cricket
South Africa wins toss and decides to bowl against India in 1st test at Centurion
Temba Bavuma called correctly at the coin toss and South Africa opted to bowl in the first cricket test against India on Tuesday at Centurion.
The toss was delayed by 45 minutes because of wet patches on the pitch after overnight rain. There is a further forecast of rain over the first two days of the test, with overcast conditions on offer for the bowlers.
Read: Australia reaches 187-3 after rain-interrupted 1st day against Pakistan in 2nd cricket test
For South Africa, Bavuma returns to lead the side in the two-test series after missing the white-ball contests. Pacers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi are also fit and available to play.
While Rabada returns to the playing 11, Ngidi has been left out. Pacers Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen are also included after missing the ODI series.
Left-arm pacer Nandre Burger makes his test debut. Batter David Bedingham has also been handed his debut cap.
For India, 27-year-old pacer Prasidh Krishna makes his test debut. Star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to the side after missing the white-ball series. Sharma will lead India in the two-test series.
Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is included in the 11, as is bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur. Spin all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been ruled out due to a back spasm.
Read: Uncertainty Looms Over Tamim's International Return and Central Contract
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Lineups:
South Africa: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (captain), Keegan Petersen, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger.
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Lokesh Rahul, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
Australia reaches 187-3 after rain-interrupted 1st day against Pakistan in 2nd cricket test
Marnus Labuschagne notched a gritty score of 44 not out to guide Australia through a rain-interrupted first day of play in the second test against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday.
Invited to bat first by Pakistan captain Shan Masood, who won the toss in overcast conditions, Australia reached 187-3 at stumps.
Pakistan squandered a golden opportunity to put Australia on the back foot early, allowing openers David Warner (38 off 83 balls) and Usman Khawaja (42 off 101) to share a 90-run partnership on a pitch offering sideways movement for the seamers.
Warner, in his penultimate test, played a loose shot outside off stump on 38 in the final over before lunch and was caught at slip off the bowling of spinner Agha Salman.
Read: Uncertainty Looms Over Tamim's International Return and Central Contract
The 37-year-old Warner, who scored 164 in the first test in Perth, was lucky to reach double figures Tuesday. Warner offered a regulation chance on 2 to first slip off the bowling of Shaheen Shah Afridi in the third over, but it was put down by Abdullah Shafique.
Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali said the tourists had a “good day as a bowling unit."
“The best thing is we did not give them enough runs, so I think we are a bit ahead of them,” Hasan said.
Unbeaten on 36 at lunch, Khawaja added six runs to his total before he guided a delivery from Hasan Ali to second slip at 108-2. Khawaja is the leading test run-scorer in 2023 with 1,210 runs at an average of 55.00.
Warner described Khawaja’s run-scoring feats in 2023 as “phenomenal."
"Now he’s just playing like every game is his last. He’s going to play as long as he can,” Warner said of his opening partner’s roller-coaster career in and out of the test side.
“His last 12 months have been absolutely phenomenal. He can play as long as he wants to and feels comfortable.”
Rain interrupted play 37 minutes before the scheduled tea break, with Australia on 114-2 off 42.4 overs.
Read: Bangladesh creates history with maiden ODI win in New Zealand
Play resumed almost three hours later, rewarding those fans among the first-day crowd of 62,167 at the MCG who had waited patiently for the rain to clear.
Steve Smith was given out LBW on 19 to the bowling of Afridi, but the former skipper successfully reviewed the decision as replays showed the ball was going over the stumps.
On 26, Smith was given not out following a caught-behind appeal from Aamir Jamal, but Pakistan successfully reviewed the decision as replays showed a faint edge.
Smith struck only two boundaries in his 75-ball knock, sharing a patient 46-run partnership with Labuschagne.
Travis Head was unbeaten on nine at stumps to join Labuschagne in the crease when play resumes Wednesday.
Australia named an unchanged side Tuesday and Pakistan made three changes. Wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed was replaced by Mohammad Rizwan and fast bowler Khurram Shahzad was ruled out due to a rib injury.
Read: From duck to diamond: Soumya reborn with brilliant 169 vs New Zealand
Medium-pacer Faheem Ashraf was dropped as Hasan Ali and Mir Hamza returned to the side.
The third test in the three-match series is scheduled to begin Jan. 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where Pakistan won its last test in Australia nearly 30 years ago.
Australia won the first test in Perth last week by 360 runs.
Uncertainty Looms Over Tamim's International Return and Central Contract
A cloud of uncertainty hangs over cricketer Tamim Iqbal's international return and central contract renewal. He reportedly expressed reluctance to be included in the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) upcoming central contract list.
Tamim's international career has been a whirlwind in recent months. He abruptly retired from international cricket before returning at the Prime Minister's behest.
Read: Preview of BAN Vs NZ T20I Series 2023: Fixtures, Schedule, Key Players, Team
He also stepped down as ODI captain before the World Cup and subsequently missed the tournament due to injury, adding further drama to his comeback narrative.
The selectors claimed they excluded Tamim from the team due to concerns about the batter's injury. However, Tamim clarified that while he does have some injury concerns, they are not severe enough to render him unfit to play.
His absence from the recent Test and ODI series against New Zealand further fueled speculation about his future. Following a meeting at the BCB president's residence, Tamim hinted in a press conference that a decision regarding his career might be made after the upcoming elections.
On Sunday, BCB Cricket Operations Chairman Jalal Yunus confirmed that Tamim has conveyed his wish not to be included in the new central contract.
Read: Bangladesh creates history with maiden ODI win in New Zealand
“Tamim asked not to include him in the central contract,” Jalal said. “He has his personal plan for his future. He may sit with us and discuss further, and before that, he wants to be not included in the contract.”
Jalal also mentioned that the new contract will be revealed within December 31. He, however, did not disclose who are being included in the new central contract.
Preview of BAN Vs NZ T20I Series 2023: Fixtures, Schedule, Key Players, Team
The 3-match ODI series between Bangladesh and New Zealand ended on December 23. Though New Zealand clinched the series, the Tigers won their first-ever ODI against the Kiwis on their home soil. From December 27, a 3-match T20I series between these countries will take place at McLean Park in Napier. Before the series begins, let's have a closer look at the fixture, key players, and teams of the 2023 BAN vs NZ T20 series.
Fixtures of Bangladesh vs New Zealand T20I Series
Table: Schedule and Venues
Match
Date
Time (Bangladesh Time)
Venue
1st T20I
Wednesday, Dec 27, 2023
12:10 pm
McLean Park, Napier
2nd T20I
Friday, Dec 29, 2023
12:10 pm
Mount Maunganui
3rd T20I
Sunday, Dec 31, 2023
06:10 pm
Mount Maunganui
BAN vs NZ T20I Head-to-Head Records
Matches
Won by New Zealand
Won by Bangladesh
Tied
N/R
17
14
3
00
00
The 3 T20I matches that Bangladesh won against New Zealand were held in 2021, where they won the series 3-2 in home ground.
Read more: Bangladesh creates history with maiden ODI win in New Zealand
Preview of BAN vs NZ T20I Series 2023
Since T20 is the shortest format in the international arena, cricket fans are expected to get more explosive batting from the batters. Team Tigers are looking forward to showing their potential, proving that they are a formidable opponent, not just in their home ground, but also on other grounds as well.
Bangladesh will feel a bit more confident, as they won their last two T20I series against England and Afghanistan in Bangladesh, securing a 3-0 and a 2-0 whitewash, which was a rare occasion for a team, who are not consistent in the shortest format.
This series will be a challenging one for Bangladesh, as they are missing some of their key players in the series, whereas the Kiwis announced a strong squad to build momentum for the next T20 World Cup, which will be hosted by West Indies and the USA in 2024.
Missing Players For Bangladesh
Bangladesh does not have some of the team's key players. Shakib Al Hasan, an iconic player, is likely to miss out due to an injury. Speedstar Taskin Ahmed is missing as well, because of his recurring shoulder injury that flared up during the World Cup.
Another senior player on this side, Mahmudullah Riyad, opted to miss out due to personal reasons. Nasum Ahmed, who was a regular name in the T20I side, also missed out due to poor performance in the 2023 ICC World Cup.
Read more: From duck to diamond: Soumya reborn with brilliant 169 vs New Zealand
Missing Players For New Zealand
Kane Williamson and Kyle Jamieson, withdrew their names from New Zealand’s T20I squad against Bangladesh, which will start on December 27. Devon Conway is rested for the T20I due to management workload.
Experience bowler Trent Boult made himself unavailable for the selection. Matt Henry, Michael Bracewell, and Lockie Ferguson are also missing out due to injuries.
Key Players in Bangladesh Squad
BCB has already announced a 15-man squad for the upcoming T20I Series against New Zealand, which will begin on December 27.
There are new faces in the squad, also some debutants, while there are others who feature in the side regularly. Now it will be interesting to see how young players made an impact in the Bangladesh Team.
These are some of the key players on the current side, to watch out for.
Najmul Hossain Shanto
Najmul Hossain Shanto, who was recently appointed as the Bangladesh captain for the whole New Zealand white-ball tour, will be one of the players who can create an impact, which will be beneficial for the team.
His prolific batting at the top order made him an integral part of the national side, as Bangladesh is looking to build a strong team ahead of the next T20 World Cup in 2024.
His recent consistent form against difficult opponents like England and Afghanistan gave the side a platform to chase and defend targets which was lacking, for a while in the T20 arena. As he might grow from the captaincy role he got, he will be more focused on continuing his superb form, despite the challenging conditions in New Zealand.
Rishad Hossain
One of the debutants in the current line-up, a leg spinner, will look forward to the upcoming T20Is, as he looks to make a valuable contribution, not only with the bowl but also with the bat in hand.
Recently he made his presence felt when he made his debut in the second ODI, where he hit a six from the first ball he faced, which showed a good sign, for the Tigers, who are also looking for someone, to play the pinch-hitting role, in the lower order. Still early times, but he can be a good asset for the side if he can contribute to the team.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib
A youngster, who played in the U-19 World Cup in 2020, is another prospect for the current national side. He made his international debut a couple of months back and is now proving to be a bright light in the future of Bangladesh cricket.
He bagged 3 wickets in his last ODI, which was the crucial aspect for Bangladesh to knock over New Zealand, and get the victory.
As far as his bowling, he is quite a handful with the bat as well. He can hit a long ball, which sometimes proves vital when putting up a huge total on board.
Read more: New Zealand cruise home to win ODI series, Soumya’s century in vain
Players to watch in New Zealand Squad
New Zealand has put a strong team for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, featuring regular players, alongside some new faces.
Finn Allen
Finn Allen, a fine hitter of the cricket ball, is a promising young batsman from New Zealand who could be the one to look out from the New Zealand dugout.
His ability to score runs will make him a valuable addition to the current T20I side.
He has some stellar batting prowess, against tough opponents, during the T20 World Cup in 2022, which was exactly what the Kiwis wanted, as they were searching for an explosive opener who could give them a quick start, right from the power play.
Glenn Phillips
Glenn Phillips can not only bat, but he can also slog on out for a long distance. He can be quite useful, and more than just a handy right-arm spinner.
Alongside his bat and ball prowess, he is a great fielder. He is the perfect player for T20, where everyone has to be on their toes for the whole innings. As long as he is there on the cricket field, the experience will be truly spectacular, for the cricket fans, on and off the field.
Mitchell Santner
Last but not certainly not least, the recently appointed captain for the Kiwi side, Mitchell Santner. He is one of the few experienced players in the current New Zealand side.
As he led the team in the past, the management trusted him to deliver the goods as the regular captain Kane Williamson was out due to workload management. Apart from the captaincy, he is a very important player for the side.
He can provide crucial breakthroughs with the ball in hand. With his skillful left-arm spin bowling, it would be difficult to play around.
His Batting is also an aspect to keep an eye on. He can play the finisher role in the lower end of the innings, which proved to be more than sufficient if you want to chase down a huge target or put up a huge total.
