United News of Bangladesh

Dismal batting display handed Bangladesh a heavy defeat by an innings and 78 runs in the Colombo Test against Sri Lanka on Saturday. With this defeat, they lost the series to the hosts by 1-0. After piling up a competitive 458 in reply to Bangladesh’s first-innings 247, Sri Lanka’s bowlers skittled the visitors for just 133 in their second innings, with left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya claiming 5 for 56. Bangladesh were at 115 for six at the end of day three. On the fourth morning, they survived only 34 balls.  Off the third ball of the day, Litton Das fell to Prabath Jayasuriya for 14. In his next over, Prabath dismissed Nayeem Hasan for 5. On both occasions, Kusal Mendis took sharp catches behind the stumps.  Prabath didn’t stop there. In his next over, he bagged the wicket of Taijul Islam and completed his five-for in this Test. Of the four wickets that fell on the fourth day, he scalped three.  The margin of defeat reflected the gap between the two sides, particularly after Sri Lanka’s top order laid the foundation with the bat. Pathum Nissanka, who scored a stunning 187 in the first match, starred with a 158 off 254 balls, his highest Test score, while Dinesh Chandimal (93) and Kusal Mendis (84) added further pain to Bangladesh’s bowlers. Colombo Test: Bangladesh staring down barrel of innings defeat Taijul, though, stood out for the visitors with 5 for 131 but lacked consistent support at the other end. Facing a daunting deficit of 211 runs, Bangladesh folded tamely in their second innings. Their top order once again failed to deliver, with only Mushfiqur Rahim (26) offering brief resistance. Prabath spun through the middle and lower order, supported by Dhananjaya de Silva (2 for 13) and Tharindu Ratnayake (2 for 19), as Bangladesh were bowled out in 44.2 overs. Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first but never looked in control. Despite a gritty 46 from Shadman Islam and some lower-order contributions, they could only manage 247. Sri Lanka's response with the bat, led by Nissanka, completely took the game away from the visitors. This series was the first contest for both teams in the new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. While Sri Lanka made a great start, Bangladesh will have to wait to register their first win.  With the Test series now done, both teams will look for the three-match ODI series, starting on July 2, with the remaining matches on July 5, and 8.//     

Bangladesh found themselves in deep trouble at stumps on Day 3 of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club, ending the day at 115 for 6 in their second innings, still trailing the hosts by 96 runs. Having conceded a 211-run first-innings lead after Sri Lanka posted a big 458 in reply to Bangladesh’s 247, the visitors needed a strong response with the bat. Instead, they faltered again under pressure. Sri Lankan spinners proved to be too good for the Bangladeshi batters on the Colombo surface that was friendly to the spinners.  Anamul Haque, who has been in lean patch, showed some early promise with a brisk 19 off 19 balls but was the first to fall, triggering another top-order collapse. It was a short delivery from Asitha Fernando, and Anamul just pushed it to the short leg for a catch. The batter was early to the pull the ball. He completely misjudged the pace.  Shadman Islam followed soon after for 12, and Mominul Haque and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto also departed quickly despite managing good starts.  Najmul was dismissed by the Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva. He did the trick off a arm-ball that Najmul failed to play. Najmul tried to play on backfoot, but could’nt touch the ball with bat, and eventually trapped lbw.  Colombo Test: Bangladesh battle to 220 for 8 on rain-hit day one Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim tried to steady the innings with a 53-ball 26, but he too was bowled by Prabath Jayasuriya just before the close. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was trapped lbw late in the day, leaving Bangladesh six down with only Litton Das (13*) holding firm at the crease. Earlier, Sri Lanka built on their dominant position thanks to a superb 158 from opener Pathum Nissanka and valuable contributions from Dinesh Chandimal (93) and Kusal Mendis (84). Bangladesh’s bowlers toiled hard on a flat pitch, with Taijul Islam standing out with a five-wicket haul (5 for 131), supported by Nayeem Hasan’s three-for. Bangladesh had won the toss and opted to bat first on Day 1, but their top-order failed to capitalise. Shadman’s 46 and some lower-order resistance helped them to 247, but it was always going to be below par on a decent batting track.

Opening batter Pathum Nissanka continued his outstanding form by scoring over 150 runs for the second consecutive Test, as Sri Lanka tightened its grip on the second Test by securing a 151-run first-innings lead by lunch on day three. Bangladesh, however, made a strong comeback by taking four wickets in the morning session to regain some control of the match. Responding to Bangladesh's first-innings total of 247 all out, Sri Lanka reached 401 for six at the lunch interval. Sri Lanka began the third day on 290 for two, with Nissanka unbeaten on 146 alongside nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya. Building on his superb 187-run innings in the first Test at Galle, Nissanka produced another remarkable knock, scoring 158 runs from 254 balls, including 19 boundaries, during an innings that lasted over six hours. Colombo Test: Bangladesh post 247 after battling efforts Bangladesh opted for the second new ball after 80 overs on Friday, which immediately yielded results. Nissanka, while attempting a defensive shot against left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, was caught by Anamul Haque at short cover. Taijul further dented Sri Lanka’s innings by removing captain Dhananjaya de Silva for seven, trapping him lbw with a straight delivery that skidded on. Jayasuriya, who successfully shielded the top-order overnight, was dismissed for 10 after facing 39 deliveries over a stay of 75 minutes. He edged fast bowler Nahid Rana to Mehidy Hasan Miraz at slip. Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis put together a 49-run stand to stabilize the innings temporarily. However, offspinner Nayeem Hasan broke the partnership by bowling Kamindu Mendis for 33. At lunch, Kusal Mendis remained unbeaten on 42, with debutant all-rounder Sonal Dinusha not out on eight. Among the Bangladesh bowlers, Taijul Islam was the most successful, claiming three wickets for 114 runs, while Nayeem Hasan picked up two wickets. The first Test in Galle ended in a draw, setting the stage for a decisive result in this second match.    

Veteran batter Devon Conway has been excluded from New Zealand's squad for the upcoming T20 tri-series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, marking head coach Rob Walter’s first assignment in charge. Conway, along with several other senior players, opted out of New Zealand Cricket’s central contracts to focus on franchise T20 leagues abroad. His last appearance for the Black Caps was during the T20 World Cup in June last year. Former skipper Kane Williamson has also made himself unavailable as he continues his stint with Middlesex in England’s county championship. The 15-member squad, announced on Friday, includes uncapped Auckland batter Bevon Jacobs, who was previously part of the squad for the Sri Lanka series in December but did not get a game. Pacer Adam Milne has earned a recall for the first time since November following impressive performances in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States. Barbados Test: West Indies bowl out Australia for 180 on Day 1 Batters Finn Allen and Tim Seifert have also returned to the squad, which will be led by Mitchell Santner. Allen recently made headlines with a world-record 19 sixes during his 151-run knock for the San Francisco Unicorns in the MLC. “We’ve got a really strong squad for this tour, and I’m excited to bring the group together,” Walter said. “There’s good experience in the side, and it’s great to have back some players who missed the Pakistan series in March due to IPL commitments.” The tri-series will be held in Harare from July 14 to 26.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) celebrated the 25th anniversary of the country's Test status, which was granted in 2000. Prominent members of Bangladesh's first Test team attended the event along with other cricket stars and organisers on Thursday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The anniversary event served as a reunion opportunity for the cricketers, many of whom met each other after years. The spotlight shone on the stars of the first Test match, as hundreds of media members documented the historic moments, their camera flashes illuminating the scene. In the last 25 years, Bangladesh has won only 23 Test matches out of 154 they’ve played, a performance considered below par for a Test-playing nation. However, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, the sports advisor and a guest at the event, stated that Bangladesh ranks fourth among teams when comparing their performance in the first 25 years. "We hope we will become stronger in the coming years," Asif said. Asif and Aminul Islam, the BCB president and a member of the first Test squad who famously scored a century in that inaugural match, each presented the squad members with a special blazer. Squad members signed a special jersey and shared their memories of playing for the Bangladesh team. Mehrab Hossain, the opener of the first Test, shared a lighthearted memory. “During our practice days leading up to the first Test, we had special t-shirts that we were required to wear on the team bus, or face a 500 taka fine,” Mehrab recounted. “But I'd given mine away. So, I grabbed our coach's XXL t-shirt, changed the size to XL with a pen, and wore it instead.” The audience erupted in laughter. Sarwar Imran, the coach of the first Test, was also present. While recounting the memory of the first Test, he said, “I still remember the performance of (Habibul) Bashar, (Naimur Rahman) Durjoy, and (Aminul Islam) Bulbul.” Habibul hit a fifty in that historic match in 2000 against India, while Naimur took six wickets, and Aminul made history with a century. Sarwar attributed Bangladesh's failure in the second innings, after scoring 400 in the first, to inexperience. Shahriar Hossain, Mohammad Rafique, and Hasibul Hossain were among the other squad members who were present. However, the captain of the first Test, Naimur, and other members, including Akram Khan, Khaled Masud, missed the event. During the event, BCB president Aminul shared that the BCB is progressing with plans to establish regional cricketing bodies to empower grassroots-level cricket and strengthen the pipeline of cricketing talent. Asif Mahmud announced that 100 schools across the country will have a synthetic pitch at their school ground so that they can play cricket in a better, more suitable environment. While celebrating 25 years of Test cricket, the BCB inaugurated an honours board to inscribe the names of cricketers who have played Test cricket for Bangladesh. The board is installed close to the Bangladesh team's dressing room.  

