United News of Bangladesh

England dismissed four India batters and gave the Lord's test another twist of fate on Sunday to leave it on a knife-edge heading toward the fifth and final day. India set itself a winning target of 193 runs but was reduced to 58-4 in its second innings. Stumps, with eight overs remaining, came as a relief to India with England fired up and a sun-soaked Lord's crowd turned happily hostile. For one of the teams to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, England will need six more wickets and India will need 135 more runs on Monday. Opening batter Lokesh Rahul will resume on 33 not out. India began its chase after tea and appeared to weather the early storm after Yashasvi Jaiswal fell to Jofra Archer for a duck and fellow opener Rahul was dropped on 5 by Chris Woakes. Rahul and Karun Nair piled more hurt on England and were chipping runs off the target until nearly an hour later when Nair left a straight delivery from seamer Brydon Carse and was plumb lbw. In came India captain Shubman Gill, the series' most prolific batter. But he was anxious from the start, played six false shots in the nine balls he faced, and was out lbw to Carse for 6. That huge wicket sent England into orbit and Carse into overdrive. India sent in fast bowler Akash Deep as a nightwatchman and for the last 15 minutes of the day he was targeted. Deep survived a video review on umpire's call and multiple lbw and catch appeals off Carse. But it was Stokes who smashed his off stump in what turned out to be the last ball of a remarkable day. In all, 14 wickets fell on Day 4.

Riding on a clinical performance from both batters and bowlers, Bangladesh bounced back in the three-match T20I series on Sunday night, beating Sri Lanka by a big margin of 83 runs.  Litton Das led from the front, hitting a fifty, while Shamim Hossain helped with a 48 off 27 balls.  With the ball, Rishad Hossain starred with three wickets for 18 runs in 3.2 overs. Shoriful Islam and Mohammad Saifuddin bagged two wickets each to wrap up Sri Lanka for just 94 in reply to Bangladesh’s innings of 177 for seven.  Earlier, Bangladesh lost the T20I series opener, meaning a defeat in this match would end their hopes of salvaging anything from their full tour of the Island Nation, that has spanned all three formats. SAFF U-20 Women's Champs: Trishna Rani powers Bangladesh to dramatic win over Nepal Bangladesh lost the toss for today's match, and were sent in to bat first. They suffered an early collapse, losing Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan within the first two overs for just 7 runs. However, Litton and Towhid Hridoy rebuilt the innings with a 69-run partnership, steadying the innings after the early jolt. Litton was in fine touch, hitting five sixes in his 50-ball knock, maintaining a strike rate of 152.00 before falling in the 18th over. It came as relief for Litton, who has been struggling with the bat for a while now.  Hridoy chipped in with a useful 31 off 25 balls. Shamim Hossain provided late fireworks, smashing 48 off just 27 balls with five boundaries and two sixes, propelling Bangladesh past the 170-mark. Litton, Shamim power Bangladesh to 177 in must-win T2oI vs Sri Lanka Sri Lanka's left-arm pacer Binura Fernando was the best for bowler for them, claiming 3 for 31, including two key wickets in the middle overs. Maheesh Theekshana and Nuwan Thushara picked up one wicket each, while the rest of the bowlers kept things tight without breakthroughs. Despite the middle-order stutter, Bangladesh accelerated in the final overs, scoring 62 runs in the last five overs. The third and final match of the series, now a decider, is on the evening of Wednesday, July 16th in Colombo. 

After three days of closely contested cricket, nothing separates England and India in the third Test at Lord’s, with both teams posting identical first-innings totals of 387 — a rare occurrence in Test history. This marks just the ninth instance in nearly 150 years of Test cricket where both sides ended the first innings on the same score. England ended Day 3 on 2 without loss in their second innings after just one over, setting the stage for a one-innings decider with the five-match series locked at 1-1. India’s bowlers were visibly frustrated as England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley employed deliberate time-wasting tactics in fading light, limiting play to just one over. The tension boiled over when Crawley clashed with India captain Shubman Gill, leading to heated exchanges and finger-pointing as players walked off. England’s players were seen laughing from the balcony during the altercation. Rishabh Pant not playing on Day 2 of England-India test because of injured finger India's innings featured a composed 100 from Lokesh Rahul, though he was dismissed immediately after reaching his century. Ravindra Jadeja contributed 72, while Rishabh Pant scored a lively 76 before being run out by Ben Stokes just before lunch. Nitish Kumar Reddy (30) and Washington Sundar (23) added useful runs down the order. England spinner Shoaib Bashir, who claimed Rahul’s wicket, left the field after injuring his left-hand little finger while stopping a shot from Jadeja. His condition will be assessed further. With two days remaining, a fiery finish to an already dramatic Test match is on the cards. Source: Agency 

