Sports
Bangladeshi Jinnat wins gold medal in Nelson Mandela Cup International Boxing
Bangladeshi-origin US-based boxer Jinnat Ferdous won the gold medal in the Nelson Mandela Cup International Boxing Competition held in the South African city of Durban on Tuesday.
She clinched the gold medal in the women's 50-kgs weight category competition, beating her Ethiopian opponent in the event's final.
Although Jinnat's emergence as a boxer owes mostly to the time she spent growing up in the United State, she took part in the competition as a Bangladeshi competitor, after Bangladesh Boxing Federation endorsed her entry as Bangladeshi, said General Secretary of Bangladesh Boxing Federation Mazharul Islam Tuhin.
Jinnat also represented Bangladesh in the Hangzhou Asian Games in China held in September last year, but failed to fulfil the expectation of the countrymen.
She was eliminated from the 2nd round of the meet losing to Mongolian rival after getting a bye in the first round
Four Bangladeshi boxers - Jinnat Ferdous and three men Salim Hossain, Abu Talha, and Hossain Ali -- will participate in next month's Olympics qualifying round Boxing Tournament in Thailand.
Bangladeshi boxers have a good chance to qualify for the Paris Olympics directly if they are able to win any medal or to make a good result in the Thailand meet.
Mushtaq Ahmed arrives in Dhaka to take up assignment with Tigers
Former Pakistan leg-spinner and cricketing legend, Mushtaq Ahmed, arrived in Dhaka to assume his new role as the spin bowling coach for the Bangladesh national cricket team.
He visited Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday and met with the national team players and other members of the coaching staff.
BCB Unveils Preliminary Squad for Zimbabwe T20Is, Shakib and Mustafizur Absent
Upon his first meeting with the national team players, