United News of Bangladesh

India wanted to bowl first but was made to bat against England at Headingley — and it worked out well. On Friday, India kicked off the five-Test series with a dominant 359-3 on Day 1, led by standout centuries from new captain Shubman Gill and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. Gill remained unbeaten on 127 in his first Test as captain — also his first century outside Asia — while Jaiswal scored 101, becoming the first Asian opener to make a Test hundred at Headingley. Both batters played faultless innings. It was a stronger-than-expected beginning to a new chapter in Indian cricket, coming in their first Test in 14 years without retired stars Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, or Ravichandran Ashwin. Gill’s performance came after a month of heightened attention following his appointment as India’s 37th Test captain. Meanwhile, left-hander Jaiswal battled through hand cramps and celebrated his century with passion. Asia Cup Archery: Bangladeshi archer Alif win recurve men's singles gold medal Captains are often targeted for their symbolic value, but Gill asserted his leadership with a poised, technically sound century — his sixth in Test cricket — as fans looked to his future with optimism. Admittedly, conditions favored batting. The sun shone, humidity was high, and the pitch flattened out — likely the easiest setup India’s relatively inexperienced lineup will encounter in England. England opted to bowl first, banking on early help from a green-tinted surface and recent stats: the last six Test wins at Headingley came after bowling first. However, the movement was minimal, and England struggled with accuracy. In the first hour, only 35% of deliveries hit the right line and length — the second-worst figure for England in a home Test opening session since 2019. Their bowlers labored throughout the day, with all three main pacers conceding over 4.3 runs per over. Captain Ben Stokes, playing just his second competitive match of the year, was the most effective, finishing with 2-43. England bowling coach Tim Southee commented, “The strength of this side is that things can be tough at times but they try not to get too caught up in the emotions of bad days.” India’s openers Jaiswal and KL Rahul capitalized on wayward bowling with elegant off-side drives. England, eager for a breakthrough, burned a review on an lbw appeal against Jaiswal, though the ball pitched well outside leg stump. Jaiswal’s only moment of discomfort came from a 145 kph (90 mph) delivery by Brydon Carse that struck his ribcage. He and Rahul combined for 16 boundaries, all on the off side, before Rahul edged Carse to first slip just before lunch for 42. Joe Root took the catch — his 209th — placing him one short of Rahul Dravid’s all-time record for non-wicketkeepers. Debutant Sai Sudharsan followed soon after, dismissed by Stokes after facing only five balls. Gill and Jaiswal then steadied the innings in a productive, wicketless second session. On his first England tour, Jaiswal dominated the off side, with only 10 runs scored to the leg side. While in the 80s, Jaiswal began cramping in both hands but only lingered in the 90s for six balls. He reached his century off 144 deliveries, which included 16 fours and a six that cleared deep point. He celebrated by twirling his helmet and punching the air — but was bowled for 101 by a sharp delivery from Stokes right after tea. “I went after the loose balls,” Jaiswal said afterward. “Gill was amazing — calm and composed. It did swing, but I focused on sticking to my process and enjoying the moment.” Australia drop Labuschagne, rule out injured Smith for West Indies test opener Vice-captain Rishabh Pant joined Gill and initially played with restraint as Shoaib Bashir tightened one end. However, as the final session wore on and the bowlers tired, the pair accelerated. Gill brought up his century with his 14th boundary, reaching the milestone in 140 balls, celebrating with a yell and bow to the dressing room. A six over fine leg carried him past 2,000 Test runs. Pant soon followed with his 22nd Test fifty, off 91 balls, also crossing 3,000 Test runs. He finished the day on 65 not out, having hit two sixes late on to excite India’s supporters. India ended the day in full control, marking a strong start to their new era.  

Bangladesh continues to exert pressure on the hosts in the Galle Test. At the end of day four, the tourists have ensured a lead of 187 runs with seven wickets in hand. It is clear that the match is going to end in a draw unless something dramatic happens on the last day. That said, Bangladesh have done their best over 57 overs of second-innings batting to take the possibility of a Sri Lankan victory off the table. If they can avoid a collapse early on day five, a push for a win — however unlikely — cannot be entirely ruled out. Bangladesh had secured a tiny 10-run lead after both teams' first innings. And then they scored 177 for three to end day four. Opener Shadman Islam and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hit a fifty each. While Shadman was out for 76, Shanto remained unbeaten for 56. Galle Test: Nayeem registers five-for as Bangladesh secure a small first-innings lead Along with him, Mushfiqur Rahim also remained unbeaten for 22 after surviving some early nervous moments and settling in. Prabath Jayasuriya, Tharindu Rathnayake, and Milan Rathnayake took one wicket each for Sri Lanka. But the hosts struggled to find regular breakthroughs as the pitch, surprisingly, has not deteriorated much — offering little help to the spinners. Sri Lanka ended their first innings at 485 with opener Pathum Nissanka hitting the highest of 187. Kamindu Mendis contributed with 87. For Bangladesh, Nayeem Hasan secured a five-for — his fourth such feat in Test cricket. Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and posted 495 thanks to centuries from Mushfiqur and Najmul.

Bangladesh off-spinner Nayeem Hasan registered a five-for in the Galle Test and helped Bangladesh to secure a 10-run first innings lead against the hosts on Friday. At the end of day three, Sri Lanka were at 368 for four. On the fourth day, they added another 117 runs, losing all other wickets, ending their innings at 485. Pathum Nissanka was the star for the hosts, crafting a magnificent 187 runs, while Kamindu Mendis provided strong support with a valuable 87. Galle Test: Nissanka's epic ton propels Sri Lanka's solid reply to Bangladesh For Bangladesh, Hasan Mahmud proved effective, claiming three wickets to go along with Nayeem's contributions. Despite taking the crucial first wicket, Taijul Islam couldn't add any more to his tally. Earlier, Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain hit centuries to guide Bangladesh to 495 in the first innings after winning the toss.  

Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped, and injured star Steve Smith has been ruled out of Australia’s squad for the opening match of their upcoming three-Test series against the West Indies, Cricket Australia confirmed on Friday. Smith will miss the first Test due to a finger injury sustained during Australia’s World Test Championship (WTC) final defeat to South Africa last weekend at Lord’s. While his recovery is progressing, he has not yet healed enough to return. Cricket Australia expects him to be fit in time for the second Test, set to begin on July 3. Chief selector George Bailey announced that teenager Sam Konstas and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis would replace Smith and Labuschagne in the squad. Bailey explained that Smith required another week for his wound to heal and would be reassessed afterward. Galle Test: Nissanka's epic ton propels Sri Lanka's solid reply to Bangladesh “We have made the decision to give Josh and Sam the opportunity to replace Steve and Marnus,” said Bailey. “We are excited to see them get the chance to further their fledgling Test careers.” Nineteen-year-old Konstas has only two Test caps to his name but made a strong impression with a brisk 60 off nearly as many balls during last December’s Boxing Day Test against India in Melbourne. Josh Inglis, 30, has primarily represented Australia in limited-overs formats but impressed in his only Test series to date — against Sri Lanka in February — scoring a century on debut and showing promise. “In his only opportunity in Test cricket to date, Josh was outstanding in Sri Lanka, showing great intent and ability to put pressure on the opposition,” Bailey noted. Labuschagne, who averages 46.19 across 104 Test innings with 11 centuries and 23 fifties, has been out of form in recent series. He has not reached a hundred since the 2023 Ashes Test in Manchester and has failed to score above 26 in his last four Test innings. Promoted to open in the WTC final against South Africa, he made modest starts but was dismissed for 17 and 22. Injured Steve Smith going with Australia to West Indies “Marnus at his best can be a really important member of this team,” said Bailey. “He understands his output hasn’t been at the level we, or he, expects. We will continue working with him on the areas of his game we feel he needs to rediscover.” The final playing XI and batting lineup for the first Test will be confirmed closer to the match, which begins next Wednesday.

