Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Tuesday announced three different teams for the upcoming Bangabandhu 9th Bangladesh Games.

Along with the national team members, many young cricketers got the chance in Bangladesh Red, Green and Blue teams.

Also read: Pacer Shahadat pleads with BCB to reduce ban

Most of the events of the Bangladesh Games will kick off from April 1, but the women cricket is all set to commence from March 6 in Sylhet.

All three women teams arrived in Sylhet for the event.

All of these teams will face each other once in the event and the best two teams will take on each other in the final on March 12. All the matches will be played at Sylhet International Stadium.

Also read:BCB president's shot at selectors

Teams:

Bangladesh Red: Rubia Haider Jhilik, Sharmin Akhter Supta, Nigar Sultana Jyoti (Wicketkeeper), Lata Mandal, Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akhter, Jinnat Asiya Arthi, Suraiya Azim, Laboni Akhter, Puja Chakraborty, Afia Humaira Anam Pratyasha (Under-19), Leki Chakma (Under-19), Rabeya Khatun (Under-19) and Morzina Akhter Mim (Under-19)

Bangladesh Green: Sharmin Sultana, Sanjida Islam, Tumpa Khatun (Wicketkeeper) Rumana Ahmed, Ritu Moni, Sumaiya Akhter, Panna Ghosh, Sanjida Akhter Meghla, Sandhiya Islam Asha, Khadija-Tul-Kubra, Misti Rani Saha (Under-19), Jannatul Mahua (Under-19), Disha Biswas (Under-19), Dilara Akhter Dola (Under-19) and Marufa Akhter (Under-19)

Bangladesh Blue: Murshid Khatun, Farzana Haque Pinki, Eka Mallick, Shamima Sultana (Wicketkeeper), Ishma Tanzim, Salma Khatun, Sobhana Mostari, Jahanara Alam, Mumta Hena Hasnat, Rabia, Fariha Islam Trishna, Falguni Chowdhury Bonya (Under-19), Swarna Akhter (Under-19) and Riya Akhter Shikha (Under-19)

Also read: BCB to host one-day league as Covid-19 exit plan

Schedule:

March 6: Red vs Blue

March 8: Green vs Blue

March 10: Red vs Green

March 12: Final (top two)

 

 

The popularity of cricket has increased since the introduction of the one-day format in the early 70s. But cricket has evolved significantly in the past two decades because of the popularity of the twenty20 format. Batsmen have become more destructive than they were two decades ago. That’s why we have seen a lot of aggressive-minded batsmen in cricket. This article discusses the best ODI batsmen of the 21st century who have great records of winning matches.

Also read: Bangladesh ODI Squad Analysis for New Zealand Series 2021

The selection criteria for the greatest ODI batsmen of this century

To qualify, batsmen must be among the top fifty most run-scorers in the limited-over format and have notable records of assisting to win international games as a batsman. We also have considered the stats only of matches played since 1st January 2000.

Some of the legendary names of cricket have left out of the list simply because of statistical reasons but all the selected players have a great reputation for die-hard attitude and they are considered one of the greats of the game. So, without further ado, let’s look at who the best ODI batsmen of the 21st century.

10) Jacques Kallis

Years: 2000-2014

Country: South Africa

Career stats (ODI):

M: 251 | Inn: 239 | Runs: 9,029 | 100s: 12 | HS: 139 | SR: 74.27 | Ave: 45.60

One of the finest all-rounders in the modern era Jacques Kallis was the heart of South African middle-order in the first decade of the 21st century. He helped the Proteas to win many memorable international matches as 67% (6,018) of his runs came in a winning cause. Kallis was truly a Master Blaster batsman of his generation.

9) Hashim Amla

Years: 2008-2019

Country: South Africa

Career stats (ODI):

M: 181 | Inn: 178 | Runs: 8,113 | 100s: 27 | HS: 159 | SR: 88.39 | Ave: 49.46

Hashim Amla was one of the most eye-catching batsmen of his generation because of his high back-lift. Classical Amla’s batting was a treat to watch. He was a true warrior for the Proteas national side as 76% of his ODI runs helped South Africa to win matches. So, no doubt he is one of the most successful ODI batsmen of this century.