Read more: Chennai Super Kings secure Mustafizur Rahman for IPL 2024
Probable Bangladesh Squad
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Litton Kumer Das, Rony Talukdar, Tawhid Hridoy, Hossain, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Soumya Sarkar, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice Captain), Mahedi Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
Probable New Zealand Squad
Mitchell Santner (Captain), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Rachin Ravindra, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, and Jacob Duffy.
Final Words
So far, we have discussed the fixtures, schedule, key players, and probable squad of the 2023 Bangladesh vs New Zealand T20I series.
While both teams are similar in terms of experience, Bangladesh will get the upper hand due to the momentum they got after defeating New Zealand in the last ODI they played.
However, New Zealand is way ahead, winning 14 out of 17 matches when facing Bangladesh. Kiwis will look to bounce back from their recent ODI defeat and would like to start the upcoming T20I series with a win and play their cricket in good spirits.
Read more: Overview Of BAN VS NZ ODI Series 2023: Post World Cup Matches
Overview Of BAN VS NZ ODI Series 2023: Post World Cup Matches
After suffering 18 consecutive losses against New Zealand on their home ground, Bangladesh staged a spectacular comeback at McLean Park in Napier. Even though the hosts had already won the series, which was held from the 17th to the 23rd of December, the final ODI saw an unexpected turn of events. Let's have a look into the overview of the 2023 BAN vs NZ ODI series.
Best Performers in the 2023 Bangladesh Vs New Zealand ODI Series
Despite New Zealand dominating the first two matches, Bangladesh completed an exciting comeback with a spectacular victory in the final ODI. The series featured outstanding performances from standout players on both teams, adding an extra layer of excitement to the cricketing match.
Table: Top performers in the 2023 BAN vs NZ ODI Series
Player
Performance
Will Young
220 Runs
Soumya Sarker
173 Runs
Tom Latham
146 Runs
Shoriful Islam
6 Wickets
Will Young
Will Young, the opener, showcased extraordinary resilience as he blazed through a brisk century, steering New Zealand's remarkable comeback from a challenging beginning. In a rain-interrupted first ODI in Dunedin, Young's stellar performance secured a thrilling 44-run victory over Bangladesh.
The dynamic New Zealand opener narrowly missed out on his second consecutive ODI century with 89 runs off 94 balls in a thrilling second ODI against Bangladesh. Young demonstrated his explosive batting prowess once again, unleashing eight boundaries and two towering sixes after his spectacular match-winning performance of 105 in the series opener.
Read more: From duck to diamond: Soumya reborn with brilliant 169 vs New Zealand
Soumya Sarker
Soumya Sarkar, making his comeback after missing the World Cup, failed to make an impression with bat and ball. Despite being backed for his medium pace, the 30-year-old all-rounder's bowling does not warrant a place in the ODI squad.
Soumya conceded 63 runs in a 30-over match while bowling the entire six overs. His return to the national team took a turn for the worse when he was dismissed for a duck in the first over from Adam Milne while chasing a revised total of 245 runs in the first ODI.
After a five-year absence, Soumya Sarkar smashed his first century in international cricket in an exciting turn of events that marked a remarkable comeback for Bangladesh.
In the second ODI of the three-match series at Saxton Oval in Nelson, Bangladesh lost by seven wickets against the formidable New Zealand team, despite Soumya's astonishing display of a career-best 169 off just 151 deliveries, which incidentally remains the highest score by an Asian batter in ODIs in New Zealand.
Soumya achieved a remarkable milestone and inscribed his name in cricket history in an exciting feat!
He broke the record set by the great Sachin Tendulkar, who accomplished a record-breaking 163 not out against New Zealand in Christchurch in 2009.
Bangladesh achieved a remarkable total of 291 thanks to Soumya's outstanding innings, which also set a new record for their highest-ever ODI score against the Kiwis at home. Even though they lost, Soumya Sarkar's incredible century was a thrilling high point that demonstrated his strength and tenacity in international cricket.
In the last ODI, Soumya Sarkar started to cause trouble at McLean Park alongside Sakib, Shoriful! The part-timer has a remarkable impact due to the unanticipated turn of events.
