United News of Bangladesh

Pakistan secured a historic T20I series triumph against Australia, defeating the hosts by 90 runs in the second match on Saturday. This came as Pakistan’s first T20 series win against the Aussies in seven years, dating back to the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led victory in the UAE in October 2018. The match ended with a symbolic flourish as Australia’s final batter, Matthew Kuhnemann, edged a delivery from mystery spinner Usman Tariq to first slip. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, who had earlier set the tone with the bat, pouched the catch comfortably to wrap up the Australian innings for a paltry 108 in 15.4 overs. Read More: Pakistan weighs boycotting India match in solidarity with Bangladesh Chasing a formidable target of 199, Australia never found their footing. The visitors created history as their spin attack claimed all 10 wickets—a first for Pakistan in international T20s. Leg-spinners Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan were the chief destroyers, claiming three wickets each. Usman Tariq picked up two, while Mohammad Nawaz and Saim Ayub took one apiece. Earlier, opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a commanding 198 for 5. Despite losing Sahibzada Farhan early, Captain Salman Ali Agha led a counter-attack, stitching a rapid 50-run stand off just 21 balls with Saim Ayub (23 off 11). Even after Ayub’s departure, Salman continued the onslaught, blasting 76 off 40 balls with 8 fours and 4 sixes. After Salman fell in the 13th over, Usman Khan (53 off 36) and Shadab Khan (28 not out off 20) ensured Pakistan finished strong, setting a target that proved too steep for the hosts. Read More: Pakistan formally backs Bangladesh’s refusal to play in India Australia’s chase was derailed early when openers Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh fell off consecutive deliveries after a 22-run stand. Cameron Green (35) and Matthew Short (27) were the only batters to offer brief resistance before the spin web tightened. With this win, Pakistan has taken an unassailable lead in the series, having won the first match by 22 runs.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has indefinitely postponed the unveiling ceremony of the national team’s official jersey for the 2026 T20 World Cup, intensifying speculation regarding the country’s participation in the tournament. According to sources, the kit launch was scheduled to take place on Saturday evening following the toss of the second T20I against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium. However, the event was called off at the eleventh hour due to what insiders termed “unavoidable circumstances.” The delay comes amidst a cloud of uncertainty hanging over Pakistan's involvement in the marquee event, which is set to commence on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Sources indicate that a final decision on whether the team will travel for the World Cup is expected on Monday, following high-level government consultations. Pakistan, the 2009 champions, have been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands. Under the proposed “hybrid formula,” all of Pakistan’s matches are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka to avoid travel to India. Should they qualify for the knockout stages, the semi-finals and final would also be moved to Colombo. T20 World Cup: PCB suspends preparations, Pakistan signals Support for Bangladesh Despite the administrative deadlock, the cricketing preparations have proceeded. The PCB announced a 15-member squad on January 25, led by new T20I captain Salman Ali Agha. The squad features a mix of seasoned campaigners like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, alongside debutants for an ICC event such as Faheem Ashraf and Sahibzada Farhan. Pakistan is currently scheduled to open their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7.

Manny Lumsden starred with the ball as England secured a 65-run victory over New Zealand to advance to the semi-finals of the men’s Under-19 World Cup. The Hampshire seamer produced a brilliant spell on the slow pitch at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, finishing with 5-17 as New Zealand were dismissed for 169 while chasing England’s 235. England will face either Australia or Afghanistan in the semi-finals on 3 or 4 February, depending on India’s final Super Six group match against Pakistan. India currently sit second with six points but have a higher net run-rate (+3.337) than England (+1.757), which will determine the semi-final matchups. “It’s great to win and know we’re through. We’re now looking forward to the semi-finals,” said England captain Thomas Rew. “Manny’s been excellent throughout the tournament. Having a bowler with that kind of firepower is a huge asset.” Read More: Hales removed from England cricket squads, to miss World Cup England posted 234-7 batting first on a tricky surface. Openers Ben Dawkins (42) and Joseph Moores added 48 for the first wicket, while Dawkins later shared another 48-run stand with top scorer Ben Mayes, who made 53 off 70 balls. Caleb Falconer (47) and Farhan Ahmed (29) provided late acceleration, with Snehith Reddy taking 2-28 for New Zealand. Lumsden struck early, removing the dangerous Hugo Bogue and Kiwi captain Tom Jones in the eighth over. Reddy battled with 47 off 65 balls, and Jaskaran Sandhu contributed 26 before falling to Lumsden, who then finished the match by taking the final two wickets in consecutive deliveries. Rew added, “It was a tough wicket, very inconsistent, but our seamers bowled brilliantly, and 230-240 was always going to be a competitive total.”

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has strongly refuted social media claims alleging that its President, Aminul Islam Bulbul, is under investigation for corruption, labeling the rumors as “entirely unfounded, false, and fabricated.” To combat the spread of this misinformation, the board filed a General Diary with the Mirpur Police Station on Friday evening against the individuals and platforms responsible for circulating the claims. Earlier on Friday, rumors surfaced on various social media pages suggesting that Alex Marshall, Chair of the BCB’s Integrity Unit, was investigating Bulbul for alleged involvement in match-fixing within the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). In a press release issued this evening, the BCB categorically denied these accusations. The statement included a quote from Marshall himself, who dismissed the social media posts as “completely untrue and fabricated allegations.” Shakib Al Hasan available for selection, says BCB “The dissemination of such misinformation is a matter of serious concern for the Bangladesh Cricket Board,” the statement read. “These actions appear to be a deliberate attempt to malign the reputation of the BCB President and undermine the integrity of the board and Bangladesh cricket.” The board confirmed that it has initiated legal measures to identify and penalize those behind the “false narrative.”

Quinton de Kock celebrated his 100th T20 international in style, smashing a brilliant century to lead South Africa to a seven wicket win over the West Indies on Thursday and secure the series with a match to spare. De Kock produced a career best 115 off just 49 balls, using a borrowed bat from teammate Dewald Brevis, as South Africa chased down a challenging 222 run target with ease. Fellow left hander Ryan Rickelton supported him with an unbeaten career best 77 off 36 balls, finishing the match with 15 balls remaining. The pair tore into the West Indies bowling, adding rapid runs and maintaining a scoring rate of 12 an over as South Africa reached 225 for 3 in just 18.3 overs. Together they dismantled the chase in 11.5 overs. Bangladesh eye quadruple crown as Rabeya warns rivals ahead of Scotland clash South Africa captain Aiden Markram praised both batters, calling de Kock’s innings special for the crowd and crediting Rickelton for calmly guiding the team home for a second match in a row. Earlier, the West Indies had posted an imposing 221 for 4. Shimron Hetmyer top scored with 75 off 42 balls, striking heavily through the boundary, while opener Brandon King made 49. Sherfane Rutherford added late momentum with an unbeaten 57, sharing a 76 run stand with Romario Shepherd. Spinner Keshav Maharaj stood out for South Africa with figures of 2 for 22, a spell Markram later said prevented the target from rising to 240 or more. De Kock reached his fifty from just 21 balls and brought up his hundred off 43 deliveries, hitting 10 sixes and six fours before falling while attempting another big hit. Rickelton, dropped early on 17, played the supporting role before accelerating to finish the chase in style with nine fours and three sixes. South Africa, who had lost five straight bilateral T20 series before this contest, clinched the series 2-0, giving coach Shukri Conrad his first T20 series victory. The third and final match will be played on Saturday before both teams turn their focus to the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Having already secured their berth in the 2026 T20 World Cup, the Bangladesh women’s cricket team has shifted its focus to a singular new goal: lifting the Qualifier trophy for a record fourth time. Despite the relief of confirming their spot in the main event in England and Wales, all-rounder Rabeya Khan emphasized that the Tigresses are far from complacent. Speaking ahead of their Super Six clash against Scotland on Thursday, the 20-year-old leg-spinner declared that the team’s mission in Nepal remains unfinished. “We will play against Scotland, but our mindset is very clear. We have come here from Bangladesh to become champions,” Rabeya said in a video message to fans. “So we will not consider any team small. We will continue to follow our process.” Bangladesh has been a dominant force in the qualifiers historically, having won the title three times previously—beating Ireland in 2018 and 2022, and Thailand in 2019. Currently riding the momentum of five consecutive convincing victories, including a 39-run win over Thailand that sealed their World Cup fate, the team is brimming with confidence. “I am very happy,” Rabeya added. “These qualifiers were challenging because there was always uncertainty… but we managed to win five matches convincingly. We are all very happy and confident going forward.”

