Cricket
Tawhid enters Test squad to replace injured Mushfiqur
Bangladesh has announced a change to their squad for the opening Test against Sri Lanka starting on Friday, with batsman Tawhid Hridoy receiving his first Test call-up as a replacement for the injured Mushfiqur Rahim, confimred the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
Mushfiqur was ruled out of the two-match Test series after sustaining a thumb injury during the final ODI against Sri Lanka last Monday.
The experienced wicketkeeper-batter’s absence creates an opportunity for the young Tawhid to make his Test debut.
The 23-year-old Tawhid, a regular in Bangladesh's ODI and T20I squads, has impressed in domestic cricket. He boasts a first-class average of 48.05 after 20 matches, showcasing his potential at the highest level.
Bangladesh will be hoping Tawhid can seamlessly fill the void left by Mushfiqur’s experience, as they aim for a strong start to the series.
Bangladesh squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Zakir Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Litton Das, Mominul Haque Showrab, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Mushfik Hasan, Nahid Rana, Tawhid Hridoy.
Rising Stars vs. World Champions: Bangladesh women aim to shine in historic series against Australia
After becoming captain of the Bangladesh women's team, Nigar Sultana has attended countless press conferences. But Wednesday's one will surely stand out in her memory for a long time.
She arrived with a broad smile, ready with her team to face the world champions—Australia, in their first-ever full series. The number of attending media personnel was unlike anything she had experienced before. More importantly, none of the questions thrown at her doubted Bangladesh's ability to challenge Australia.
“The biggest thing is, when we played the series against India, the journalists' questions were different. They were asking whether we could win, what could happen... Today, we are playing against Australia, and no one has asked me that question. They are asking, 'It will be even better if you win.' This is a big achievement,” Nigar said, her face beaming.
“Thank you all for that,” she added emotionally.
This series marks a historic moment for the Bangladesh team, an opportunity to test their mettle against the world champions and showcase their growing strength on the international stage. Under Nigar Sultana's leadership, Bangladesh has achieved some big successes in recent years, including an ODI win over South Africa, winning a series against Pakistan, and a tied series against India, which has solidified their rising trajectory in international cricket.
These achievements have instilled a sense of confidence and belief within the team, making them an opponent for any team in the world who cannot be taken lightly. Their rise hasn't gone unnoticed. Australian captain Alyssa Healy acknowledges Bangladesh as a "real threat" and praises their inclusion in the ICC Women's Championship. This recognition from the world champions is a testament to the hard work of the Bangladeshi players and a sign of their growing respect on the international stage.
The Australian captain anticipates a lot of spin bowling from Bangladesh, calling it "challenging for the team that is not from the subcontinent."
What you need to keep in mind during Bangladesh-Australia Women’s cricket series
The Australian women's cricket team has arrived in Dhaka, ready to take on the Bangladesh women's team in a historic series starting on March 21.
This marks Australia's first full tour of Bangladesh. Their previous visit was in 2014 for the ICC T20I World Cup, and they have never played an ODI in Bangladesh.
While the first ODI is on March 21, the other two are on March 24 and 27, respectively. After the ODI series, the teams will take on each other in a three-match T20I series, too, on March 31, April 2, and 4. All the matches will be played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
The first match of the three-match ODI series will be Australia's first ODI in Bangladesh. In their only previous ODI encounter two years ago, Australia won by 65 runs.
Women's cricketer Nahida Akter receives ICC player of the month award
Bangladesh's inclusion in the ICC Women's Championship has created the opportunity for this series against Australia. Bangladesh recently won an ODI against South Africa, boosting their confidence for the upcoming challenge.
Their recent home success, including a win against Pakistan and a tied series with India, further strengthens Bangladesh's confidence.
Bangladesh's conditions may offer a unique challenge to the Australian players, many of whom are playing in Bangladesh for the first time. Only Captain Alyssa Healy and veteran Ellyse Perry have previous experience in Bangladesh, and that was a decade ago.
Young blood injected as BCB announces squad for first Test against Sri Lanka
However, some Australian players have recently participated in the Women's Premier League (WPL) in India, where they experienced conditions similar to those in Bangladesh.
Australia squad for Bangladesh tour 2024: Alyssa Healy (captain), Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vice captain), Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Tayla Vlaeminck
Bangladesh squad against Australia series 2024: Nigar Sultana (captain), Nahida Akter (vice captain), Fargana Hoque, Murshida Khatun, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Disha Biswas, Sumaiya Akter, Nishita Akter Nishi, Farzana Akter, Rabeya Khan
Mustafizur Rahman departs for IPL
Mustafizur Rahman has left Dhaka for India to participate in the new season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This year, he will represent the Chennai Super Kings.
“Excited and looking forward to my new assignment. Heading to Chennai for IPL 2024. Keep me in your prayers so that I can deliver my best,” Mustafizur wrote on his social media page before departing Dhaka.
Premier Div Hockey: Usha KC pile up huge 8-2 victory over Bangladesh SC
Mustafizur previously played for four different IPL teams: Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Mumbai Indians.
On Tuesday afternoon, Mustafizur updated his social media to announce his safe arrival in India.
This year's IPL will kick off on Friday with a match between the Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Mustafizur is the only Bangladeshi cricketer participating in this year's IPL.
Injury setback: Mushfiqur out of Sri Lanka Test series
Bangladesh's experienced batsman Mushfiqur Rahim will miss the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka after sustaining a thumb injury during the third ODI, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed on Tuesday.
Mushfiqur, the country's most prolific run-scorer in Tests, suffered the injury while wicketkeeping during Monday's ODI match in Chattogram. A subsequent X-ray examination revealed an avulsion fracture on the MIP joint of his right thumb.
“After the match, Mushfiqur underwent an X-ray examination in Dhaka, which revealed an avulsion fracture on the MIP joint of his right thumb,” said national team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan.
“He is currently undergoing conservative management for his injury and is expected to be sidelined for around three to four weeks, consequently ruling him out of participation in the Test series against Sri Lanka,” he added.
The loss of Mushfiqur is a significant blow to Bangladesh. The veteran batsman is a key figure in the side's Test lineup. The BCB's National Selection Panel is expected to announce a replacement of Mushfiqur shortly.
Women's cricketer Nahida Akter receives ICC player of the month award
Bangladeshi women's national crickter Nahida Akter officialy received the ICC women's player of the award here on Tuesday.
Nahida emerged as the first Bangladeshi women's cricketer to adjudge the ICC women's player for the month of November 2023, beating Fargana Haque of Bangladesh and Sadia Iqbal of Pakistan.
BCB CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury handed over glorious ICC award to Nahida Akter at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mipur on Tuesday.
Young blood injected as BCB announces squad for first Test against Sri Lanka
Chief of the BCB Women's Cricket Habibul Bashar Sumon was also present on the occassion.
Bangladesh women's cricket team created history beating Pakistan in T20 series last August.
Bangladesh women's team also beat Pakistan 2-1 in the ODI series too in last November where Nahida emergerd as the player of the series grabbing seven wickets.
Rampant Rishad helps Bangladesh clinch ODI series against Sri Lanka
Young blood injected as BCB announces squad for first Test against Sri Lanka
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday unveiled the squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka, featuring a maiden call-up for the exciting young pacer, Nahid Rana.
The 21-year-old has impressed selectors with his raw pace and bounce, claiming 63 wickets in just 15 first-class matches since his debut in November 2021.
Rampant Rishad helps Bangladesh clinch ODI series against Sri Lanka
The 15-man squad also sees the return of Litton Das, who missed the previous Test series. The first Test, a part of the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship cycle, begins on March 22 in Sylhet, followed by the second Test in Chattogram on March 30.
Commenting on the squad selection, Abdur Razzak, member of the National Selection Panel, expressed confidence in the team's balance and adaptability.
Third ODI: Sri Lanka opt to bat first; Bangladesh make three changes
“We feel that the squad picked for the first Test has a very nice balance,” Razzak said. “Our Test side is fairly settled, with Nahid Rana being the only newcomer. Litton's return bolsters the batting, and we have backups in all departments.”
Razzak further elaborated on Rana's inclusion, highlighting his potential and the opportunity presented by the absence of other pace bowlers.
Third ODI: Bangladesh eye a series win vs Sri Lanka
“Rana is a very exciting prospect. He is probably the quickest bowler in Bangladesh at the moment and can also extract steep bounce,” Razzak explained. “This is the right time for him and Mushfik Hasan to gain experience with Ebadot Hossain injured, and Taskin Ahmed, not playing Tests currently.”
Bangladesh squad for first Test vs Sri Lanka: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Zakir Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Litton Das, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Mushfik Hasan, Nahid Rana.
Rampant Rishad helps Bangladesh clinch ODI series against Sri Lanka
Fueled by Tanzid Hasan's well-composed 84 and a late cameo by Rishad Hossain, Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka in the third ODI of the three-match series and subsequently won the series by 2-1 on Monday in Chattogram.
