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Second T20I: Bangladesh elect to bowl first vs Sri Lanka
In a bid to turn the tide in their favor, Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bowl first in the second T20I against Sri Lanka on Wednesday in Sylhet.
Following a narrow three-run defeat in the first match while chasing a formidable target of 207 runs, Bangladesh finds themselves in a must-win situation to keep their hopes alive in the series.
Mahmudullah Riyad and Jaker Ali both displayed commendable performances with half-centuries in the initial match, yet it was insufficient to secure victory.
Opting for continuity and stability, Bangladesh has maintained an unchanged playing XI for the second match. Fans are eagerly anticipating a spirited performance from the home team as they strive to even the series.
The third and final clash of the T20I series is scheduled to take place on March 9 at the same venue. If Bangladesh can win on Wednesday, the third match will literally be the final.
Bangladesh XI: Litton Das (wk), Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Rishad Hossain
Sri Lanka XI: Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (captain), Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana
First T20I: Sri Lanka hold their nerve to win a thriller in Sylhet
In a nail-biting encounter in Sylhet, Sri Lanka clinched a thrilling victory against Bangladesh in the first T20I of the three-match series on Monday.
Sri Lanka batted first and posted a challenging total of 206 runs for the loss of 3 wickets after being put into bat by Bangladesh.
First T20I: Mendis, Samarawickrama propel Sri Lanka to impressive total against Bangladesh
Sri Lanka faced an early setback as Avishka Fernando departed early in the innings. However, Kausal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama rose to the occasion, each scoring a brilliant fifty to propel their team forward. Mendis notched up 59 runs off just 36 balls, while Samarawickrama contributed a valuable 61 off 48 deliveries. The duo's partnership laid a solid foundation for Sri Lanka's imposing total.
Adding to the onslaught was Charith Asalanka, the captain of Sri Lanka, who showcased his batting prowess with a blazing 44 runs off 21 balls. Their combined efforts propelled Sri Lanka to a commanding score, setting the stage for an enthralling second innings.
First T20I: Bangladesh opt to bowl first vs Sri Lanka
In response, Bangladesh began their chase but suffered an early blow with the dismissal of Litton Das. However, Mahmudullah Riyad and debutant Jaker Ali stitched together a promising partnership, instilling hope in the home crowd. Mahmudullah, playing a great innings in a T20I after a long gap, notched up a well-deserved fifty, while Jaker nearly took the team over the line.
Despite their efforts, Bangladesh fell agonizingly short of the target, finishing their innings just three runs shy of victory. Sri Lanka's bowlers, led by Angelo Mathews, Binura Fernando, and Dasun Shanaka, held their nerve in the crucial moments to secure the narrow win.
Bangladesh-Sri Lanka T20I series kicks off Monday
With this victory, Sri Lanka takes the lead in the three-match series, leading 1-0. The stage is now set for the next thrilling encounters, scheduled to take place on March 6 and 9 respectively at the Sylhet International Stadium.//
First T20I: Mendis, Samarawickrama propel Sri Lanka to impressive total against Bangladesh
Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama both notched up half-centuries, guiding Sri Lanka to an imposing total of 206 for six wickets in the first T20I of the three-match series against Bangladesh on Monday in Sylhet.
Opting to field first after winning the toss, Bangladesh got off to a promising start as Shoriful Islam claimed the first wicket in the very first over, signalling early pressure on Sri Lanka's batting lineup.
First T20I: Bangladesh opt to bowl first vs Sri Lanka
However, Bangladesh's early breakthroughs failed to seize the momentum as Sri Lanka swiftly recovered. Despite losing another wicket with the score at 37, Mendis and Samarawickrama orchestrated a foundational 96-run partnership for the third wicket, setting the stage for a commanding total.
Bangladesh-Sri Lanka T20I series kicks off Monday
Mendis departed after a brisk 59 off just 36 deliveries, while Samarawickrama remained unbeaten with a solid 61 off 48 balls. Captain Charith Asalanka's quickfire 44 off 21 balls, embellished with six sixes, bolstered Sri Lanka's innings.
Bangladesh-Sri Lanka T20I series can be watched from anywhere in the world
For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, and Rishad Hossain each claimed a wicket for Bangladesh.
First T20I: Bangladesh opt to bowl first vs Sri Lanka
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl first in the first match of the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka on Monday in Sylhet.
This match is the first international contest when Najmul Hossain Shanto is leading Bangladesh in his tenure as the full-time captain.
Bangladesh-Sri Lanka T20I series kicks off Monday
In the last five matches, when these two teams contested, Sri Lanka won three matches and Bangladesh two. Historically, Sri Lanka was a tough opponent for Bangladesh, but in recent years, Bangladesh offered some tight competition to the Lankan Lions.
Ahead of the first match, Sri Lanka’s coach, Chris Silverwood, said they feel that they are at a better place as a team in this series. However, he also mentioned that tough competition is expected.
Bangladesh handed the T20I cap to Jaker Ali in this match. He was added to the team after Aliss Islam suffered an injury and was ruled out of the squad. Jaker is expected to play as a middle-order batter, as Najmul hinted earlier.
Bangladesh-Sri Lanka T20I series can be watched from anywhere in the world
Bangladesh fielded a team with three pacers— Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam— with a leg-spinner, Rishad Hossain. Mahmudullah Riyad is also back to the playing XI.
Bangladesh XI: Soumya Sarkar, Litton Das (wk), Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman
Sri Lanka XI: Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (captain), Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana//
Cool- BSJA Media Cup Football begins on Tuesday
Bangladesh-Sri Lanka T20I series can be watched from anywhere in the world
Just a few days after the conclusion of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 10th season, Bangladesh cricketers are back on the field as they are set to face Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series starting on Monday (March 04, 2024). Fans around the globe can tune in to watch this series promising exciting cricket.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that spectators in Bangladesh can enjoy live coverage of the series on two TV channels — GTV and T-Sports — and can also stream the action on the go via the Rabbithole and T-Sports apps.
Sri Lankan fans can catch the series live on Siyatha TV, with streaming options available through Dialog TV. In India, viewers can follow the action on the FanCode OTT platform.
Bangladesh-Sri Lanka T20I series kicks off Monday
For fans in 27 countries across the Middle East and North Africa, the series will be broadcast on STARZPLAY, eLife, and Cricbuzz, with Cricbuzz also available in 10 countries in Southeast Asia.
Astro will broadcast the series in Malaysia, while Willow will cover it in 23 countries in North America.
For fans in other parts of the world, the series will be available on the Rabbithole and T-Sports YouTube channels, ensuring global access to the matches.
The first match of the T20I series is scheduled for Monday, March 4, with the remaining two matches taking place on March 6 and 9 in Sylhet. All matches will commence at 6 pm (Bangladesh time). Following the T20I series, both teams will head to Chattogram, Bangladesh’s main port city, for a three-match ODI series.
Barishal stuns Comilla to claim maiden BPL title
Bangladesh-Sri Lanka T20I series kicks off Monday
After the excitement of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) final last week, it's time for Bangladesh cricket fans to shift their focus as the three-match T20I series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka kicks off on Monday at the Sylhet International Stadium.
Both teams are already honing their skills in Sylhet to take on each other in a series that promises to showcase the rivalry that has grown over the last few years between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Ahead of the first match, representatives from both teams have expressed their expectations for a competitive series.
Chris Silverwood, the head coach of Sri Lanka, said the main thing he wants from this series is competitive cricket on the field.
“First and foremost, I expect this to be a very competitive series between two good sides,” Silverwood said. “What happened in the past, for me, is history; now it’s gone. I think what we have to do is, certainly from our perspective, concentrate on what is in front of us.”
This series is also a chance for both teams to take one step closer to finalizing their T20 squad with an eye on the World Cup later this year, which will be played at venues across the US and the Caribbean.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said they aim to develop more as a unit in the shorter format of the game.
“The past year has been good in T20Is,” Najmul said Sunday. “Our T20 game is better than before, now if we develop more, we will be able to do well against any team in any condition.”
Najmul has recently been appointed Bangladesh team captain in all formats. This series marks his first opportunity to look into the future in this role.
“It’s a challenge to me,” Najmul said regarding his new role as the new full-time captain. He may find it more challenging due to his recent lean performance in the BPL, where he scored only 175 runs in 12 matches at an average under 15. But Najmul said he is not overly concerned about his dual roles as a batter and captain.
