United News of Bangladesh

Hasan Nawaz struck an unbeaten 63 to steer Pakistan to a five-wicket victory over West Indies in the opening one-day international on Friday. Chasing 281, Pakistan reached 284-5 with seven balls remaining at Brian Lara Stadium, with Nawaz sealing the win with a six and a boundary in the penultimate over. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan contributed 53 runs, as the tourists built on their recent 2-1 Twenty20 series win in Florida. “The spinners were great early on, but the dew made batting easier later,” said Nawaz, who was named player of the match. Pakistan’s Haider Ali suspended amid rape probe in England Earlier, half-centuries from Evin Lewis, captain Shai Hope and Roston Chase powered the hosts to 280 after being sent in to bat. Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed 4-51 while Naseem Shah took 3-55 for Pakistan. Hope admitted conditions and the toss played a key role. “We maybe could’ve scored more in the middle overs. Credit to our bowlers for fighting at the end,” he said. The second ODI will be played on Sunday, with the third and final match scheduled for Tuesday, both at the same venue. Source: Agency

New Zealand recorded its biggest-ever test victory by defeating Zimbabwe by an innings and 359 runs in the second test on Saturday, sealing a 2-0 series win. Trailing by 476 runs, Zimbabwe was bowled out for 117 in an extended first session on Day 3, overwhelmed by a fierce four-pronged New Zealand pace attack. Debutant fast bowler Zakary Foulkes shone with a five-wicket haul (5-37) in the second innings, adding to his earlier four-wicket effort, narrowly missing a 10-wicket haul on debut. His match figures of 9-75 set a new record for the best bowling performance by a New Zealand debutant, surpassing Will O’Rourke’s 9-93 against South Africa last year. Other pace bowlers Matt Henry (2-16), and fellow debutants Jacob Duffy (2-28) and Matthew Fisher (1-22) also contributed to Zimbabwe’s collapse in just 28.1 overs, their lowest total of the series. “We lost the toss but bowled very well in the first innings,” said New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner. “We talked about keeping the standards up.” Zimbabwe’s No. 3 batter Nick Welch remained unbeaten on 47 off 71 balls, one of only two players to reach double figures alongside captain Craig Ervine, who scored 17. Devon Conway left out of New Zealand squad for T20 tri-series against Zimbabwe, South Africa New Zealand had declared its first innings at a massive 601-3, highlighted by a 256-run fourth-wicket partnership between Rachin Ravindra (165 not out) and Henry Nicholls (150 not out). Devon Conway also scored his first test century (153) in New Zealand’s highest-ever total against Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s innings suffered an early setback as Henry dismissed Brian Bennett for a pair in the match by clean bowling him on the third ball of the second innings. Brendan Taylor struggled in his comeback after a 3.5-year ban, edging Henry to the slips. Zimbabwe slumped to 24-3 within six overs, with Duffy taking a key catch to dismiss Sean Williams. Ervine and Welch shared a 25-run partnership before Fisher trapped Ervine caught behind. Foulkes took five wickets in six overs before Duffy wrapped up the innings, dismissing tailender Tanaka Chivanga. New Zealand’s previous largest test victory was also against Zimbabwe in 2012, winning by an innings and 301 runs in Napier. For Zimbabwe, it marked their sixth consecutive test defeat this year. Ervine said, “It’s been disappointing, especially the way we finished today. We faced a tough, highly skilled opponent, and it shows where we stand in the test circuit. We have a lot of work to do and must learn from this.” New Zealand had won the first test by nine wickets inside three days at the same venue last week. Though the series was not part of the World Test Championship, New Zealand ended its Zimbabwe tour with clean victories, including a T20 tri-series win against Zimbabwe and South Africa. Source: Agency

Pakistan cricketer Haider Ali has been suspended by the country’s cricket board after being named in a criminal investigation in England concerning an alleged rape incident. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Thursday that the 24-year-old batsman is under investigation over an incident that reportedly occurred during the Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of England. The board did not elaborate on the nature of the allegations. Greater Manchester Police, in a statement to the Associated Press, said they received a rape complaint on Monday and have arrested a 24-year-old man. “The incident is alleged to have taken place on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at a premises in Manchester,” the police said. “The man has since been bailed pending further inquiries.” In accordance with UK law, the police did not release the suspect’s name. The PCB said Haider Ali has been suspended with immediate effect while the investigation is underway. He has also been given legal support. India hold nerve to clinch dramatic Oval Test by six runs, draw series 2-2 “The PCB fully respects the legal procedures and processes of the United Kingdom and acknowledges the importance of allowing the investigation to run its due course,” the board said in a statement. The Pakistan Shaheens, a second-tier national team, were on a 15-day tour in England that began on July 22. Haider Ali, who made his international debut in 2020, has played two ODIs and 35 T20 internationals for Pakistan. The PCB added that it would wait for the legal process to conclude before determining any further action under its Code of Conduct. Source: Agency 