The pacers of West Indies ruled Australia, bowling them out for 180 on the very first day of the first test at Kensington Oval, but the hosts slipped to 57-4 in reply. Jayden Seales, starred with 5-60, his third test five-wicket pulled at home whereas Shamar Joseph make an impression with 4-46. Now, from just nine tests, he has 17 wickets against Australia. Australia, choosing to bat first on what seems to be a dry throw, faced their lowest first-innings total in the Caribbean after being pitched out in just 57 overs. Only Travis Head (59), Usman Khawaja (47) and captain Pat Cummins (28) outstretch double figures, reports AP. The throw provided unpredictable swing, seam and low bounce which results in the fall of 10 out of 14 wickets to the edges. Australia fell to 22-3 early. Debutant Sam Konstas, taking the place of Marnus Labuschagne, was Ibw for Shamar Joseph. Cameron Green pulled through a dropped catch by Brandon King but edged Joseph on 3. Colombo Test: Bangladesh post 247 after battling efforts Josh Inglis, making out for wounded Steve Smith, top edged Jayden Seales, caught by Shai Hope, made his appearance to Test cricket after four years. Khawaja and Head added 89 for the fourth wicket. Head outstretch his half century off 57 balls whereas Khawaja was dropped on 45 but was dismissed for 47, edging Joseph to stumble. Head pulled through a close under-edge call but fell for 59 after tea, edging behind Justin Greavers. Seales cleaned up the tail for figures 5-60. West Indies fought in their reply. Mitchell Starc detached both openers, Kraigg Brathwaite (4) and John Campbell (7), with edges. Cummins removed Keacy Carty (20), whereas Josh Hazelwood claimed nightwatchman Jimel for a duck. Debutant Brandon King, who missed three catches previously, was undefeated on 23 alongside new captain Roston Chase4 (1) at stumps. The West Indies stream by 123 runs followed by six wickets in hand on testing Kensington Oval Surface.