Tanzid was not part of Bangladesh's initial playing XI. He was fielded as a substitute for Soumya Sarkar, who hurt himself during fielding. Tanzid took the chance and lived up to the expectations. He scored 84 off 81 runs – a record for scoring the most runs by a concussion substitute.
Third ODI: Sri Lanka opt to bat first; Bangladesh make three changes
With the game hanging in the balance and 58 runs required, after Bangladesh lost sixth wickets by the dismissal of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain entered the crease and shifted the momentum decisively in Bangladesh's favour.
He plundered 16 runs off Wanindu Hasaranga in the 37th over, followed by a remarkable 24 runs in the 40th over, showcasing his impressive power-hitting abilities. Rishad's quickfire 48 off just 18 balls, punctuated by four sixes, proved to be the final nail in Sri Lanka's coffin.
Third ODI: Bangladesh eye a series win vs Sri Lanka
Two overs later, in the 40th over, Rishad smashed 24 runs off Hasaranga with two sixes and four fours.
Rishad ended on 48 off 18 balls. In this late and short cameo, Rishand smashed the ball around the wicket— two of his four sixes came through the mid-wicket region, one over the square leg and the other over the cow corner. The young batter proved once again that he has ample shots in his bat. Earlier in the T20I-Series, he smashed seven sixes in an innings.
Tanzim Ruled Out of Third ODI, Hasan Mahmud Called Up
Bangladesh chased the below-par target of 236 with 58 balls to play.
For Sri Lanka, Lahiru Kumara took four for 48, his career-best, but he missed enough support from his fellow bowlers while defending a below-par total.
Earlier, Sri Lanka’s top and middle order tumbled. But Janith Liyanage's maiden ODI ton guided them to a score they could fight for. Their late order also faltered, and eventually, Sri Lanka was wrapped up for 235.
For Bangladesh, Taskin Ahmed led the bowling attack with three wickets, and Mustafizur Rahman, who has been going through a bad patch for a while now, took two wickets.
As the ODI series concluded, both the teams will now take on each other in a two-match Test series, with the first being played in Sylhet from March 22.
Third ODI: Sri Lanka opt to bat first; Bangladesh make three changes
In the third ODI of the three-match series, which is a series decider, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first in Chattogram on Monday.
Bangladesh made three changes in this match— Litton Das, Tanzim Hasan, and Taijul Islam— to make way for Anamul Haque Bijoy, Mustafizur Rahman, and Rishad Hossain.
Third ODI: Bangladesh eye a series win vs Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka added Maheesh Theekshana to replace Dilshan Madushanka.
In the first match of the series, Bangladesh won. But Sri Lanka bounced back in the second. So the third match decides the final outcome.
Before the ODI series, Sri Lanka won the three-match T20Is by 2-1. After the ODIs, both teams will lock horns in two Tests.
Tanzim Ruled Out of Third ODI, Hasan Mahmud Called Up
Bangladesh (XI): Soumya Sarkar, Anamul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman
Sri Lanka (XI): Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis(wk/captain), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Kumara
Third ODI: Bangladesh eye a series win vs Sri Lanka
With the series hanging in the balance, Bangladesh is eyeing to secure it over Sri Lanka when the teams lock horns in the third and final ODI on Monday in Chattogram.
Bangladesh won the first match of the series, but they failed in the second. On both occasions, the chasing team emerged victorious.
Towhid Hridoy showed a valiant effort in the second match scoring 96 not-out, but his effort went in vain as the bowler failed to defend a total of 286 runs.
The third match will be a day match. Teams might need to adjust their plan accordingly. The match will kick off at 10 am (Bangladesh time).
Bangladesh will have to make at least two changes as Litton Das was axed for the third match and Tanzim Hasan was ruled out due to an injury. To replace them, Bangladesh included Jaker Ali and Hasan Mahmud. While Hasan played ODIs before, Jaker is uncapped in this format.
Prolonged lean show in the format has eventually prompted the newly-appointed selection panel under the leadership of Gazi Ashraf Hossain to axe Litton for the third match.
Bangladesh allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz louded the approach of the Bangladesh management to play on sporting wickets instead of low and slow surfaces. He said this approach will prepare them to do well in the bigger events.
Naveed Nawaz, Sri Lanka's assistant coach, said that the due factor will not play a part in this match as the match is being held on day time. Be believes the conditon will be even for both teams in the third match.
Before the ODI series, these teams took on each other in a three-match T20I series that Sri Lanka won 2-1.
After the ODI series, they will move to a two-match Test series, with the first match being played in Sylhet and the second match will take place in Chattogram.