8) Yuvraj Singh

Years: 2000-2017

Country: India

Career stats (ODI):

M: 304 | Inn: 278 | Runs: 8,701 | 100s: 14 | HS: 150 | SR: 87.67 | Ave: 36.55

Yuvraj Singh burst onto the scene with an aggressive knock against mighty Australia in the ICC KnockOut Trophy, 2000. But he will always be remembered for hitting six sixes in one over by Stuart Board against England in ICC World T20, 2007. Yuvraj played a pivotal role in India’s Twenty20 World Cup triumph in 2007 and ICC World Cup, 2011. No doubt, the left-hander was one of the most destructive batsmen of his generation.

7) Rohit Sharma

Years: 2007-2020

Country: India

Career stats (ODI):

M: 224 | Inn: 217 | Runs: 9,115 | 100s: 29 | HS: 264 | SR: 88.92 | Ave: 49.27

Hitman - Rohit Sharma surprised everyone with a record-breaking 264-run knock against Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens back in 2014. Since then Rohit has become one of the most priceless members of India’s limited-overs squad. So far, almost 70% of his runs have come in a winning cause. As an opener, this is an astonishing figure.

Also read:  MS Dhoni, a name with an undeniable legacy: ICC

6) MS Dhoni

Years: 2004-2019

Country: India

Career stats (ODI):

M: 350 | Inn: 297 | Runs: 10,773 | 100s: 10 | HS: 183* | SR: 87.56 | Ave: 50.57

India’s two-time world cup winning captain MS Dhoni had made a huge impact with the bat in the middle order and helped to win many matches for team India. Dhoni is the fourth most ODI run-scorers in this century to date and deservedly earned a place in the best ODI batsmen of the 21st century. Dhoni was famous for his ‘helicopter shot’ and he was also one of the most clinical finishers of his generation.

5) AB de Villiers

Years: 2005-2018

Country: South Africa

Career stats (ODI):

M: 228 | Inn: 218 | Runs: 9,577 | 100s: 25 | HS: 176 | SR: 101.09 | Ave: 53.50

Mr. 360 AB de Villiers changed the style of batting with his innovative technique. At one point, De Villiers was the premier batsman in the world and arguably one of the greatest limited-overs batsmen of all-time. He holds the record for the fastest ODI century (31 balls) as well as the fastest ODI 50 and 150. Nearly 70% of his ODI runs came in a winning cause.

4) Mahela Jayawardene

Years: 2000-2015

Country: Sri Lanka

Career stats (ODI):

M: 409 | Inn: 381 | Runs: 11,808 | 100s: 17 | HS: 144 | SR: 79.23 | Ave: 34.32

Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene was one of the most dependable batsmen of his generation. He helped Sri Lanka to reach two world cup finals (2007 & 2011). Mahela also guided Sri Lanka to win the 2002 Champions’ trophy and the 2014 ICC World Twenty20. Jayawardene will always be remembered as one of the greatest batsmen Sri Lanka have ever produced.

3) Kumar Sangakkara

Years: 2000-2015

Country: Sri Lanka

Career stats (ODI):

M: 404 | Inn: 380 | Runs: 14,234 | 100s: 25 | HS: 169 | SR: 78.86 | Ave: 41.98

The second most international run-scorers in the history of world cricket Kumar Sangakkara arguably the greatest Lankan batsman ever. He scored the most ODI runs in this century and nearly 60% of his runs came in a winning cause. Sangakkara was a true classical batsman and without a doubt the most gifted player of his generation.

2) Virat Kohli

Years: 2008-2020

Country: India

Career stats (ODI):

M: 251 | Inn: 242 | Runs: 12,040 | 100s: 43 | HS: 183 | SR: 93.24 | Ave: 59.31

The chase master and current Indian captain Virat Kohli is one of the greatest batsmen of all-time. He has an incredible record of winning matches while chasing the opposition target. More than 70% of his runs (8,652) have come in a winning cause and out of those he has scored 4,148 runs as a captain, just simply incredible. So far, Virat has notched 43 ODI hundreds and will soon surpass compatriot Sachin Tendulkar to become the most centurion in ODI format.

