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Dhaka Test: Rain Washes Out First Session of Day 2
Rain forced the cancellation of the first session on the second day of the Dhaka Test between Bangladesh and New Zealand on Thursday.
The weather forecast predicts further precipitation throughout the day, potentially jeopardizing any further play.
Dhaka Test: Before bad light interrupts play, Bangladeshi spinners unleash havoc vs New Zealand
Bangladesh boasts a strong lead in the match, having amassed a first-innings advantage of 117 runs.
At the close of the first day, New Zealand were reeling at 55/5, with spinners dominating the proceedings. Spinners have accounted for 13 of the 15 wickets fallen so far.
Explanation of Mushfiqur’s dismissal in Dhaka Test vs New Zealand
Having secured victory in the first Test, Bangladesh entered the Dhaka Test with the aim of clinching the series. A series win would mark Bangladesh's first-ever Test series triumph over New Zealand.
Dhaka Test: Bangladesh stumble in opening session against New Zealand
Hanoi GM Chess: Bangladeshi IM Fahad Rahman takes lead securing 2 points
Bangladeshi IM Fahad Rahman took the lead in the Hanoi Grandmasters Chess Tournament 2023, securing two full points from two matches held on the opening day (Wednesday) in the Vietnamese city of Hanoi.
Fahad won both the day's first and second round matches, while Bangladeshi GM Niaz Murshed settled for a draw in both the day's matches to earn one point from two matches.
In the day's first round held in the morning, IM Mohammad Fahad Rahman beat Australian FM Liu Yi, while GM Niaz Murshed drew with GM Bui Vinh of Vietnam.
In the day's second round, held in the afternoon, IM Mohammad Fahad Rahman beat GM Cao Sang of Vietnam, while GM Niaz Murshed drew with AR Ilamparthi of India.
A total of 12 players, including 4 Grandmasters, 4 International Masters, 3 FIDE Masters, and 1 Candidate Master from Bangladesh, Australia, India, Indonesia, South Korea, and Vietnam, are taking part in the Hanoi Grandmaster Chess Tournament '2023.
Dhaka Test: Before bad light interrupts play, Bangladeshi spinners unleash havoc vs New Zealand
In a day fraught with drama, bad lights abruptly halted play in the Dhaka Test with over eight overs still on the horizon. Prior to the unexpected interruption, the Bangladeshi spinners cast a spell of chaos upon New Zealand, sending shockwaves through the visitors' camp as they succumbed to the loss of five wickets for a mere 55 runs.
Aiming to amass a formidable total, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first in this Test, only to encounter a formidable challenge from the Kiwi spin attack.
Bangladesh was eventually dismissed for 172. Despite a resilient effort from Mushfiqur Rahim and Shahadat Hossain Dipu, in only his second Test appearance, the remaining Bangladeshi batters grappled against the Kiwi spinners.
Mushfiqur emerged as the highest scorer for Bangladesh, notching 35 runs. However, his innings will be etched in memory for an unusual reason—he was declared out for obstructing the field, a first-time occurrence for a Bangladeshi batter in Tests. Following a defensive play, Mushfiqur nudged the ball away with his gloves, leading to his dismissal.
Had Mushfiqur not departed in such a fashion, Bangladesh would have found themselves in a more advantageous position after the first innings.
When Bangladesh took to the bowling crease, they found ample reasons to celebrate, claiming five wickets in a mere 12.4 overs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz impressed with a three-wicket haul, including two in a single over, while Taijul Islam secured two dismissals.
e first casualty was Davon Conway, falling victim to a delivery that showed minimal signs of turning. Attempting to dispatch the ball, it crashed into his stumps. Tom Latham, on the other hand, succumbed to the prowess of Taijul, the standout bowler for Bangladesh in this series. With Tom's dismissal, Taijul's Test wicket tally reached an impressive 150.
Shahadat showcased the most spectacular catch of the match when an extra bounce did the trick for Mehidy. Despite Kane Williamson's efforts to keep the ball down, Shahadat was poised and secured a catch destined for the highlight reel.
As the dust settled on day one of the Dhaka Test, New Zealand found themselves reeling at five for 55. Bangladesh, having triumphed in the first Test, entered this match with the ambition of sealing the series. After a compelling first day, they seem to have firmly grasped the steering wheel towards that coveted goal.
Bangladesh Stumble for 172 in 1st Innings
New Zealand's spinners dominated the Bangladesh batting lineup on the first day of the Dhaka Test on Wednesday, leading to the hosts being bowled out for a mere 172 after opting to bat first.
Glenn Phillips, who surprised everyone with four wickets in the Sylhet Test, continued his form by taking three wickets in Dhaka, conceding only 31 runs.
Dhaka Test: Bangladesh opt to bat first against New Zealand
Mitchel Santner, back in the playing XI in Dhaka, replacing Ish Sodhi, also claimed three wickets, while the other spinner, Ajaz Patel, took two.
Of all Bangladesh's wickets, the spinners accounted for eight, highlighting the challenging nature of the Dhaka wicket.