Ahead of their tri-series final, Bangladesh beat South Africa by five wickets on Wednesday. With both teams already through to the final, this league match was a chance to gain momentum — and Bangladesh grabbed it with a dominant performance, led by their bowlers. After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, Bangladesh dismissed South Africa for just 147 runs. Pacers Iqbal Hossain, Al Fahad, and Sanjid Majumder tore through the Proteas’ top order within the first six overs. Sanjid finished with 4 wickets for 39 runs, while Fahad and Samiun Basir took two each. In reply, Bangladesh suffered an early collapse, losing five wickets for just 68 runs. But Mohammad Abdullah and Samiun steadied the innings with an unbroken 80-run stand. Samiun shone with a 52 off 36 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes, while Abdullah added 20 off 47 balls. This is Bangladesh’s second win over South Africa in the tournament, having lost the other encounter. The final is set for August 10, also in Harare. Before that, Bangladesh will face hosts Zimbabwe on Friday in their last league match.  

India completed one of their greatest Test victories on Sunday, defeating England by just six runs in a tense finish at The Oval to square the five-match series 2-2. Mohammed Siraj came out as the hero, taking five wickets in the final innings, including the last scalp of Gus Atkinson to seal the result inside the first hour of day five. England, chasing 374, fell just short with 367 all out — despite centuries from Joe Root (105) and Harry Brook (111). India’s resilience was at the heart of the win. After being bowled out for 224 in the first innings, with Gus Atkinson claiming 5 for 33, the visitors clawed back through a strong second-innings performance. Yashasvi Jaiswal struck a composed 118 while Akash Deep surprised with a crucial 66. Lower-order runs from Ravindra Jadeja (53) and Washington Sundar (53) helped India set a target that ultimately proved just enough. England had looked well-placed at 301 for 3, with Root and Brook leading a massive stand. But Siraj’s reverse swing and Prasidh Krishna’s breakthroughs changed the tone. Krishna picked up four wickets, including the key dismissals of Duckett and Root. England lost their last seven wickets for just 66 runs. India’s captain Shubman Gill praised the fight shown by his team, especially in the absence of senior figures like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. KL Rahul, who featured in both innings, called the win one of the most meaningful of his career.

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has confirmed the venues and match timings for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, with all of Bangladesh’s group-stage matches scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi. In a recent press release, the ACC said the 19-day tournament will be hosted across two venues in the UAE — the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi and the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Of the 19 matches, 11 including the final will be held in Dubai, while Abu Dhabi will host the remaining eight. Bangladesh will begin their Asia Cup campaign on September 11 against Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi. They will next face Sri Lanka on September 13 and Afghanistan on September 16 — both at the same venue. All three matches are scheduled to start at 8pm Bangladesh time. With the exception of one game, every fixture in the tournament is set for an 8pm start. The only variation comes on September 15, when UAE take on Oman at 6pm in Abu Dhabi, followed by Hong Kong vs Sri Lanka at 8pm. Bangladesh are in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. Group A features India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Four stage, where each team plays one match against the others. The top two from that round will meet in the final on September 28.  

The fifth and final Test between England and India is set for a nail-biting conclusion on Monday, after rain and poor light brought an early close to Day 4 with England tantalizingly placed at 339-6, just 35 runs away from a record-breaking win. Chasing 374, England ended Sunday still needing four wickets in hand—possibly only three, given Chris Woakes’ shoulder injury—to clinch the match and the series 3-1. India, meanwhile, requires four wickets to draw the series 2-2. Joe Root led the charge with a resilient 105, supported by Harry Brook’s 111, as England pushed for another memorable chase. Mohammed Siraj claimed 2-95, becoming the leading wicket-taker of the series with 20 scalps. Only 10 overs were bowled after tea before bad weather halted play. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith (2 not out) and tailender Jamie Overton (0 not out) will resume the chase on Day 5. There are doubts over Woakes’ ability to bat due to his injury—he was seen at The Oval in cricket whites with his left arm in a sling. Still, he’s expected to bat one-handed if needed. “You saw him in his whites. He’s ready to go, like the rest of us,” said Root. “It shows his character and commitment to England. Hopefully, if it comes to that, he can help us win this incredible series.” Jaiswal century boosts India’s hopes of levelling Test series against England Earlier in the series, England successfully chased 371 at Headingley, marking their highest run chase at that venue. England stumble late after strong partnershipRoot and Brook appeared to have sealed the series with their centuries—Root’s 39th and Brook’s 10th—before India launched a comeback. Brook gifted his wicket with a loose shot off Akash Deep, skying a catch to mid-off. He had earlier been dropped on 19 when Siraj accidentally stepped on the boundary rope after a catch, turning a potential dismissal into six runs. Soon after Brook’s dismissal, Jacob Bethell fell to an ill-judged stroke, dragging the ball onto his stumps. Root then edged behind off Prasidh Krishna, who finished with 3-109, leaving England needing 37 runs. India dominated the morningIndia had the upper hand during the morning session as seamers made the most of overcast conditions. England resumed at 50-1 and added only 37 runs in the first hour. Ben Duckett reached his fourth fifty of the series but eventually edged Siraj to first slip for 54. India holds 52-run lead over England after day two at the Oval Ollie Pope looked promising with three boundaries off Krishna but was undone by a Siraj delivery that nipped back, continuing his struggles in fourth innings batting—he averages just 19.64 compared to 46.69 in first innings. With everything to play for, Monday promises a dramatic finish to an already gripping Test series. Source: Agency 

Yashasvi Jaiswal once again proved to be England’s nemesis, scoring his fourth Test century against them—and sixth overall—to put India in a commanding position on Day 3 of the fifth and final Test at The Oval on Saturday. The 23-year-old Indian opener, despite being dropped three times, struck a vital 118 as India posted 396 in their second innings, setting England a daunting fourth-innings target of 374 to win and seal the series 3-1. The hosts, however, ended the day on 50-1, needing 324 more to win with nine wickets in hand. Mohammed Siraj struck a crucial blow with the final delivery of the day, clean bowling Zak Crawley for 14 with a searing yorker. Ben Duckett remained unbeaten on 34. Jaiswal reached his century in flamboyant fashion, celebrating with a leap and a heart gesture even before completing the single off his 127th ball. “I had to work really hard in my practice session,” Jaiswal said. “I was thinking, ‘one last push.’ It’s not easy playing in England, but we are confident and will give our best.” India’s innings was further strengthened by solid contributions from nightwatchman Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar. Akash Deep smashed a career-best 66 in a 107-run partnership with Jaiswal for the third wicket. Jadeja continued his strong form with a composed 53, while Sundar played a breezy knock of 53 off just 46 deliveries, including four sixes. India holds 52-run lead over England after day two at the Oval Although India captain Shubman Gill managed only 11 in this innings, he finished the series with a record-breaking total of 754 runs—surpassing Graham Gooch’s 752 in 1990, the previous highest aggregate in an India-England series. England, meanwhile, struggled in the field, dropping six catches—their most in a home Test since 2006, also at The Oval. The absence of experienced pacer Chris Woakes, who picked up a shoulder injury on Day 1, left England’s bowling attack under strain. Josh Tongue stood out with figures of 5-125, while Gus Atkinson supported well with 3-127, following his five-wicket haul from the first innings. Looking ahead to Day 4, Tongue remained optimistic: “It will be a great day of cricket tomorrow, and a great day for us if we get the runs. The batting line-up we have is unbelievable. If we can build partnerships, who knows where we might be? Fingers crossed I’m not required, but I’ll give it my best if I am.” England, which leads the series 2-1, has a history of successful chases under head coach Brendon McCullum, including their 371-run chase against India in Leeds during the first Test of this series. Source: Agency 

India turned a first-innings deficit into a 52-run advantage by the end of day two of the fifth Test against England at The Oval, thanks to a stroke-filled half-century from Yashasvi Jaiswal. A bowler-dominated day saw 15 wickets tumble on an unpredictable surface, but batters who took chances often saw them pay off. Jaiswal, who was dropped twice, reached an unbeaten 51 off just 49 balls, leading India to 75-2 in their second innings before poor light ended play early. The day started with India’s first innings being wrapped up in under half an hour. Resuming at 204-6, they were all out for 224 after adding just 20 runs in 5.4 overs. England’s opening pair, Ben Duckett and Zac Crawley, came out aggressively, racing to nearly 100 runs in only 13 overs. However, India fought back and dismissed England for 247, limiting their first-innings lead to 23 runs. England was already facing a setback after it was confirmed that allrounder Chris Woakes would miss the remainder of the match due to a shoulder injury sustained on Thursday. Unlike the rain-affected fourth Test at Old Trafford, this match is heading toward a definite result. England, ahead 2-1 in the series, is chasing a series win, while India aims to level the series with a second victory. Atkinson Stars with Five Wickets Gus Atkinson, returning to England’s lineup after recovering from a hamstring injury, was the standout bowler with 5-33 in 22 overs—his fourth five-wicket haul in first-class cricket and his first in Tests at The Oval. He cleaned up the tail after Josh Tongue removed Karun Nair for 57 and Washington Sundar for 26. Tongue finished with 3-57. India’s total of 224 initially seemed underwhelming but looked worse as Duckett and Crawley dominated. They powered past 50 runs in just the seventh over, with Duckett striking two sixes. Their 92-run partnership ended when Duckett attempted a reverse scoop and edged behind off Akash Deep for 43. Notably, Deep put a consoling arm around Duckett before a teammate intervened. Crawley continued aggressively, smashing 14 boundaries in a 64-run innings before miscuing a pull shot off Prasidh Krishna. From a strong 129-2 position, England collapsed. Krishna and Mohammed Siraj turned the tide with the older ball, extracting movement and bounce. Joe Root resisted briefly but fell for 29, trapped by Siraj, who also removed stand-in captain Ollie Pope for 22. Harry Brook tried to replicate the early onslaught but with greater risk. Without Woakes, England’s lower order offered little resistance. Jacob Bethell, playing in Ben Stokes' absence, was yorked by Siraj for 6. Brook, who top-scored with 53 from 64 balls, was the last man out, chopping on against Siraj. Siraj took 4-86, while Krishna finished with 4-62, giving India a fighting chance. India’s Second Innings Jaiswal came out attacking, immediately putting pressure on England. An edge through the slips that flew past Brook turned into his fifth boundary off Atkinson in just the fifth over, and it also gave India the lead. His partner, KL Rahul, took 28 balls to score 7 before edging to first slip off Tongue. Jaiswal had a second reprieve on 40 when Liam Dawson dropped him at deep fine leg. Sai Sudharsan fell for 11 to a low shooter from Atkinson, which turned out to be the last over of the day as fading light forced an early stumps, with 15 overs still to be bowled.

A game-changing over from Mohammad Nawaz, in which he claimed three wickets, helped Pakistan defeat the West Indies by 14 runs in the first match of the T20 series in Florida on Thursday. Batting first after being put in, Pakistan reached 178 for six, with Saim Ayub leading the way with a fluent 57 off 38 balls. There was uncertainty over whether the total was competitive on this pitch, but West Indies openers Johnson Charles and debutant Jewel Andrew provided a steady start, taking the score past 70 at the halfway mark. However, Nawaz, who had given away just 20 runs in his first three overs, turned the game decisively in Pakistan’s favour in the 12th over. He dismissed Andrew for 35, ending a 72-run opening stand, and then removed Charles (35) and Gudakesh Motie (0) in the same over, reducing the hosts to 75-3. The collapse continued as West Indies lost four wickets for just five runs, with captain Shai Hope (2) falling in the next over to Ayub. Ayub, named player of the match, impressed not only with the bat but also with the ball, finishing with figures of 2-20. Reflecting on the match, he said the pitch was challenging, so maintaining composure and building partnerships was crucial. Tri-nation U-19 Cricket: Bangladesh taste first defeat losing to South Africa by 5 wickets   Late fireworks came from Jason Holder, who smashed four sixes in an unbeaten 30 off 12 balls, and Shamar Joseph, who contributed 21 from 12, lifting West Indies to 164-7 and narrowing the final margin. The defeat added to West Indies' recent struggles, following a clean sweep by Australia across both Test and T20 formats, culminating in an 8-0 series loss. Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha praised his team's performance, saying, “We started strong and finished even better.” Earlier, Ayub and Fakhar Zaman (28) built a solid 81-run second-wicket partnership, taking Pakistan to 107 by the 12th over. Holder broke the stand by trapping Ayub lbw, while Shamar Joseph, making his T20 comeback, impressed with figures of 3-30. The series continues with the second and third T20s scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Lauderhill, followed by an ODI series in the Caribbean. Source: Agency