Also read: Kohli approaches 7th double-century, India 473-4 v SAfrica

1) Ricky Ponting

Years: 2000-2012

Country: Australia

Career stats (ODI):

M: 284 | Inn: 274 | Runs: 10,496 | 100s: 25 | HS: 164 | SR: 83.74 | Ave: 42.49

Ricky Ponting was the captain of the all-conquering Australian team and he was the heart of their batting order. Under his captaincy, Australia won the 2003 and 2007 ICC ODI world cup. More than 82% of his ODI runs came in a winning cause, which shows how invincible were that Australian side. As a batsman, Ponting is regarded one of the finest of his generation and truly a great leader.

Verdict

These are the top 10 batsmen who have made a significant impact for their respected countries if we consider stats and contribution of winning matches as a batsman and they thoroughly deserved to be in the best ODI batsmen of the 21st-century list.

Bangladesh right-arm pacer Shahadat Hossain Rajib has requested the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to reduce his ban, allowing him to restart his career at the domestic circuit.

The 32-year-old has been serving a five-year ban, with two years suspended, for assaulting a teammate during the last season of the National Cricket League.

"I have applied to BCB to reduce my ban. I want to play cricket for a living," Shahadat told UNB.

"My mother has been suffering from cancer. If I can make a comeback to competitive cricket, I will be able to pay her medical bills."

Also read: Pacer Shahadat banned for 5 years for beating team-mate

On Saturday, Shahadat went to the National Academy ground to bowl, but the pacer was asked to leave as he is banned from participating in any sort of cricketing activities.

Shahadat played his last competitive game in November 2019. He played for the national team last time in 2015 against Pakistan.

He is the only Bangladeshi bowler to have taken a five-wicket haul at Lord's.

Shahadat represented the Tigers in 38 Tests, 51 ODIs and six T20Is and bagged 72, 47, and four wickets. He has four five-wicket hauls in Tests, the most by a Bangladeshi pace bowler.

The Tigers are looking forward to starting outdoor practice at Christchurch ahead of the three-match ODI and three-match T20 series against the hosts from March 20.

Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim Iqbal said this through a video message sent to the media by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday.

The Tigers are now maintaining an eight-day strict quarantine in the hotel. They are only allowed to come out of their rooms for 30 minutes a day.

Tamim said, "It is tough for us to stay in a single room for a week. However, it is necessary to maintain it considering the bigger health safety."

"We are all are good. However, we have to accept that maintaining a strict quarantine is important."

Also read: New Zealand Series will define Tamim’s captaincy

Once the quarantine period ends, the team will be allowed to take the field for practice. Before that, all the members of the Bangladesh team including support staff will have to undergo a Covid-19 test.

Those who will return negative will be allowed to take part in team practice sessions.

"The first one or two practice sessions might be difficult for us as we are going to take the field after a break. I think the scenario will change after a few sessions. If everything goes fine, we can hit the gym from the day after tomorrow," Tamim said.

This series will be Tamim's first foreign tour as a full-time captain. He had earlier toured Sri Lanka as a stand-in captain for a three-match ODI series, but the Tigers lost all three games against the Lankans.

"We can do well. If we can perform according to our plan, we will have a good chance to win against any team. This is what we believe as a team," Tamim said.

Also read: We believe we can achieve something new in New Zealand: Tamim

He added: "We have been passing almost 23 hours a day in a single room, watching TV shows and movies on the OTT platforms. However, the authority has installed a fitness-bike in each room so that the cricketers can work on their fitness."

The first ODI of New Zealand tour will take place on March 20 in Dunedin at the University of Otago Oval and the second one will be played at the same venue on March 23.

And the last ODI will take place on March 26 in Wellington's Basin Reserve. The first and last ODI will kick off at 4am and the second one at 7am (Bangladesh time).

The three-match T20 series will be played on March 28, 30 and April 1 in Hamilton's Seddon Park, Napier's McLean Park, and Auckland's Eden Park. The first match will start at 7am and the last two at 12pm.

Also read: Tamim pairs up with Seven Rings cement

Tamim Iqbal will lead Bangladesh in the ODIs while Mahmudullah Riyad will play the same role in T20s.

Bangladesh played 35 ODIs and seven T20s against New Zealand and won 10 ODIs.

However, none of the victories came for Bangladesh in New Zealand. The Tigers are yet to win a T20 international against the Blackcaps.