Despite some resistance from Mushfiqur Rahim and Shahadat Hossain in the middle overs, Bangladeshi batters failed to make a significant impact, with most dismissals occurring casually.
The most unusual dismissal was Mushfiqur's, where he pushed the ball away by his gloves after defending it, resulting in the rare dismissal of obstructing the field. He was going well at 35, and his partnership with Shahadat came to an end with his dismissal.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nurul Hasan Shohan, along with the lower-order batters, struggled to contribute runs, and Bangladesh was eventually bowled out for 172.
Explanation of Mushfiqur’s dismissal in Dhaka Test vs New Zealand
After winning the first Test by 150 runs, Bangladesh entered this match with the aim of clinching the series, which would mark Bangladesh’s first-ever Test series win against New Zealand.
Explanation of Mushfiqur’s dismissal in Dhaka Test vs New Zealand
Mushfiqur Rahim faced an unusual dismissal during the ongoing Dhaka Test against New Zealand. After defending the ball, he pushed it with his gloves, leading the third umpire to rule him out.For Bangladesh, Mushfiqur was the first batter to suffer such a dismissal in Tests.
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the cricket law-maker, initially classified this as "Handling the Ball." However, in 2017, this law was merged with another called "Obstructing the Field."
Read: Dhaka Test: Bangladesh stumble in opening session against New Zealand
Under the previous law (Law 33), a batter would be out if they handled the ball after facing a delivery, whether with one hand or both, and the bowler wouldn't get credit for the wicket. This law merged with Law 37.1.1 and 37.1.2.
Law 37.1.1 states: “Either batter is out Obstructing the field if, except in the circumstances of 37.2, and while the ball is in play, he/she wilfully attempts to obstruct or distract the fielding side by word or action. See also Law 34 (Hit the ball twice).”
Law 37.1.2 states: “The striker is out Obstructing the field if, except in the circumstances of 37.2, in the act of receiving a ball delivered by the bowler, he/she wilfully strikes the ball with a hand not holding the bat. This will apply whether it is the first strike or a second or subsequent strike. The act of receiving the ball shall extend both to playing at the ball and to striking the ball more than once in defence of his/her wicket.”
Read: Dhaka Test: Nayeem Hasan Uncertain for 2nd Test vs New Zealand
This clarifies why Mushfiqur was given out during the 41st over of Bangladesh’s innings in the Dhaka Test.
Bangladesh is facing challenges in the Dhaka Test, having lost four wickets in the first session, with Mushfiqur's unexpected dismissal marking their sixth wicket with only 123 runs on the board.
Dhaka Test: Bangladesh stumble in opening session against New Zealand
Bangladesh is having a tumultuous start to their first innings in the Dhaka Test against New Zealand on Wednesday.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh encountered early setbacks, losing three wickets with just 41 runs on the board.
The first to depart was Zakir Hasan, who succumbed to a loose shot, sending the ball skyward. Kane Williamson made a routine catch at mid-on. The tormentor in chief was Mitchel Santner, drafted into the team as a replacement for Ish Sodhi.
Dhaka Test: Bangladesh opt to bat first against New Zealand
In the subsequent over, opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy fell victim to Ajaz Patel. Ajaz continued his dominance by claiming the wicket of Mominul Haque in the very next over.
Within a mere 41 runs, Bangladesh saw three wickets tumble, all at the hands of the spinners.
Having secured a 150-run victory in the first Test of the series, Bangladesh entered this match with aspirations of clinching the series—potentially marking their inaugural Test series triumph over New Zealand.
Tamim set for commentary debut in international match
Bangladesh fielded an unchanged playing XI, while New Zealand made a change opting for Mitchel Santer in the place of Ish Sodhi.
Dhaka Test: Bangladesh opt to bat first against New Zealand
Bangladesh have won the toss and chose to bat first in the Dhaka Test against New Zealand.
Bangladesh fielded an unchanged XI in this match, maintaining the lineup from the previous Test in Sylhet.
In the first Test, Bangladesh secured a victory by 150 runs, propelled by a second-innings century from Najmul Hossain Shanto, who leads Bangladesh in this series in the absence of regular captain Shakib Al Hasan. Taijul Islam also delivered an impressive performance with the ball, claiming 10 wickets in the match.
Dhaka Test: Nayeem Hasan Uncertain for 2nd Test vs New Zealand
New Zealand, for this match, opted to rest Ish Sodhi and introduced Mitchell Santner into the playing XI.
Bangladesh: Hasan Joy, Zakir, Shanto (capt), Mominul, Mushfiqur, Shahadat, Mehidy, Nurul (wk), Nayeem, Taijul, Shoriful
Bangladesh's triumph under Najmul: A new chapter in the making
New Zealand: Latham, Conway, Williamson, Nicholls, Mitchell, Santner, Blundell (wk), Phillips, Jamieson, Southee (capt), Ajaz//
Tamim set for commentary debut in international match
Bangladesh's star batter, Tamim Iqbal, is poised for his commentary debut in an international match during the first day of the Dhaka Test between Bangladesh and New Zealand on Wednesday.
Tamim himself shared the news on his social media page, along with the specific time slot during which he will be taking the mic in the commentary box.