As the cricketing world awaits the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) final decision on participating in the T20 World Cup, Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane and commentator Harsha Bhogle have dismissed the boycott threats as empty posturing, claiming Pakistan lacks the “courage” to actually withdraw. Speaking on a show for a news website, Rahane was blunt in his assessment of the standoff. “I don't think Pakistan can stay away. I don't think they have that courage,” the Indian batter stated, referring to the speculation that Pakistan might pull out in solidarity with Bangladesh. Renowned analyst Harsha Bhogle echoed Rahane’s sentiment, describing the current delay in decision-making as mere “noise.” Bhogle argued that international cricket operates on a different level than local leagues. “This isn't club cricket where you can say, ‘the manager didn't come, so we won't play, take a walkover.’ This is the World Cup,” Bhogle said. Bhogle further remarked that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the ICC are unlikely to plead with Pakistan to participate. “Pakistan knows they will play. They are just making noise…,” he said. “If they say they won't play, people will say, 'don't come.' No one is going to go and say, ‘please come, please come.’” T20 World Cup: PCB suspends preparations, Pakistan signals Support for Bangladesh The speculation regarding a boycott stems from the ICC's recent decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland after the former refused to tour India due to security concerns. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently stated that a final decision regarding Pakistan's participation—pending consultation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif—will be announced by Friday or next Monday.

England Test captain Ben Stokes and all-rounder Moeen Ali will join the England Lions coaching staff for their upcoming series against the Pakistan Shaheens in the United Arab Emirates next month. Stokes is currently recovering from an adductor injury sustained during the fifth Test against Australia earlier this month, while Moeen will take on his first coaching role with the Lions. Both Moeen and Stokes, who will continue his injury rehabilitation in the UAE, are set to assist head coach Andrew Flintoff during a three-match T20 series and five 50-over games against Pakistan’s second-string team. Moeen Ali, who played 298 matches for England before retiring from international cricket in 2024, announced Monday that he would cancel plans to retire from domestic cricket and has signed with Yorkshire. He will join England Lions coaching staff alongside head coach Andrew Flintoff for their upcoming series against Pakistan Shaheens in the UAE. The coaching party also includes elite pace bowling lead Troy Cooley, who rejoined the England set-up last week, former South Africa batter Neil McKenzie, ex-England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor, former Durham seamer Neil Killeen and Amar Rashid, brother of England spinner Adil. Jordan Cox and Dan Mousley will captain the T20 and 50-over squads respectively, joined by full internationals Saqib Mahmood in T20s and Matthew Potts in the 50-over games. Essex seamer Sam Cook features in both squads, alongside James Rew, Asa Tribe, James Coles and Scott Currie. The tour begins with the first T20 match on 21 February. Read More: Australia to play three T20Is in Lahore ahead of T20 World Cup ECB men’s performance director Ed Barney said the selection “brings a real blend of proven performers and exciting talent” ahead of the 2027 ICC Men’s World Cup, while Rashid will return to SACA after his Lions coaching stint. Lions T20 squad: Jordan Cox (Essex, capt), Sonny Baker (Hampshire), Luc Benkenstein (Essex), James Coles (Sussex), Sam Cook (Essex), Scott Currie (Hampshire), Calvin Harrison (Northamptonshire), Eddie Jack (Hampshire), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Ben McKinney (Durham), Tom Moores (Nottinghamshire), Dan Mousley (Warwickshire), Matt Revis (Yorkshire), Will Smeed (Somerset), Nathan Sowter (Durham), Mitchell Stanley (Lancashire), Asa Tribe (Glamorgan) Lions 50-over squad: Dan Mousley (Warwickshire, capt), Sonny Baker (Hampshire), Luc Benkenstein (Essex), Sam Cook (Essex), James Coles (Sussex), Scott Currie (Hampshire), Calvin Harrison (Northamptonshire), Eddie Jack (Hampshire), Ben McKinney (Durham), Liam Patterson-White (Nottinghamshire), Matthew Potts (Durham), Matt Revis (Yorkshire), James Rew (Somerset), Mitchell Stanley (Lancashire), Asa Tribe (Glamorgan), James Wharton (Yorkshire)   With inputs from BBC