Facing uneven bounce and variable pace, Bangladesh were bundled out for 247 in the first innings of the Colombo Test against Sri Lanka on the second day morning. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh’s top and middle-order showed glimpses of resilience but failed to convert their starts into a commanding total. Anamul Haque Bijoy, who had earned a Test call scoring ample runs in domestic cricket, failed to produce anything impressive in this tour. In the first match, he failed to justify his place in the Bangladesh team; now, in the second match, he suffered a duck in the first innings. Other opener Shadman Islam led the scoring with a patient 46 off 93 deliveries, while Taijul Islam (33), Mushfiqur Rahim (35), Litton Das (34), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (31) all chipped in without managing to anchor the innings. BCB to celebrate 25 years of Test status Thursday with special reception All these batters managed to get a good start facing the quality bowling attack of the hosts, but were disappointed to carry on. Bangladesh faced the early setback of losing Anamul for a duck, and following that, they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (8) fell cheaply after registering twin centuries in the series opener, while Mominul Haque contributed 21. At 76 for 4, Bangladesh were in a spot of bother, but small but effective partnerships between the middle and lower order helped them recover. Sonal Dinusha, playing in his debut Test, impressed with the ball, taking 3 for 22, including the key scalps of Mushfiqur and Taijul. Fast bowlers Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando shared five wickets between them, consistently troubling the batters with movement and bounce. Both teams came to this match keeping a win in mind to seal the series.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is set to commemorate a significant milestone in the country’s cricket history—25 years since earning Test status—with a celebratory event at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Thursday. Marking the silver jubilee of Bangladesh’s elevation to the elite ranks of Test-playing nations, the BCB has organized a two-hour-long program that will begin at 4 PM at the stadium’s Media Plaza and conclude by 6 PM. Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Advisor to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, will be present at the occasion as the chief guest, while BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul will deliver the welcome address. Colombo Test: Bangladesh battle to 220 for 8 on rain-hit day one One of the main highlights of the evening will be a tribute to Bangladesh’s inaugural Test team, which played against India in November 2000. Surviving members of that historic squad will be honored with commemorative blazers and caps, in recognition of their pioneering role in the country's cricket journey. The program will also feature a brief session of shared memories and reflections from members of the first Test team. A formal cake-cutting ceremony, along with a group photo session including former players and distinguished guests, is expected to add a festive touch to the event. Bangladesh’s maiden Test playing XI: Shahriar Hossain, Mehrab Hossain, Habibul Bashar, Aminul Islam, Akram Khan, Al Sahariar, Naimur Rahman (capt), Khaled Mashud (wk), Mohammad Rafique, Hasibul Hossain, Ranjan Das.  

Bangladesh ended the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka on 220 for 8, in a stop-start affair at the Sinhalese Sports Club where rain and bad light played frequent spoilsports. Due to the rain, 71 overs were possible on day one instead of 90. Electing to bat first after winning the toss, the visitors were quickly on the back foot, losing opener Anamul Haque for a duck in the fourth over. Anamul failed to impress in the first match as well. The right-handed opener found a place in the national team after scoring ample runs in the domestic circuit. But he failed to bring his good run to the international arena, which only exposed the weakness of the domestic cricket, where he scored century after century. BCB unveils T20I home series schedule against Pakistan in July  Shadman Islam provided early resistance with a steady 46 off 93 balls, while Mominul Haque added 21 before falling just as he looked set. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto was dismissed for 8, and when Shadman fell just after lunch, Bangladesh were in trouble at 76 for 4. Najmul scored two centuries in the first match, failed in the first innings of the Colombo Test. Mushfiqur Rahim (35) and Litton Das (34) stitched together a vital 67-run stand that steadied the innings. The onus was on them to continue on the good start, but they failed to do so. The partnership was broken by the debutant Sonal Dinusha, who later took the wicket of Mushfiqur too. Later contributions from Mehidy Hasan Miraz (31) and Nayeem Hasan (25) kept the scoreboard ticking, but Sri Lanka kept striking at regular intervals. Colombo Test: Bangladesh lose quick wickets before rain comes in Left-arm quick Vishwa Fernando was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka with 2 for 35, while debutant Sonal impressed with 2 for 22. Asitha Fernando also bagged two wickets. At stumps, Taijul Islam was unbeaten on 9 alongside Ebadot Hossain on 5.  

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Wednesday confirmed the itinerary for Pakistan’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh, featuring a three-match T20 International series to be held in July. All three series matches will be played under lights at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) in Mirpur, Dhaka. The Pakistan team is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on July 16, four days before the T20I opener. The series will begin with the first T20I on July 20, followed by the second and third matches on July 22 and 24 respectively. All games will begin at 6 PM local time. Visitors will leave Bangladesh on July 25. The Bangladesh team is currently busy playing a two-match test series against Sri Lanka.