Opener Pathum Nissanka delivered a solid performance with the bat against Bangladesh in the Galle Test with 187 that led Sri Lanka’s fightback in reply to Bangladesh’s first innings total of 495. At the end of day three, Sri Lanka had scored 368 for four, trailing the visitors by 127 runs with six wickets in hand. In the first wicket stand, Nissanka and debutant opener Lahiru Udara posted a brisk 47 runs in just 12 overs. Lahiru was impressive with a 34-ball 29 with six fours. But he was trapped by Taijul Islam, the premier left-arm spinner of Bangladesh. It was a loose delivery that Lahiru failed to guess properly and sent a return catch to Taijul. After the early loss of their first wicket, Sri Lanka found stability as Pathum Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal forged a crucial 157-run partnership for the second wicket. Chandimal eventually departed for 54, but Nissanka continued to anchor the innings, keeping the scoreboard ticking. His impressive stay at the crease ended when he fell to Hasan Mahmud, shortly after Bangladesh took the second new ball. The delivery, angled into Nissanka, saw him attempt a straight drive but miss the ball, which then disturbed his stumps. Rishad recruited again by Hobart Hurricanes in Big Bash draft Later, Angelo Mathews became the hosts' fourth wicket to fall, dismissed by an ultra-slow delivery from Mominul Haque. Earlier, riding on the centuries of Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim and 90 from Litton Das, Bangladesh posted 495 after winning the toss. Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka started their new World Test Championship cycle with this match.//

Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain has been picked once again by Hobart Hurricanes for the upcoming season of Australia’s Big Bash League, becoming the only Bangladeshi player to earn a team spot in this year’s overseas draft. Rishad was drafted 13th overall during Wednesday’s event at NEP Studios in Melbourne. The 21-year-old also received a call-up from Hobart in the previous season but could not participate as the Bangladesh Cricket Board did not grant him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) due to the national team’s tour of the West Indies. Galle Test: Taijul bags first wicket after Bangladesh post 495 Despite Rishad's absence last season, the Hurricanes went on to win their maiden Big Bash title. If all goes well this time, Rishad is set to become only the second Bangladeshi to feature in the BBL, after Shakib Al Hasan. While 11 Bangladeshi cricketers had registered for the draft—including Mustafizur Rahman, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Towhid Hridoy—Rishad was the only one selected. Hobart also picked England’s leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, possibly indicating a spin-heavy strategy for the coming season. Risahd has played 35 T20Is so far and bagged 43 wickets for Bangladesh.    

Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka quickly brought up a century in the Galle Test, leading his team's strong reply to Bangladesh's first innings total of 495. His hundred powered Sri Lanka to 200 runs inside 50 overs. Although Taijul Islam removed the other Sri Lankan opener, Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal then built a formidable second-wicket partnership, putting pressure back on the Bangladesh side. Bangladesh posted 495 in the first innings of the match after winning the toss. Australia to fund AUS 2 mln for BALLOT project to support Bangladesh electoral process Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim hit a ton each for the visitors, which gave them a total close to 500.  It was Mushfiqur’s 12th in the format, and second at the Galle since 2013. With his ton, the right-handed batter ended a long drought.  Litton Das also batted with 90. He was so close to a Test century, but failed to achieve that.

Bangladesh left-arm spinner Taijul Islam broke the opening stand of Sri Lanka at 47 on the third morning of the Galle Test, following Bangladesh’s first innings total of 495. Pathum Nissanka and debutant Lahiru Udara made 47 runs quickly in the opening stand. Udara was the first to fall. It was a soft dismissal with a return catch to the bowler Taijul. Bangladesh were at 484 for nine at the end of day two. They fell short of five runs from posting 500. The highlights of Bangladesh’s innings were the centuries of Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Litton Das’s 90. Mushfiqur Rahim's 163 puts Bangladesh in control of 1st cricket test against Sri Lanka For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando, Milan Rathnayake, and Tharindu Rathnayake shared nine wickets equally among them. Tharindu is making his Test debut with this match. Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have kicked off their new cycle of the World Test Championship with this Test.