The Bangladesh Women’s cricket team has officially booked their ticket to the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The Tigresses’ qualification was confirmed on Wednesday evening following the Netherlands' victory over the USA, hours after Bangladesh secured a commanding 39-run win against Thailand. With five consecutive wins in the qualifiers, Nigar Sultana Joty’s side has looked unstoppable. The victory against Thailand took them to the top of the Super Six table with 6 points. As per tournament rules, the top four teams from the Super Six stage will travel to England and Wales for the main event in June-July this year. The Netherlands have also secured their qualification alongside Bangladesh. Earlier in the day at the Mulpani Cricket Ground, Bangladesh was asked to bat first and posted a formidable 165 for 8—their fourth-highest total in T20I history. The innings began disastrously with opener Dilara Akter dismissed for a golden duck on the very first ball, followed quickly by Sharmin Akhter’s departure. However, a record-breaking 110-run partnership off just 82 balls between Juairiya Ferdous and Sobhana Mostary turned the tide. Six English clubs battle for top-eight finish on Champions League final day Juairiya played a blistering knock of 56 off 45 balls, smashing four sixes—a joint record for the most sixes by a Bangladeshi batter in a T20I innings. On the other end, Sobhana Mostary was equally aggressive, scoring a match-winning 59 off 42 balls to earn the Player of the Match award. A late cameo from Ritu Moni (15 off 6 balls) ensured a daunting target for the opposition. In reply, Thailand’s chase never truly took off. Pacer Marufa Akter mirrored the first innings by taking a wicket on the very first ball. Despite a fighting 46 from Natthakan Chantham, the Thai innings stalled at 126 for 8. Marufa finished with figures of 3 for 25, while spinners Ritu Moni and Shorna Akter claimed two wickets each.

The Bangladesh Women’s cricket team is on the brink of qualifying for the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup after securing a dominant 39-run victory over Thailand in the Super Six stage of the qualifiers on Wednesday.  It was the Tigresses' fifth consecutive victory in the tournament, maintaining a perfect record. Playing at the Mulpani Cricket Ground, Bangladesh successfully defended a total of 165, restricting Thailand to 126 for 8 to inch closer to the main event. Nigar Sultana’s side could confirm their World Cup berth later today if the Netherlands defeat the USA in the afternoon fixture. Even if the USA wins, Bangladesh needs just one win from their remaining two matches—or a washout—to seal their spot. After being asked to bat first, Bangladesh faced an early scare, losing opener Dilara Akter for a golden duck on the very first ball and Sharmin Akhter shortly after, leaving them reeling at 12 for 2. U-19 World Cup: Bangladesh eliminated after crushing 7-wicket defeat to England However, a brilliant 110-run partnership between Sobhana Mostary and wicketkeeper Juairiya Ferdous rescued the innings. Player of the Match Sobhana anchored the side with a stylish 59 off 42 balls, studded with four boundaries and two sixes. Juairiya provided excellent support with a steady 56 off 45 balls. A late cameo from Ritu Moni (15 off 6) helped propel Bangladesh to a competitive 165 for 8, despite a flurry of late wickets falling to Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong (3 for 22). In reply, Thailand’s chase faltered immediately as pacer Marufa Akter trapped Suwanan Khiaoto lbw on the first ball of the innings. While Natthakan Chantham offered resistance with a fighting 46 off 41 balls and skipper Naruemol Chaiwai added 30, the Thai batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of the rising required run rate. T20 World Cup: ICC rejects Bangladesh’s safe-venue request, includes Scotland Marufa Akter was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 for 25, while spinners Shorna Akter (2 for 21) and Ritu Moni (2 for 20) strangled the middle order to ensure a comfortable win.