 

The much-awaited Bangladesh vs New Zealand limited-overs series will kick off from March 20. The visiting side – Bangladesh will play three ODIs and the same number of T20 matches against the host New Zealand. Team tigers have never won a match against the Blackcaps in New Zealand. Bangladesh lost all 26 matches they played against the Kiwi side in New Zealand. So, Bangladesh team management will be eager to seal a victory in New Zealand especially in the ODI format. On an individual level, some records can be broken during the contest. In this edition, we mentioned a few expected milestones both Bangladesh and New Zealand players can achieve during the series.  

Anticipated Milestones: Bangladesh v New Zealand ODI Series 2021

1000 ODI Runs

Soumya Sarkar needs 265 and Kiwi lower middle-order batsman Mitchell Santner requires 76 more runs to complete 1,000 ODI runs.  

3000 ODI Runs

Tim Latham will complete 3000 ODI runs if he scores at least 304 runs in the series. 

9000 ODI Runs

Also read: Bangladesh ODI Squad Analysis for New Zealand Series 2021

Veteran Ross Taylor will become the first New Zealand player to score 9,000 ODI runs if he scores 426 more runs during the 3-match ODI contest. 

50 ODI Wickets

Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taskin Ahmed are in touching distance to scalp 50 wickets in ODI format. Miraz needs 3 wickets, while Taskin is 4 wickets shy to reach the milestone. On the other hand, Kiwi spinner IS Sodhi requires 7 more wickets to complete 50 ODI wickets. 

Read New Zealand Series will define Tamim’s captaincy

200 ODI Wickets

Veteran New Zealand pacer Tim Southee can reach the 200 ODI wickets milestone if he takes 10 wickets during the series.

100 ODI Appearances

Tim Latham is only 1 match shy to complete 100 ODI appearances. 

1000 T20I Runs

Soumya Sarkar needs 115 more runs to complete 1,000 T20I runs.

2000 T20I Runs

Kiwi captain Kane Williamson requires 212 runs and Ross Taylor needs only 91 runs to reach 2,000 runs milestone in the T20I format.

50 T20I Wickets

New Zealand pacer Trent Boult needs 9 wickets, while Bangladesh pacer Al Amin Hossain is 7 wickets away to complete 50 T20I wickets milestone.

Also read: BCB announces Bangladesh squad for New Zealand tour

50 Catches in T20I

Veteran Ross Taylor will complete 50 catches in T20I if he takes 4 more catches for the national side.

350 International Appearances

Tamim Iqbal will become the second Bangladeshi player after Mushfiqur Rahim (379) to complete 350 international appearances for the tigers if he plays 4 matches in the series.

300 International Appearances

Kane Williamson needs to play two matches and Tim Southee will have to play three more matches to complete 300 international appearances for the Blackcaps.

150 International Appearances

Mitchell Santner will have to play at least 5 matches during the series to complete his 150 international appearances for New Zealand. 

100 International Catches

Veteran Martin Guptill has to take 9 more catches to reach 100 international catches milestone.

50 International Catches

James Neesham needs 6, while Henry Nicholls and Liton Das require 7 more catches each to complete 50 international catches.

50 International Dismissals

Liton Das only needs 4 dismissals to complete 50 dismissals in the international circuit.

18000 International Runs 

Ross Taylor is only 138 runs shy to complete 18,000 international runs.

14000 International Runs

Tamim Iqbal has to score 431 more runs to become the first Bangladeshi player to reach 14,000 international runs milestone.

7000 International Runs

Tom Latham needs 212 runs to complete his 7,000 international runs.

3000 International Runs

Liton Das will complete his 3,000 international runs for Bangladesh if he scores 190 runs in the series.

1000 International Runs

All-rounder Mosaddek Hossain requires 104 runs to complete 1,000 international runs. 

500 International Wickets

Trent Boult needs 14 more wickets to complete 500 international wickets milestone.

200 International Wickets

Pacer Rubel Hossain will complete his 200 international wickets milestone if he takes 10 wickets in the series.

150 International Wickets

Kiwi spinner IS Sodhi needs 5 more wickets to complete 150 scalps in the international circuit.

100 International Wickets

All-rounder James Neesham requires 7 more wickets to complete his 100 international wickets for the Blackcaps.

50 International Wickets

Bangladesh all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin needs only 2 more wickets to complete 50 wickets in the international arena.