Mushfiqur Rahim crafted a magnificent 163 on Wednesday as Bangladesh posted a formidable 484 for nine on a rain-interrupted second day of the opening Test against Sri Lanka. Spending over eight hours at the crease and facing 350 balls, Mushfiqur delivered a composed and resilient innings, mixing solid defense with moments of flair. His effort put Bangladesh in control, despite a late batting collapse in the final session where the team lost five wickets for just 26 runs, offering Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope. Bangladesh, who have only beaten Sri Lanka once in their previous 26 Test meetings, are now well-placed for a second victory, having registered their fourth-highest total against the island nation. Mushfiqur played pivotal roles in two crucial partnerships that shifted the game’s momentum. First, he stitched together a record 264-run stand with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who looked fluent on his way to 148 before falling unexpectedly. Shanto was tempted into a mistimed shot by Asitha Fernando and was caught by Angelo Mathews at mid-off. Unfazed, Mushfiqur then shared a 149-run partnership with Litton Das, who added impetus with his aggressive strokeplay. But the duo’s dismissals within the space of nine deliveries halted Bangladesh’s push toward the 500-run mark. Galle Test: Day two called off early as Bangladesh close to 500 Sri Lanka responded by adopting a negative bowling line, focusing on the leg side to restrict scoring. Das fell trying to reverse sweep debutant spinner Tharindu Rathnayake, only to top-edge a catch to the keeper. With the ball starting to reverse swing, Sri Lanka gained ground late in the day. Milan Rathnayake led the charge with three wickets in a post-tea spell, helping trigger the collapse. “It’s a difficult pitch for bowlers, but I think we did quite well in that final hour with those quick wickets,” said Rathnayake. “We’ve got a strong batting lineup, and we’re aiming to get a lead.” Asitha Fernando, back from a county stint with Glamorgan, also picked up three wickets. Though recovering from a recent illness, he showed his class by combining pace with variety — delivering sharp bouncers and pinpoint yorkers. Tharindu Rathnayake, on debut, also impressed with three wickets, despite being used defensively for much of the day. Yet, the day undoubtedly belonged to Mushfiqur, who thrives in Galle conditions — amassing 482 runs in just four innings at the venue. Among visiting batters, only Pakistan’s Younis Khan (497) and Australia’s Usman Khawaja (490) have scored more at the ground. “Mushfiqur is a true inspiration for the team,” said Bangladesh catching coach Mohammad Salahuddin. “He might not have had big scores in recent games, but his commitment, work ethic, and leadership in the dressing room are everything you want from a senior player.”    

  Bangladesh closed in on scoring 500 in the first innings of the Galle Test vs Sri Lanka before the bad lights forced an early end to day two.  Rain forced a two-and-a-half-hour stoppage in play, followed by poor light that prompted an earlier start to day three by 15 minutes. Bangladesh were at 484 for 9 at the end of day two, with pace-bowling duo— Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana— were unbeaten for a duck each.  Centuries from Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain Shanto were the highlights of Bangladesh’s innings so far. Litton Das fell only 10 runs short of his own century.  Galle Test: Mushfiqur, Litton fall quickly as Bangladesh pass 450 Mushfiqur made 163, while Litton fell for 90 after forming a 149-run stand. Before this stand, Musfiqur and Shanto added 264, with Shanto hitting 148.  Mushfiqur and Litton fell in quick succession that shocked Bangladesh right after passing the 450-run mark.  Bangladesh were at 292 for three at the end of day one. Following an early setback of losing three wickets inside 17 overs, Mushfiqur and Shanto formed a solid stand. Mushfiqur’s century was the 12th century for Mushfiqur in his career, and the second in Galle after his double-ton in 2013.  Shanto fell prey to Asitha Fernando with only two runs short of 150. He was caught at mid-off. Angelo Mathews, who is playing his last Test, grabbed a low catch to send Shanto back.  For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando, Milan Rathnayake, and Tharindu Rathnayake shared nine wickets equally among them. Tharindu is making his Test debut with this match.    Bangladesh, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, saw Litton and Mushfiqur forge a 100-run partnership, propelling the Tigers past the 400-run mark despite the absence of key player Mehidy Hasan Miraz due to illness.