people who carried him through nearly two decades of international cricket. “I want to thank my family, my parents, and especially my wife, who has spent many sleepless nights,” he said. “My teammates, my coaches, my friends and all the fans — I am grateful. I wish the best for Bangladesh cricket, and I promise I will continue to give one hundred percent for the team as I always try to do.” He also thanked Ireland for being part of the occasion. The morning began with a guard of honor from teammates as Mushfiqur entered the ground wearing a special commemorative cap presented by former Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar — the same man who handed him his debut cap 19 years ago at Lord’s. Former skipper Akram Khan also gifted him a special memento, while the BCB president and senior board officials presented him with a crest. Mushfiqur Rahim's 163 puts Bangladesh in control of 1st cricket test against Sri Lanka Najmul Hossain Shanto and Habibul Bashar handed over a jersey signed by members of his first and 100th Test squads. Bangladesh captain Najmul offered a personal tribute, calling the milestone “a proud moment” not only for Mushfiqur but for the entire team. “We have followed you since childhood and been inspired by you,” he said. “What matters to me most is that you always play for the team. You think of the team before yourself. I hope you continue the hard work you do on and off the field,” Najmul added. As Mushfiqur stood alongside match officials, support staff and family members, presenter Athar Ali Khan guided the ceremony with his trademark warmth. “I will keep giving my best for Bangladesh,” Mushfiqur added, once again.

Pakistan survived an early batting collapse to beat a determined Zimbabwe by five wickets in the opening match of the T20 tri-series on Tuesday. Zimbabwe, already qualified for next year’s T20 World Cup, impressed with the ball and pushed the hosts deep into the final over before Pakistan chased down 151-5. Fakhar Zaman, returning to T20s, top-scored with a 32-ball 44. Earlier, Zimbabwe wasted a flying start and finished on 147-8 after Pakistan’s spin trio — Mohammad Nawaz (2-22), Abrar Ahmed (1-28), and Saim Ayub (1-31) — tightened the screws in the latter half of the innings. “It was a tight match,” Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said. “Our spinners have been outstanding for the past few months, and they brought us back into the contest.” Zaman steadies Pakistan chase Fast bowler Brad Evans (2-26) jolted Pakistan with two wickets in one over, while Tinotenda Maposa trapped Agha lbw with a pinpoint yorker, reducing Pakistan to 30-3 inside the power play. Evans bowled Sahibzada Farhan (16) with a delivery that stayed low and dismissed Babar Azam for a three-ball duck as Pakistan lost three wickets for just three runs. Graeme Cremer then removed Ayub (22), leaving Pakistan 54-4 after 10 overs. Zaman, however, combined with wicketkeeper Usman Khan (unbeaten 37) for a crucial 61-run stand to revive the chase. Zaman eventually edged Richard Ngarava (1-30) while attempting a ramp shot. Zimbabwe missed a key chance when Brian Bennett dropped a simple catch off Nawaz with 15 needed from 10 balls. Nawaz capitalized, finishing the match with back-to-back boundaries in the final over bowled by Maposa. Pakistan sweeps Sri Lanka 3-0 in ODI series Zimbabwe squanders strong platform Bennett (49) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (30) blasted 59 runs in the power play, attacking both pace and Ayub’s off-spin, which cost 17 runs in his first over. But Zimbabwe’s momentum dipped after Nawaz dismissed Marumani with a miscued shot in the eighth over. Brendan Taylor made 14 before Babar Azam’s sharp throw ran him out. Bennett, who struck eight fours, later offered a simple return catch to Ayub. From cruising at 88-1 after 10 overs, Zimbabwe lost wickets regularly to Pakistan’s spin attack. Only captain Sikander Raza showed resistance, hitting an unbeaten 34 off 24 balls, including a late six off Shaheen Shah Afridi (1-34). “There were more positives than negatives,” Raza said. “We’re fighting well, but we must learn to finish games. That last hurdle is what we need to cross more often.” Sri Lanka, the third team in the series, will face Zimbabwe next on Thursday. Source: AP

One of the biggest stars of Bangladesh cricket, Mushfiqur Rahim, is all set to appear in his 100th Test, as the first Bangladeshi ever. His 100th match will take place in Mirpur on November 19th against Ireland. Mushfiqur, known for his tenacity and technical brilliance behind the stumps and in front of the wickets, has been a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s Test side for over 15 years. He is the only Bangladeshi batsman to have scored more than 6,000 runs in Test cricket, highlighting his crucial role in the team’s batting lineup. The match, which is the deciding contest in the two-Test series against Ireland, is widely anticipated not only for the cricketing battle but also as a celebration of the veteran’s long-standing contributions. The cricket fraternity in Bangladesh has been eagerly awaiting this milestone. Fans and fellow cricketers have expressed their admiration and respect for Mushfiqur’s journey from a promising young talent to a seasoned international stalwart. Phill Simmons, the Bangladesh coach, said Mushfiqur is the kind of player who has the hunger to play 150 Tests. “He has the desire and hunger of the players who played 150 Tests,” He said. “He wants to do well regularly, which is the biggest thing. The desire to improve has brought him here.” In the broader context of Bangladesh sports, Mushfiqur’s 100th Test is more than just a personal achievement; it is also a mark for the growing maturity of Bangladesh cricket. As the team looks to build on its recent successes, Mushfiqur’s experience and leadership will be invaluable assets. “The main mystery is the professionalism,” Simmons said. “(The important things are) how you manage yourself, how you work to improve your skills, and how you work to be successful at the international level. If you look at this career, he is successful in the international arena, which is playing a role behind him.”