United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh strengthened their control of the Sylhet Test as Mahmudul Hasan Joy struck a composed century on Wednesday. And with this, the hosts crossed 200 for the loss of one wicket on day two after bowling out Ireland for 286 earlier in the morning. Mahmudul reached his second Test hundred with a square drive off Jordan Neill and was unbeaten on 105, while Mominul Haque was batting on 25 at the other end when tea was called. The day began perfectly for Bangladesh, as Taijul Islam and Hasan Mahmud claimed the final two Irish wickets in just 14 balls. Barry McCarthy, who resumed on 21, made 31 before being caught behind. In reply, Bangladesh openers Shadman Islam and Mahmudul provided a near-flawless start, adding 169 for the first wicket — the team’s highest opening stand since 2015. Shadman narrowly missed out on a century, dismissed for 80 off left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys. The strong foundation left Bangladesh firmly on top, with the top order making full use of favorable batting conditions. Mehidy Hasan Miraz had earlier led Bangladesh’s bowling effort with 3 for 50, while debutant Hasan Murad and Taijul Islam took two wickets each. The second and final match of the series will be held in Dhaka, followed by three T20Is between the sides.

Bangladesh enjoyed a commanding start to their first innings after dismissing Ireland for 286 early on the second morning of the Sylhet Test, reaching 109 without loss at lunch. Openers Shadman Islam and Mahmudul Hasan Joy both struck fluent fifties to give the hosts a perfect start. Shadman raced to his seventh Test half-century off 49 balls and was unbeaten on 58 at the break, while Joy reached his fifth fifty soon after, staying not out on 50. The pair looked assured throughout the morning, keeping Ireland’s bowlers at bay. Earlier, Ireland, resuming on 270 for eight, added just 16 runs before being bowled out. Barry McCarthy, who resumed on 21, made 31 before falling to Hasan Mahmud, while Taijul Islam claimed the other wicket of the morning. Sylhet Test: Bangladesh wrap up Ireland for 286 early on day two Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the standout performer with 3 for 50, while debutant Hasan Murad, Hasan Mahmud, and Taijul Islam took two wickets each. Ireland’s innings was built on half-centuries from Paul Stirling (60) and debutant Cade Carmichael (59) before Bangladesh’s bowlers regained control. The first of the two-Test series has swung Bangladesh’s way after a near-flawless opening session with the bat. The final Test will be played in Dhaka, followed by a three-match T20I series.    

Bangladesh finished off Ireland’s first innings swiftly on the second morning of the Sylhet Test, bowling out the visitors for 286 runs after just 14 balls of play. Ireland resumed at 270 for 8 but could add only 16 runs before losing their remaining wickets. Barry McCarthy, who began the day unbeaten on 21, extended his innings to 31 before becoming the final wicket, caught behind off pacer Hasan Mahmud. Taijul Islam claimed the other wicket, removing Matthew Humphreys. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the pick of Bangladesh’s attack, finishing with 3 for 50 from 23 overs, while debutant left-arm spinner Hasan Murad impressed with two wickets in his maiden Test outing. Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, and Taijul Islam took one wicket apiece on day one. Sylhet Test: Bangladesh pull things back as Ireland finish day one on 270 for 8 Earlier on day one, Ireland looked well placed at 94 for 1 thanks to a 94-run second-wicket stand between Paul Stirling and debutant Cade Carmichael. Stirling top-scored with 60, while Carmichael made a journey of 59 runs. But regular strikes after lunch halted their progress, as Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained tight control through the afternoon. Ireland had won the toss and opted to bat first in the opening match of the two-Test series. The second and final Test will be played in Dhaka, followed by a three-match T20I series between the sides.

Bangladesh clawed back through disciplined bowling on the opening day of the Sylhet Test, restricting Ireland to 270 for eight at stumps after the visitors had made a steady start. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz led the attack with three wickets for 50 in 23 overs, while debutant left-arm spinner Hasan Murad impressed with two crucial scalps. Pacers Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana, along with Taijul Islam, chipped in with one wicket each to keep Bangladesh in control by the close of play. Ireland’s innings revolved around the contributions of Paul Stirling and Cade Carmichael, who each struck confident half-centuries. Stirling, the more aggressive of the two, top-scored with 60, while the debutant Carmichael showed composure to make 59. Their 94-run stand for the second wicket helped Ireland recover after losing skipper Andy Balbirnie for a duck in the first over. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers tightened their grip after lunch. Nahid Rana broke the partnership when Stirling edged to slip on 60, and Mehidy Hasan struck soon after to dismiss Harry Tector lbw for 1. The middle order offered brief resistance, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Barry McCarthy remained unbeaten on 21 as Ireland survived the full 90 overs but struggled to build lasting partnerships after the second-wicket stand. Despite early fielding lapses — Bangladesh dropped three catches in the first session — the hosts recovered well, showing control and patience on a pitch that offered occasional bounce and turn.

Bangladesh fought back with quick wickets after lunch to check Ireland’s early momentum on the opening day of the Sylhet Test on Monday. At lunch, Ireland were comfortably placed on 94 for 1, but two strikes in successive overs — from pacer Nahid Rana and off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz — dragged the visitors back to 101 for 3. Paul Stirling, who looked in command during the morning session, finally fell for 60 after being dropped twice by the Bangladesh fielders. Nahid Rana found his outside edge, and Shadman Islam made no mistake this time at slip. Just an over later, Mehidy Hasan trapped Harry Tector leg-before for 1, shifting the momentum Bangladesh’s way. Earlier, Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie fell for a duck in the very first over, trapped lbw by Hasan Mahmud, before Stirling and debutant Cade Carmichael steadied the innings with a 94-run stand. Stirling’s fifty came off just 61 balls with eight boundaries, marking his second half-century in Tests. Bangladesh’s fielding, however, remained a concern — three catches were dropped in as many overs during the morning. Both Stirling and Carmichael benefitted from the lapses, but the hosts made amends soon after lunch. Bangladesh’s bowling attack — featuring two pacers and three spinners — appeared well-balanced on a pitch offering some bounce and turn. Debutant left-arm spinner Hasan Murad bowled a tidy spell, while Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan were steady from the other end.

Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said he is returning to leadership with “clarity and full independence” as Bangladesh prepare to face Ireland in Sylhet on Tuesday. Bangladesh played their last match five months ago against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Najmul, who had stepped down from captaincy during the Sri Lanka tour in June, was persuaded by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to continue leading the red-ball side through 2027. “I spent those months away from captaincy in a relaxed way and enjoyed that time,” he told reporters in Sylhet. “But when the board spoke to me, I felt that Bangladesh cricket is bigger than me as an individual. I had to think about what the team needed, not just what I wanted,” he added. The BCB’s vice-president, Faruk Ahme,d was tasked with convincing Najmul to stay on, assuring him of full freedom in decision-making. The left-hander said that promise, and the involvement of former cricketers on the board, gave him confidence to return. “When senior former players give advice, it’s for the good of the team and for me personally,” he said. “I respected that and felt it was right to put the team before myself.” No action to be taken on speculation over harassment claims: BCB Najmul also indicated that communication issues that led to his earlier resignation had been resolved. “The board has spoken openly about what problems might arise and how we can address them. Everything is now clear,” he said, adding that he has already discussed coordination with T20 captain Litton Das and ODI skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz. “We three captains sat together to talk about how to take Bangladesh forward across formats. I’m confident the board will give us the support we need,” Najmul said.    

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has said it will not take any decision based on speculation or emotion over the sexual harassment allegations made by former national cricketer Jahanara Alam. The board insisted that only a full and independent investigation will determine the outcome. Speaking to reporters early this week after the opening day of the Bangladesh Cricket Conference, BCB president Aminul Islam and director Amzad Hossain reiterated that the board’s three-member inquiry committee — announced on Saturday night — will handle the matter with full independence and report its findings within 15 working days. “Our board has zero tolerance for any form of harassment — verbal, physical, mental, or online,” Amzad said. “But we will not act on suspicion. Every decision will be based on verified evidence and the committee’s report. If anyone is proven guilty, strict action will follow.” The committee is led by a retired Supreme Court justice and includes BCB director Rubaba Dowla, the board’s only female director. Aminul defended her inclusion amid concerns over potential conflicts of interest, explaining that a board representative was necessary to facilitate access to internal information. Jahanara’s explosive allegations — made in a YouTube interview — accused former selector and manager Manjurul Islam and the late women’s wing chief Towhid Mahmud of harassment during the 2022 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand. Since then, former players Romana Ahmed and Reshma Aktar Aduri have come forward with similar claims, including one naming Nazmul Abedin, now BCB’s cricket operations head.    

Heavy rain forced the abandonment of the fourth Twenty20 international between New Zealand and the West Indies on Monday, leaving the hosts ahead 2–1 in the five-match series with one game remaining. The West Indies took the opening match by seven runs, while New Zealand bounced back to claim the second by three runs and the third on Sunday by nine runs. New Zealand won the toss at Saxton Oval Monday and chose to field. Only 6.3 overs had been bowled when the rain set in with the West Indies at 38-1. The last match of the series will be played at University Oval, Dunedin on Thursday. Teams: New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Jimmy Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy. West Indies: Alick Athanaze, Amir Jangoo, Shai Hope (captain), Sherfane Rutherford, Ackeem Auguste, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Roston Chase, Shamar Springer.

New Zealand won the toss and decided to field first in the fourth Twenty20 International against the West Indies at Saxton Oval on Monday. The Black Caps currently lead the five-match series 2-1, with all three previous encounters being decided in the final over. The West Indies took the opener by seven runs, while New Zealand clinched the next two matches — winning the second by three runs and the third on Sunday by nine runs. Mark Chapman returns to the New Zealand side after missing the previous match due to illness, while the West Indies have brought back Roston Chase in place of Akeal Hosein. Teams:New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Jimmy Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.West Indies: Alick Athanaze, Amir Jangoo, Shai Hope (captain), Sherfane Rutherford, Ackeem Auguste, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Roston Chase, Shamar Springer. Source: AP 

Kyle Jamieson bowled a tense final over as New Zealand held on to defeat the West Indies by nine runs in the third Twenty20 International on Sunday, taking a 2-1 lead in the three-match series. All three matches in the series have been decided in the final over. New Zealand had won the second T20 by three runs, while the West Indies claimed the first by seven runs. Batting first at Saxton Oval, New Zealand managed 177-9, with Devon Conway scoring 56 off 34 balls, overcoming a lean run of form. Despite a late collapse, losing six wickets for 31 runs in the final five overs, they set a competitive target. Pakistan seal ODI series 2–1 after Abrar Ahmed routs South Africa for 143 The West Indies struggled early, falling to 88-8 in the 13th over, but a late rally by Romario Shepherd (49 off 34) and Shamar Springer (39 off 20) brought them close, needing 14 runs from the last over with one wicket remaining. Jamieson held his nerve, conceding just two runs before dismissing Shepherd on the fifth ball to clinch victory. Spinner Ish Sodhi took 3-34 and was named player of the match. West Indies captain Shai Hope praised his team’s fight, saying it was “unfortunate we didn’t come out on top in the last two matches.” Source: AP