But after a regrettable incident involving his right eye, Soumya is forced to temporarily leave the field, throwing the excitement into a surprising twist.
Read more: New Zealand cruise home to win ODI series, Soumya’s century in vain
Tom Latham
Tom Latham led the way to a victory in the first match of the series, which was played using the D/LS method rule.
A dynamic partnership between centurion Will Young and skipper Tom Latham, marked by a sensational 171-run stand for the third wicket, propelled New Zealand to a thrilling 1-0 lead over Bangladesh. His innings of 92 runs in 77 balls, set the platform for the rest of the Kiwi batters, to set a staggering target of 245 in 30 overs.
Tom Latham, once again proved to be the man that New Zealand can rely on, as he steadied the ship in the 2nd ODI, which they won comfortably by 7 wickets and 22 balls to spare.
After Will Young and Henry Nicholls, each scored 89 and 95 runs respectively, Tom Latham and Tom Blundell batted sensibly and steered them through the second win, eventually leading them to clinch the series.
After winning the series, The Kiwis were put in a difficult position from the start, and Shoriful's outstanding second spell made things even worse. He took three crucial wickets during this thrilling phase, including the dismissals of Will Young (26 off 43) and
New Zealand captain Tom Latham (21 off 34). The hosts' batting lineup was destroyed by this outstanding performance, and they were unable to bounce back from the first setback.
In the 3rd ODI, the tides turned drastically for the Kiwis as they were bundled out for a mere 98 runs.
Alongside Will Young—who quickly became the series' most memorable performer—exhibited incredible tenacity. They created a thrilling partnership and scored an explosive 36 runs for the third wicket together.
The suspense built to a climax when Shoriful launched an incredible nip-backer that broke through Latham's barriers and started a domino effect.
Read more: Chennai Super Kings secure Mustafizur Rahman for IPL 2024
Shoriful Islam
Young Bangladeshi speedster Shoriful did exceptionally well in the 3 ODIs as he walked in the footsteps of Taskin and Mustafizur, becoming another trustful resource in the Bangladesh fast bowling unit.
In the first match, he picked up two wickets that enabled Bangladesh to restrict them within a chasable total. Bangladesh lost the match but it was good for the young bowler.
He couldn't make a good impression, as they lost the second match by a big margin. Despite getting only one wicket, he checked the batsmen with his line and length, letting them work for everyone's run, which is a trademark for becoming a better bowler, if not the best.
In the third ODI, he was at his best rhythm, as Bangladesh won their first match after 18 straight losses. He bagged 3 wickets alongside Sakib and Soumya. He took the prize wicket of Will Young, the top scorer of this series, alongside Tom Latham and Mark Chapman.
Overall ODI Performance of Tigers in the Series Against New Zealand
It has been an average ride, as Bangladesh was eyeing their first series win against Kiwis, away from home. There were many positives like Soumya making a comeback, and breaking records. Shoriful maintained a good channel.
Though Bangladesh didn't win the series, they had some positives, especially from the bowling of Shoriful who bagged 6 wickets, the most by anyone in this series. He chipped in through the crucial moment for the team, which eventually created pressure for the opponent.
Shanto provided good captaincy throughout the series. Bangladesh can go with their heads up high and move towards the T20Is which will be another cracking series to be dealt with.
Overall ODI Performance of Kiwis in the Series Against Bangladesh
Kiwis played impressive cricket in the first two matches, securing another series win on their home soil. New Zealand can also take a lot of positives as most of their senior players didn't play this series, giving more opportunities to young cricketers for the future.
Much like the first ODI, Young masterfully dictated the pace of his innings in the 2nd ODI, keeping the formidable Bangladesh bowlers constantly on the defensive.
Unfortunately, he couldn't get the momentum going as he fell short of making any impact which ended as a devastating loss and a massive win for Bangladesh.
Will Young ended the year on a high note, following debutants like William O’Rourke, Jacob Duffey, Josh Clarkson, and Adithya Ashok showed an impressive display with the bowl.
