United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s Asia Cup run has been left hanging by a thread after a bruising loss to Sri Lanka on Saturday night. Batting first, the problems started straight away. It took 14 balls to get the first run. Both openers went for ducks. By the fifth over, three wickets were gone for just 11. From there it was survival mode. Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain managed to stitch something together, putting on 86 for the sixth wicket. Jaker finished unbeaten on 41, Shamim on 42. But 139 for 5 on a good surface was never likely to stretch Sri Lanka Pathum Nissanka hit 50 off 34 and Kamil Mishara added 46 not out as Sri Lanka chased it down in just 14.4 overs. The margin – six wickets, 32 balls left – wrecked Bangladesh’s net run rate. Captain Litton Das admitted the powerplay sealed their fate. “On this wicket 140 was not enough,” he said. “We had to bowl and field better and we didn’t.” Jaker tried to sound defiant afterwards. “We came here to be champions. One match doesn’t change that,” he told reporters. “The Afghanistan game is do-or-die. We’ll go in with the mentality to win.” The equation is simple now. Beat Afghanistan, and hope Sri Lanka do the same. Lose, and Bangladesh are out.  

Phil Salt’s record-breaking T20 century powered England to a commanding 146-run victory over South Africa on Friday, producing the third-highest men’s T20 total in history. Salt remained unbeaten on 141, while Jos Buttler contributed 83 as England posted 304-2, including 18 sixes and 30 boundaries. South Africa showed fight initially but were 64-3 after the powerplay and lost captain Aiden Markram for 41 in the eighth over. The Proteas were bowled out for 158 in the 17th over, marking their heaviest T20 defeat by runs and England’s largest winning margin in men’s T20s. Salt reached his 141 off 60 balls, surpassing his previous England record of 119 set in December 2023, while Buttler’s 50 in 18 balls became England’s third-fastest T20 half-century. Together, Salt and Buttler reached 100 runs in the powerplay, only the third time this has happened in men’s T20 cricket. Read:  Sri Lanka outclass Bangladesh to seal comfortable win in Asia Cup England captain Harry Brook praised the team’s batting depth, calling the series a strong preparation for the T20 World Cup. England’s bowlers then exploited the mounting pressure, with Jofra Archer taking 3-25, Sam Curran 2-11, and Will Jacks claiming two wickets at the death. The series now moves to a decider in Nottingham on Sunday. Source : Agency 

Sri Lanka outplayed Bangladesh in all departments on Saturday night, cruising to a six-wicket victory in their Asia Cup Group B clash at Zayed Cricket Stadium. The win puts Charith Asalanka’s side in control of qualification while Bangladesh face a do-or-die against Afghanistan. Asked to bat first, Bangladesh endured a horror start. Both openers were gone without scoring inside the first two overs – Tanzid Hasan bowled by Nuwan Thushara and Parvez Hossain Emon edging behind off Dushmantha Chameera. By the fifth over Towhid Hridoy had been run out and Mahedi Hasan trapped lbw by Wanindu Hasaranga, leaving the innings in tatters at 38 for 4. When captain Litton Das fell for 28 in the 10th over, Bangladesh were staring at a collapse. Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain dragged them to something respectable. The pair added 86 in a determined stand for the sixth wicket, Shamim finishing unbeaten on 42 off 34 while Jaker compiled 41 not out. Still, 139 for 5 never looked like enough on a flat surface. Sri Lanka’s reply was brisk and clinical. Pathum Nissanka gave them the early momentum with a rapid half-century – 50 from 34 balls, decorated with six boundaries and a six. At the other end 23-year-old Kamil Mishara, back in the side after a spell away, anchored with 46 not out from 32 deliveries. The two added 95 for the second wicket and effectively killed the contest inside ten overs. Bangladesh picked up a few late wickets – Mahedi removing Nissanka and Kusal Perera, Tanzim Sakib nicking off Dasun Shanaka – but the result was beyond doubt. Asalanka sealed it with a six in the 15th over, Sri Lanka reaching 140 for 4 with 32 balls to spare. Hasaranga’s return was another plus for Sri Lanka. The legspinner bowled with control, claiming 2 for 25, while Chameera and Thushara each struck in the new-ball burst that left Bangladesh reeling. Player of the Match Mishara said he simply followed Nissanka’s advice. “Pathum told me to play my natural game and take my time. I’m happy I could finish it off,” he said after the match. For Litton Das the assessment was blunt. “We lost it in the powerplay,” the Bangladesh captain admitted. “On this pitch 140 was never enough. Against Afghanistan it’s do-or-die now.” Bangladesh’s net run-rate has also taken a hit. To reach the Super Four they must not only beat Afghanistan but win big. Sri Lanka, by contrast, sit comfortably with two points and momentum firmly on their side.