England cricket star Joe Root has etched his name into the record books once again — not with the bat this time, but in the field. Root pulled off a spectacular one-handed catch to dismiss India’s Karun Nair during the third Test at Lord’s on Friday, setting a new record for the most catches by an outfielder in Test cricket. The catch took his tally to 211, surpassing the previous mark held by former Indian legend Rahul Dravid. Rishabh Pant not playing on Day 2 of England-India test because of injured finger Stationed at his regular first slip position, Root showed sharp reflexes as he dived to his left and plucked the ball just before it touched the turf. Reflecting on the moment, he said, “It was just nice to catch one — there’ve been plenty of drops in there. It was good to get things moving in the right direction for us.” Root’s heroics in the field came on the back of another major milestone earlier in the match, when he scored 104 — his 37th Test century, the most by any English batter and placing him fifth overall on the all-time list.

India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant did not take the field on the second day of the third Test against England at Lord’s, after sustaining an injury to his left index finger. The Indian team confirmed in a brief statement on Friday that Pant is under the care of the medical team, which is “continuing to monitor his progress.” Root anchors England with unbeaten 99 on cautious opening day against India at Lord’s Pant suffered the injury on Thursday while attempting to stop a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah that veered down the leg side. The ball struck the top of his finger as he dived, forcing him to leave the field for treatment. Dhruv Jurel stepped in to take over wicketkeeping duties from Pant for the morning session on Day 2. Pant, who also serves as India’s vice-captain, has been in excellent form during the series — scoring centuries in both innings of the first Test and adding a solid 65 in the second Test.

Joe Root once again proved to be a thorn in India’s side, guiding England to 251-4 at stumps on the first day of the third Test at Lord’s with a patient, unbeaten 99. Having had a relatively quiet series so far, Root spent over five hours under the blazing sun, anchoring England’s innings after captain Ben Stokes chose to bat first. Stokes, who ended the day on 39 not out, appeared to be nursing a groin or adductor injury that may limit his bowling role. Notably, he turned down a second run in the final over that could have taken Root to his century. Root’s determined knock marked a shift from England’s typically aggressive “Bazball” approach under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Stokes. Instead, the team opted for a more measured strategy on a challenging pitch. Sri Lanka cruise to seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in T20I opener “It was slightly different to the way we usually put together an innings, but we’ll take it,” batter Ollie Pope told the BBC. “We want to be a team that’s positive and entertaining, but we also want to play to the situation. Our lineup can score hundreds off 120 balls, but sometimes you have to dig in.” With the series level, Root’s resolute performance has handed England the early advantage in the crucial Test. Source: Agency 

Sri Lanka outclassed Bangladesh by seven wickets in the first T20I of the three-match series on Thursday in Pallekele.  This big defeat followed a series of lean batting displays from the Bangladeshi batters. They failed to impress in the Tests, in ODIs, and now in the first T20I.  After winning the toss and opting to field, Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept the visitors in check despite a quick start. Parvez Hossain Emon top-scored for Bangladesh with a brisk 38 off 22 balls, hitting five fours and a six. Mohammad Naim (32 not out) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (29 off 23) chipped in, but the Tigers lost wickets at regular intervals and couldn’t build a match-defining partnership. Captain Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy failed to provide much-needed performance in this match. Litton scored only 6, while Towhid scored 10.  Litton fell prey to Jeffrey Vandersay while attempting a sweep off a googly.  Maheesh Theekshana claimed 2 for 37, while Dasun Shanaka and Jeffrey picked up a wicket apiece, helping restrict Bangladesh to 154 for 5. In reply, Sri Lanka’s openers launched a comprehensive counterattack. Pathum Nissanka smashed 42 off just 16 deliveries, setting the tone with three sixes and five fours. Kusal Mendis led the chase with a 73 off 51 balls before falling late in the innings. He scored five fours and three sixes.  Though Bangladesh managed to pick three wickets—one each for Mehidy, Saifuddin, and Rishad Hossain—the hosts remained comfortably ahead. Avishka Fernando and captain Charith Asalanka ensured there were no late hiccups, taking Sri Lanka to 159 for 3 in 19 overs.