Final Words
After a disappointing 2023 World Cup campaign, Bangladesh fought valiantly till the end of the BAN vs NZ ODI series and won the last match, ending the series in good spirit before going over to the T20Is. This was by far the best series away from home against the Kiwis.
Read more: Bangladesh creates history with maiden ODI win in New Zealand
Bangladesh creates history with maiden ODI win in New Zealand
In a historic moment for Bangladesh cricket, the Tigers secured their first-ever ODI victory in New Zealand by defeating the hosts by a big margin of nine wickets in the third ODI of the series in Napier on Saturday.
Chasing a modest target of 99, Bangladesh displayed remarkable efficiency, reaching the goal in just 15.1 overs and sealing their triumph against New Zealand.
However, New Zealand won the first two matches of the series and clinched the title.
Showdown in Trinidad: Decider of the England-West Indies T20I Series
New Zealand, put in to bat, faced an early setback as their key performer, Will Young, fell for 26 runs. Despite brief resistance from Rachin Ravindra (8) and Henry Nicholls (11), Tanzim Hasan Sakib's impressive spell turned the tide.
The right-arm pacer claimed a stellar 3 for 14, while Shoriful Islam and Soumya Sarkar also contributed with three wickets each, restricting New Zealand to a meager 98.
New Zealand cruise home to win ODI series, Soumya’s century in vain
In response, Bangladesh navigated the chase with ease, even after Soumya retired hurt early. Anamul Haque Bijoy and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto steered the Tigers to victory without further complications, securing Bangladesh's historic ODI win in New Zealand. While Anamul was out for 37, Najmul remained unbeaten after scoring a fifty.
With this triumph, Bangladesh sets the stage for the upcoming three-match T20I series against New Zealand, commencing on December 27 in Napier.
Showdown in Trinidad: Decider of the England-West Indies T20I Series
The highly anticipated conclusion to the England tour of West Indies is upon us. With the series poised at 2-2, the final T20 International on December 21 at The Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad & Tobago promises a spectacular finale.
Dramatic Series Unfolds
The series began with West Indies seizing early victories in the first two T20Is, signaling a potential sweep. England, however, roared back with victories in the next two matches, displaying resilience and skill. The series, filled with remarkable performances, has now set the stage for a thrilling decider.
Read more: From duck to diamond: Soumya reborn with brilliant 169 vs New Zealand
Key Performances and Turning Points
Andre Russell's return to form was pivotal for West Indies in the opening match at Kensington Oval, Barbados. His three wickets were crucial in restricting England, despite Phil Salt's explosive 40 off 20 balls. The chase, led by Brandon King's brisk start and a crucial seventh-wicket stand, saw West Indies home with four wickets in hand.
The second match showcased the prowess of Brandon King and Rovman Powell, propelling the Caribbean side to a 10-run victory. In contrast, England's comeback was marked by Phil Salt's sensational 109 off 56 balls in the third match and a magnificent 119 off 57 in the fourth, tying the series and setting up a mouthwatering showdown.
England T20I Squad
Jos Buttler, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Phil Salt, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Rehan Ahmed, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Tymal Mills, Josh Tongue, Adil Rashid, and John Turner Reece Topley.
West Indies T20I Squad
Rovman Powel, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, .Nicholas Pooran, Sherfane Rutherford, Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, Andre Russell, Romario Shepherd,Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Johnson Charles, Oshane Thomas, and Gudakesh Motie.
Predictions and Expectations
As the final match looms, excitement builds. Both teams, champions in their own right, are prepared to battle for supremacy. While it's a tight contest, England might just edge out with their current momentum. Expect a thrilling four hours of high-octane cricket, filled with drama and excitement, as future stars and established veterans clash in this epic finale.
Read more: New Zealand cruise home to win ODI series, Soumya’s century in vain
New Zealand cruise home to win ODI series, Soumya’s century in vain
New Zealand comfortably chased down Bangladesh's challenging total of 291 to win the second BAN vs NZ ODI by seven wickets and clinch the three-match series with one match remaining. The victory was fueled by composed half-centuries from Henry Nicholls (95) and Will Young (89).