“Whether I’m the captain or not, I have to score runs, which is my first responsibility as the batter,” Najmul said. “I have to score because I’m the captain—this is not a factor.”
Najmul echoed the sentiments of the Sri Lankan coach regarding the rivalry. He said what happened between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the past is in the past, and he believes a good series is ahead.
Bangladesh has faced Sri Lanka in T20Is 13 times, but they have won only four games. Three of those wins were in Sri Lanka, with the other recorded in Bangladesh.
While the first match is on March 4, the other two matches will be played on March 6 and 9, respectively. All the matches of this series will begin at 6 p.m. After the T20I series, both teams will travel to Chattogram for a three-match ODI series.
This series will be broadcast live in Bangladesh by Gtv and T-Sports channels, along with Rabbithole and the T-Sports app.//
What Lies Ahead for Tamim Iqbal?
Just over a month ago, despite being one of the finest batters that Bangladesh has ever produced, Tamim Iqbal’s cricketing future seemed uncertain.
He found himself out of the national team, voluntarily withdrawing from the national contract, and appeared less assured both on and off the field, making his fans ponder about the future of their beloved batting star. The uncertainty suffered the double blow by prolonged injury concerns.
Fast-forward a mere month and a half: Tamim now exudes more confidence than ever. Emerging as the highest run-scorer in the recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), a feat considered exceptional for any cricketer in Bangladesh, he led Fortune Barishal to their maiden BPL title. His recent triumphs naturally beg the question—what's next for Tamim?
In BPL 2024, Tamim demonstrated he still has plenty of cricket left in him. However, how his cricket may serve the country or the interests of the national team remains unanswered, as Tamim faced the media after the BPL final in Mirpur.
Uncertainty shrouded Tamim’s future mid last year when he abruptly retired from all forms of cricket after his fitness comments faced heavy criticism from board president Nazmul Hasan.
Though he rescinded his decision following intervention from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Tamim never fully returned to the national team's fold. Stepping down from captaincy just before the last Asia Cup, he then missed the World Cup as the selectors kept him out due to concerns about his playing fitness—a move Tamim publicly criticized.
These events seemingly marked the end of Tamim’s career as a national cricketer. Yet, his standout performances in BPL 2024—both as a batter and captain—prompted Bangladesh’s cricketing fraternity to reassess Tamim’s future.
Asked before the BPL if he's interested in a national team comeback, Tamim deferred clarification until after the tournament. As the BPL concluded, Tamim remains eager to sit down with BCB bosses to determine his future.
“I’m traveling abroad tomorrow morning,” Tamim stated after the BPL final. “I didn't get to speak with him (new chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain), but I planned to discuss with Jalal bhai, the cricket operation chairman. Hopefully, we can talk upon my return.”
Tamim stressed the need for the right environment. “I want to clarify that many things need to align if I return. It's not just about playing. I probably have only two years of cricket left, so discussions are essential.”
Yet, Tamim did not elaborate on his expectations from BCB.
Under Tamim’s leadership, Fortune Barishal exuded camaraderie during BPL 2024. Senior cricketers Mahmudullah Riyad and Mushfiqur Rahim were pivotal to Barishal’s success. While Tamim had tasted BPL glory before, it was Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur's first win.
By dedicating the BPL title to Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur, Tamim showcased his generosity. However, while his fans cheer this gesture, they eagerly await more reasons to celebrate—specifically, Tamim's decision regarding a potential return to the national team.
Barishal stuns Comilla to claim maiden BPL title
Fortune Barishal clinched the championship in the 10th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), overcoming the four-time titleholders Comilla Victorians in Friday's final.
Barishal successfully chased down the target of 155 runs with six wickets in hand, as David Miller struck a decisive boundary off Mustafizur Rahman's delivery outside the off-stump off the last ball of the 19th over.
Kyle Mayers led the charge with a dynamic 46 off 30 balls, including five fours and two sixes, while the opening partnership of 76 runs between Tamim Iqbal and Mehidy Hasan laid a solid foundation.
After the first-wicket partnership, Barishal maintained their momentum throughout the chase.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Barishal effectively contained Comilla's batting lineup, with Sunil Narine falling early for just 5 runs. Kyle Mayers made crucial first breakthrough.