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to bowl first against Bangladesh in the opening T20I of the three-match series at Pallekele on Wednesday. Having already secured the Test and ODI series, the hosts entered the shortest format with momentum and confidence, while Bangladesh looked to bounce back under the leadership of Litton Das, who returns after missing the last two ODIs. This series will be a tough challenge for Litton, both as a batter and captain. With this match, Mohammad Saifuddin returned to the team after several months. This is just the beginning: Edwards Stands firm amid England’s T20 struggles Bangladesh XI: Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (capt and keeper), Naim Sheikh, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Tanzim Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, and Mohammad Saifuddin. Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka (capt), Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, and Binura Fernando.

The head coach of England women, Charlotte Edwards has urged patience and calm following her team’s defeat in T20 series to India, saying the team is transition and focused on long term progress. India scored a 3-1 series win with a commanding six-wicket victory at Old Trafford, displaying England’s inconsistencies ahead of the final match of the five game series. The outcome follows a period of upheaval for England, who are reconstructing under Edwards and new captain Nat Sciver-Brunt after a disappointing winter that included an early T20 World Cup exit and a 16-0 Ashes whitewash. “We are a team on a journey,” Edwards told Sky Sports. “It’s not going to happen overnight. As long as we are looking to get better, I am not going to panic.” Edwards said that the match against India had provided valuable lessons, specifically in revealing how players respond under pressure – an experience that will play a vital role in the next year’s T20 World Cup. Fielding remains a key area of concern, with several dropped catches hurting England throughout the match. Edwards described performances in the field as “really disappointing,” though she highlighted Charlie Dean’s brilliant catch at The Oval as a positive sign. The bowling attack was one bright spot, with young seamers Lauren Bell, Lauren Filer, and Issy Wong showing promise, alongside experienced spinner Sophie Ecclestone. Attention now turns to the upcoming three-match ODI series, which serves as preparation for the 50-over World Cup in India and Sri Lanka this autumn. Edwards hopes for a stronger showing in the longer format. She also credited India’s fast development to their participation in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), which has offered regular exposure to high- pressure matches in front of large crowds. Edwards believes domestic competitions like The Hundred must be leveraged similarly in England. “We’ve come up against one of the best teams in the world,” she said. “Everything is done behind the scenes to help us to be better. We’ve got to be realistic and keep our aim on the bigger picture. Source: BBC

England have recalled fast bowler Jofra Archer for the third Test against India at Lord’s, which will be his first appearance in red-ball cricket in four years.  The 29-year-old pacer has battled persistent elbow and back injuries over the past four years, restricting him to limited-overs formats. He recently returned to first-class action with Sussex and impressed enough to be named in the playing XI for Thursday’s Test—at the very ground where he made his memorable debut during the 2019 Ashes. His comeback mirrors his debut in more ways than one. In 2019, Archer was brought in to unsettle Australia’s Steve Smith; this time, he’s expected to target Shubman Gill, who piled up a record-breaking 430 in the previous Test. Mulder shines as South Africa crushes Zimbabwe Archer replaces Josh Tongue, England’s leading wicket-taker in the series, who has shouldered a heavy workload. Despite lingering injury concerns, Brydon Carse retains his spot alongside Chris Woakes, as Gus Atkinson remains sidelined. England captain Ben Stokes said Archer was given extra time to train and build confidence with the squad. Head coach Brendon McCullum has declared him “ready to go.” Archer has 42 Test wickets at an average of 31.04.  In the ongoing series against India, England are trailing by 0-2, and are under pressure to bounce back.