Soumya Sarkar was the undisputed star for Bangladesh, smashing a career-best 169 – the highest ODI score by any Asian batter on New Zealand soil. However, his heroics were not enough to compensate for the lack of support from the rest of the batting lineup. Apart from Soumya and a fighting 45 from Mushfiqur Rahim, the middle order collapsed, leaving Bangladesh's total short of a truly threatening one.
William O'Rourke and Jacob Duffy, with three wickets each, were the standout bowlers for New Zealand, effectively restricting Bangladesh's late flourish.
From duck to diamond: Soumya reborn with brilliant 169 vs New Zealand
In response, the Kiwis' chase was a clinical affair. Nicholls and Young laid the foundation with a commanding century partnership, taking the pressure off the middle and lower order. The wicket, admittedly offering little assistance to the bowlers, further aided their dominance.
Bangladesh's bowling lacked penetration on a traditionally batter-friendly surface. Debutant leg-spinner Riashad Hossain failed to pick up a wicket. Hasan Mahmud was the best Bangladeshi bowler in this match with two scalps, but his expensive spell, 57 runs in 7 overs, reflected the overall struggles of the Bangladeshi attack.
Chennai Super Kings secure Mustafizur Rahman for IPL 2024
The final match of the BAN vs NZ ODI series will be played on December 23, followed by a three-match T20I series commencing on December 27. Both Bangladesh and New Zealand will be looking to end the tour on a high note in the remaining matches.
Bangladesh aim to bounce back in 2nd ODI vs New Zealand
From duck to diamond: Soumya reborn with brilliant 169 vs New Zealand
After a prolonged period of struggles, Soumya Sarkar roared back to life with a dazzling century against New Zealand. In the second BAN vs NZ ODI in Nelson, Soumya blazed 169 runs off 151 balls, peppering his innings with 22 fours and two sixes.
This knock marked a monumental turnaround for the left-hander who last reached a half-century in 2019. The following years saw him sidelined from the ODI team in 2020, failing to impress in his limited opportunities in 2021, and dropped again in 2022.
His return under head coach Chandika Hathurusingha began with two consecutive ducks in 2023, raising questions about his selection. However, Hathurusingha remained committed to Soumya, and the faith paid off spectacularly.
Bangladesh aim to bounce back in 2nd ODI vs New Zealand
The opener unleashed his fury on the Kiwis, dispatching deliveries to all corners of the ground. In doing so, he not only stood tall amidst Asian batters on New Zealand soil but also etched his name in record books. His 169 surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's 163 not out in Christchurch in 2009, claiming the mantle of the highest ODI score by an Asian batter in New Zealand.
This was Soumya’s third ODI century, adding to his previous accomplishments in 2015 and 2018.
Fueled by his career-best knock, Bangladesh piled up a formidable total of 291 all out in the second ODI against New Zealand. Bangladesh lost the first match. If the Tigers can defend this total on Wednesday (December 20, 2023), the last match will turn into a final of this series.
Triumphant U-19 boys eager to keep shining
Chennai Super Kings secure Mustafizur Rahman for IPL 2024
Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh's seasoned pace bowler, has been acquired by the Chennai Super Kings for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The auction saw Mustafizur, being snapped up at his base price of Rs 2 crore. Having previously played for four different franchises in the IPL, Mustafizur is a familiar face in the tournament.
Also read: IPL 2022: Delhi’s Mustafizur Rahman eyes to end his wicket drought
This year's IPL auction featured three Bangladeshi cricketers: Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam. However, Mustafizur is the lone Bangladeshi representative in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League, as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) withdrew the others ahead of the auction.
While Mustafizur gears up for his IPL stint, the Bangladesh national team is currently engrossed in a series against New Zealand. The team is participating in a challenging tour featuring three ODIs and three T20 matches against the hosts.
Also read: IPL Auction: 3 Bangladeshi pacers potential candidates for upcoming season
The left-arm pacer has taken 48 wickets in 48 IPL matches for four different teams. His inclusion in the Chennai Super Kings adds an exciting dimension to the team's pace attack. Chennai is the winner of five IPL titles, jointly having the highest number of titles along with Mumbai Indians.