Bangladesh fast bowler Tanzim Hasan Sakib says his team will take confidence from their recent success against Sri Lanka as they prepare for Saturday’s Asia Cup clash in Abu Dhabi. Bangladesh opened their campaign with a routine seven-wicket win over Hong Kong, and victory against Sri Lanka would put them in strong position to qualify for the Super Four from Group B. The two sides have met frequently in recent months, with Bangladesh winning three of their last five meetings, including a 2-1 series triumph in Colombo in July. “It’s very straightforward. Our approach will be to go for the win,” Tanzim told reporters on Friday. “We have played a lot of games against Sri Lanka. We know their players well and we plan accordingly. They have some very good cricketers, but we will try to stop them by playing our best cricket.” England makes history with first Test nation to score 300 in T20Is The rivalry between the two teams has produced heated moments in the past, but Tanzim insisted he was not focused on that aspect. “Rivalries will always be there. But in a tournament, winning is the main thing. Be it Sri Lanka, Afghanistan or Pakistan, we enter the field to win,” he said. “Beating Sri Lanka in the last series definitely gives us confidence.” Tanzim, who impressed at the last T20 World Cup with 11 wickets, said he is sticking to the basics that brought him success then. “In the World Cup my focus was only on line and length, against any opponent. I’ve set that as my target again,” he added. Bangladesh are expected to field the same XI that beat Hong Kong, with Tanzim once again leading the new-ball attack alongside Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman.

England's batters rewrote the record books on Friday, becoming the first Test-playing nation to score 300 runs in a men's T20 International. The Three Lions secured a massive 146-run win after a brutal display of power-hitting, led by Phil Salt and Jos Buttler. Batting first, England put 304 runs for two at Old Trafford in front of what the Proteas batting line-up closed for just 158 for all. After being put in to bat, England's top order was in a destructive mood from the first over. Phil Salt, who continued his stellar form, smashed an unbeaten 141 from just 60 deliveries, an innings studded with 15 fours and eight sixes. He was supported by captain Jos Buttler, who set a furious pace with 83 runs off 36 balls. The opening pair’s blistering partnership laid the foundation for the record-breaking total. Late contributions from Harry Brook (41 off 21) and Jacob Bethell (26 off 14) ensured England finished on a monumental score. US olympic committee bars transgender women from Women’s Sports in line with Trump order In reply, South Africa's run-chase never got going, as they were eventually bowled out for 158 with 3.5 overs to spare, resulting in their biggest-ever defeat in the format by runs. Salt’s innings set multiple records, becoming the highest individual score by an English batter in T20Is. He also registered the fastest-ever T20I century for England, reaching three figures in just 39 deliveries and eclipsing Liam Livingstone’s previous mark of 42 balls. The team's total of 304 surpassed their previous highest of 267 against West Indies in 2023, solidifying their place in history as the first full-member side to reach the 300-run milestone. Reflecting on the milestone, Salt said at the post-match presentation, “It was really good fun. It’s a personal milestone but also the fact we got to 300 and won by such a big margin, you can't ask for much more. It's my home ground, and I knew the powerplay would be important, so I took it on.” South Africa captain Aiden Markram admitted his side was outclassed. “It was a tough one. We started getting it wrong from the toss, that one is on me. Two masterclasses up front from them and when you are put under that kind of pressure, it is hard to pull it back. We will have to come up with some good plans and take it on again on Sunday.” With the series now tied at 1-1, the third and final T20I on Sunday will be the series decider.    