Also read: Papon offers only vague details of meeting with Tamim
"Will be a small part of the commentary panel on the First Day of the 2nd Test between Bangladesh and New Zealand tomorrow," Tamim wrote. "My first in an international game!"
His commentary sessions are scheduled for an hour between 12:40 pm to 01:10 pm and 01:40 pm to 02:10 pm.
Also read: Tamim to decide career path after BPL
"Looking forward to the combox experience again," Tamim added.
While this won't be Tamim's first time in the commentary box, he previously had a similar experience during a match in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in February 2022, though it wasn't an international match.
Also read: Inexplicable request to give up opening forced Tamim to withdraw
Independence Cup: Bashundhara Kings, Dhaka Mohammedan reach semifinals
Holders Bashundhara Kings and Dhaka Mohammedan SC reached the semifinal of the season's curtain raiser soccer meet, the Independence Cup Football 2023 eliminating their rivals at different venues in the capital and adjoining areas on Tuesday.
In the day's fourth and last quarterfinal, Bashundhara Kings advanced to the last four stage eliminating Bangladesh Army by 2-1 goals in a keenly contested match at their home venue --Bashundhara Kings Arena --Tuesday evening.
Star studded Bashundhara Kings will play the 2nd semifinal on December 15 at the Bashundhara Kings Arena against former championsDhaka Abahani Limited, which made a semifinal berth eliminating Sheikh Jamal DC by 3-2 goals in tie breaker at the same venue last Sunday.
The Kings dominated the first half by a solitary goal.
Uzbek defender Boburbek put the Kings ahead in the 39th minute by a header, off a Miguel corner (1-0), while local forward Shahriar Emon levelled the margin for the Army team in the 61st minute, utilizing a lapse of Kings goalie Srabon (1-1).
Brazilian forward Dorielton Gomes scored the match winning goal for the Kings in the 76th minute by a placing shot, capitalizing on a,Saad Uddin pass (2-1).
Earlier in the day' third quarterfinal, Dhaka Mohammedan SC booked a seat for the semifinal, eliminating Chittagong Abahani Limited by 1-0 goals in the extra time at the Bir Shreshtha Fl Lt Shaheed Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj Tuesday afternoon.
They will play the first semifinal, also on December 15 at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj against the Rahmatganj MFS, which qualified for the semis, eliminating Bangladesh Police FC by 2-1 goals in the first quarterfinal last Sunday.
After a goalless position in the stipulated 90-minute, Uzbek midfielder Muzaffarov scored the match winning goal for the traditional black and whites Mohammedans by a brilliant free kick from about 30 yards that kissed net over opponent custodian in the 7th minute of extra time (97th minute) .
Islam Sakib of Chittagong Abahani got matching order in the 115th minute, after receiving the 2nd yellow card.
The title deciding final match will commence on December 18 at 1:45 pm at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj.
Is a new era in Bangladeshi cricket in the making? Chandika prefers to watch for now
The cricket scene is jubilant following Bangladesh’s win in the first Test of the two-match series against New Zealand.Many are seeing the dawn of a new era in Bangladeshi cricket.
Chandika Hathurusingha, the head coach of Bangladesh, however, prefers to observe the team's continued progress for now rather than labeling it “beginning of a new era.”
Bangladesh's victory in Sylhet was unexpected, especially considering the absence of star performers Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, and Litton Das from the playing XI. In contrast, New Zealand came into this series with nearly all of their formidable players and a history of strong performances against Bangladesh, both abroad and at home.
Despite these challenges, Bangladesh shone under the leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto, who stepped into Shakib’s shoes as the regular captain. Chandika was impressed by Shanto's captaincy and leadership from the front.
“There are differences between captaincy and leadership,” Chandika said. “He did well as a captain. He was always one step ahead in the match, positioning fielders with great thinking, sometimes in unorthodox ways.”
Read: Dhaka Test: Nayeem Hasan Uncertain for 2nd Test vs New Zealand
Chandika believes that Najmul has a promising future as a captain but deferred the decision of appointing him as captain for an extended period to the board.
“The board will make the final decision on a long-term captain,” Chandika added. “But I see him as a strong contender.”
While Chandika refrains from hailing the win in Sylhet as the dawn of a new era, he is hopeful for another victory in the second match in Dhaka, starting on Wednesday. This would be a significant start for the Tigers in the new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.
“It’s not possible to change everything overnight,” he said. “We have been doing the right things needed to create a good cricketing culture. If we maintain the right process, the results will take care of themselves.”
Read: Bangladesh's triumph under Najmul: A new chapter in the making
He added that they will stick to the plan they had before starting this series, that is winning the series.
While Bangladesh is preparing for another match to display their Test prowess, Nayeem Hasan might have to be sidelined as the right-arm spinner suffered a blow on his right index finger during a practice session on Tuesday.
New Zealand pacer Tim Southee is expecting another battle of spinners in the Dhaka Test.
“I think you come to this part of the world, you expect the spinners to play a big role. And we saw that in the first Test match and we are expecting similar in the second match,” Southee said.