Comilla’s best batter in this BPL, Towhid Hridoy, and their captain Litton Das were also sent back within the powerplay, leaving Comilla struggling to recover.
Mahidul Islam Ankon top-scored for Comilla with 38 runs, supported by Andre Russell's late onslaught of 27 off 14 balls. However, questions arose regarding Russell's delayed entry into the batting order.
James Fuller claimed two wickets for Barishal but conceded 43 runs in his spell.
Upon sealing the victory, jubilant Barishal players and support staff rushed onto the field in celebration. Unbeaten Mahmudullah Riyad and David Miller were embraced by teammates amidst a backdrop of fireworks, as the Sher-e-Bangla stadium erupted in euphoria.
Tamim Iqbal, Barishal’s captain, concluded this year's BPL with 492 runs—the highest by any batter—averaging over 35 runs, with a strike rate of over 127. He surpassed Comilla’s Towhid Hridoy, who scored 462 runs. Tamim scored 39 runs in the final and was awarded the player of the BPL 2024, marking the first time he has received this honor.
Tamim will receive a reward of BDT 15 lakh—10 lakh for the player of the tournament and 5 lakh as the best batter.
Alongside Tamim, this BPL brought relief for Mahmudullah Riyad and Mushfiqur Rahim, who won the BPL title for the first time. Both had played in two BPL finals before but had failed to win. However, this time, their wait for a BPL title ended.
Kyle Mayers was awarded the player of the final for his 46 runs and 1 wicket for 26. Shoriful Islam was the highest wicket-taker with 22 wickets in 12 matches. He represented Durdanto Dhaka, who were eliminated as the first team.
Champions Fortune Barishal will receive a reward of BDT two crore, while the runners-up Comilla Victorians will be rewarded BDT one crore.
Barishal stun Comilla to claim maiden BPL title
Fortune Barishal clinched the championship in the 10th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), overcoming the four-time titleholders Comilla Victorians in Friday's final.
Barishal successfully chased down the target of 155 runs with six wickets in hand, as David Miller struck a decisive boundary off Mustafizur Rahman's delivery outside the off-stump off the last ball of the 19th over.
Kyle Mayers led the charge with a dynamic 46 off 30 balls, including five fours and two sixes, while the opening partnership of 76 runs between Tamim Iqbal and Mehidy Hasan laid a solid foundation.
After the first-wicket partnership, Barishal maintained their momentum throughout the chase.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Barishal effectively contained Comilla's batting lineup, with Sunil Narine falling early for just 5 runs. Kyle Mayers made crucial first breakthrough.
Comilla’s best batter in this BPL, Towhid Hridoy, and their captain Litton Das were also sent back within the powerplay, leaving Comilla struggling to recover.
Mahidul Islam Ankon top-scored for Comilla with 38 runs, supported by Andre Russell's late onslaught of 27 off 14 balls. However, questions arose regarding Russell's delayed entry into the batting order.
James Fuller claimed two wickets for Barishal but conceded 43 runs in his spell.
Upon sealing the victory, jubilant Barishal players and support staff rushed onto the field in celebration. Unbeaten Mahmudullah Riyad and David Miller were embraced by teammates amidst a backdrop of fireworks, as the Sher-e-Bangla stadium erupted in euphoria.//
Bailey Road Tragedy: BPL honours fire victims with moment of silence
The Bangladesh cricketing community observed a one-minute silence to mourn the devastating Bailey Road fire that claimed 46 lives on Thursday night.
In a press release, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) expressed profound condolences to the families of those lost in the tragedy. Players, officials, spectators, and journalists joined in the solemn tribute.
“The BCB mourns in the wake of this devastating event. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfathomable tragedy,” BCB statement reads.
“We extend sincere wishes for a speedy recovery to those who sustained injuries and burns in the fire. We hope for their swift recovery and restoration to full health. Our thoughts are also with the medical personnel and emergency responders who are tirelessly working to provide care and support to the survivors,” it adds further.
The fire erupted shortly before 10 pm Thursday in a building housing restaurants, clothing businesses, and electric gadget shops. The lack of adequate exits hampered escape for those trapped inside.
Health Minister Dr. Samanta Lal Sen confirmed carbon monoxide poisoning as the primary cause of death, which happens when smoke enters the respiratory system. The official death toll stands at 46, with at least 75 injured, some in critical condition.