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will take on each other in Abu Dhabi on Saturday in what already feels like a knockout. With Afghanistan lurking in Group B of the ongoing Asia Cup, a defeat here means the loser is staring at a messy qualification route. There is plenty of history between the two. Over the past decade, they’ve split their 16 T20Is, eight wins each. Bangladesh have held the edge lately. They won a T20 World Cup game in Dallas last year and beat Sri Lanka 2-1 in Colombo in July. In both series, Bangladesh’s bowlers were on top early, grabbing wickets before the Lankan batting could breathe. Man United to stick with Bayindir in goal for Manchester City derby Bangladesh looked sharp in their opener against Hong Kong. The quicks set the tone, Rishad Hossain chipped in with his legspin, and Litton Das took charge of the chase with a fluent 59. Rishad, in particular, has good memories against Sri Lanka. In July he went at just 5.4 an over across three matches, never letting batters line him up. Litton will be the batter to watch again. He needs 56 more to become Bangladesh’s all-time leading T20I run-scorer. He already has 476 this year, striking at over 137. Towhid Hridoy is expected to play the anchor’s role once more. Fast bowler Tanzim Hasan Sakib brushed aside talk of rivalry. “We don’t think about that. The job is to win, no matter who we play,” Tanzim said on Friday. Sri Lanka haven’t played yet in this tournament. Captain Charith Asalanka admitted that Bangladesh are ahead in terms of rhythm. “They are playing good cricket, we lost to them at home. But we want to execute our basics properly,” he said. The big news for Sri Lanka is Wanindu Hasaranga’s return. He missed the Zimbabwe series with a hamstring strain but is fit again. Asalanka called him “a superstar for us in white-ball cricket.” His bowling and late hitting could tilt the balance. Pathum Nissanka’s form at the top is another card. He has 230 runs this year at a strike rate of 147. In Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka lost the only game where he didn’t cross 30. Conditions in Abu Dhabi are expected to favor batters, though spinners may get some grip. Bangladesh are set to stick with the same XI from Thursday: three seamers and two spinners. Sri Lanka may bring in Chameera and Thushara, with Binura Fernando likely to get the nod over Pathirana. The 'naagin' rivalry may have cooled, but the stakes are the same. Bangladesh come in with confidence and match practice. Sri Lanka bring back their match-winner in Hasaranga. By Saturday night, one will be a step closer to the Super Four. The other will be hanging by a thread.

Bangladesh have kicked off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign on Thursday night in Abu Dhabi against Hong Kong, taking what appears to be the softest assignment in Group B. After winning the toss at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Bangladesh skipper Litton Das chose to bowl first. Hong Kong, who suffered a heavy 94-run defeat against Afghanistan in the tournament opener, will send their openers to the crease shortly. After winning the toss, skipper Litton Das said, “We’ll bowl first. First game for us, don't know how the pitch will behave so looking to bowl. Have played very good cricket in the last three series but these are different conditions.” The Tigers line up with balance in mind—three fast bowlers in Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib; spin options through Mahedi Hasan and Rishad Hossain; and a batting order anchored by Litton himself alongside young openers Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan Tamim. Middle-order firepower comes through Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, and Jaker Ali. Litton,underlined the importance of consistency in his pre-match words, “Every game is important for us,” expressing his intention to give 100 percent. Hong Kong’s skipper Yasim Murtaza welcomed the outcome of the toss with optimism. “We got what we wanted. Made few mistakes in the middle with the batters in the last game. Whatever has happened has happened in the past. New day today,” he remarked, rallying his teammates to turn the page. Playing XIs Bangladesh: Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das(w/c), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman. Hong Kong: Zeeshan Ali(w), Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Kalhan Challu, Kinchit Shah, Yasim Murtaza(c), Aizaz Khan, Ehsan Khan, Ayush Shukla

The Indian Supreme Court on Thursday turned down an urgent plea seeking cancellation of the Asia Cup T20 match between India and Pakistan scheduled for September 14 in Dubai. A Bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi dismissed the public interest litigation (PIL) filed by four law students who argued that playing Pakistan so soon after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor would convey the wrong message. “Match is this Sunday? What can we do about that? Let it be. The match should go on,” Justice Maheshwari remarked during the brief hearing. The petitioners’ counsel requested that the matter be listed for consideration, even if not immediately. But the Bench refused to grant urgent listing and reaffirmed that the match would take place as planned. The PIL contended that hosting a cricket game against Pakistan would demoralize the Armed Forces and hurt the families of martyrs and terror victims, stressing that cricket could not be prioritized over national security, citizens’ lives, or soldiers’ sacrifices. With the Court’s rejection of the plea, the much-anticipated India-Pakistan encounter in the Asia Cup remains set for Sunday in Dubai.   Source: With inputs from Indian media

  Dhaka, Sept 10 (UNB) — For the first time in history, the Women’s Cricket World Cup will be run entirely by female officials. The ICC confirmed on Thursday that all 31 matches of the 2025 edition in India will be overseen by an all-women panel — 14 umpires and four referees. It is the first time the Women’s World Cup will be officiated this way, though other events such as the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the last two Women’s T20 World Cups have done the same. Bangladesh’s first female international umpire, Shathira Jakir Jesy, also made her name in the list. Shathira also played for the Bangladesh national women’s team.  Other names on the list are also familiar. Claire Polosak, Jacqueline Williams and Sue Redfern return for their third World Cup. Lauren Agenbag and Kim Cotton, who stood in the 2022 final, are also back, as is Eloise Sheridan. On the referees’ side, Trudy Anderson, Shandre Fritz, GS Lakshmi and Michell Pereira will take charge. ICC chairman Jay Shah called it “a defining moment,” adding that the step was not just symbolic but about “visibility and opportunity” for future officials. The World Cup runs from September 30 to November 2, across four Indian venues. Eight teams will take part, with the final scheduled for Navi Mumbai or Colombo. The ICC said it will continue to back women in officiating with coaching support, performance reviews and access to umpire managers. For the players, the focus will be on the trophy. For the officials, it is about proving that the game can be run at the highest level without a man in sight.

Bangladesh begin their Asia Cup campaign tonight in Abu Dhabi with what looks, at least on paper, like the softest assignment in Group B. Their opponents, Hong Kong, were dismantled by Afghanistan in the tournament’s first game and arrive carrying the scars of a 94-run defeat. Liton Das and his side come in with confidence after three straight T20I series wins. They have embraced a more aggressive batting approach, clearing the ropes with regularity. Openers Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon have turned six-hitting into a friendly rivalry, striking 23 and 22 respectively this year. Liton himself has been in prime touch, leading Bangladesh in T20I runs in 2025. Still, Hong Kong cannot be taken lightly. The memory of 2014, when they stunned Bangladesh in Chattogram during the T20 World Cup, lingers. Two of that side — Babar Hayat and Nizakat Khan — remain in the squad. Hayat top-scored again in the loss to Afghanistan, hitting 39 while others fell around him. Bangladesh are expected to line up with three quicks and two spinners. Taskin Ahmed leads the seam attack, with Mustafizur Rahman and young Tanzim Hasan Sakib for support. Offspinner Mahedi Hasan has been effective in the powerplay, while legspinner Rishad Hossain offers a wicket-taking option in the middle overs. Liton has urged his team to play “smart cricket,” not just swing for the stands. Power-hitting coach Julian Wood was drafted in before the tournament, but the captain stressed that reading conditions and situations will matter as much as brute force. “Every game we have to give our hundred percent, no matter the opponent,” he said on the eve of the match. For Hong Kong, the challenge is to hold their batting together long enough to post a score. Against Afghanistan they slipped to 27 for 4 in the powerplay and never recovered. Their spinners, especially Yasim Murtaza, managed to slow things briefly, but catching errors cost them dearly. Bangladesh know that beyond the win, net run rate could be crucial with Afghanistan and Sri Lanka also in the group. Afghanistan’s huge margin in the opening game has set an early marker. A straightforward victory may not be enough — Liton’s side will want to finish the job quickly and emphatically. The match starts at 8:30 p.m. Bangladesh time.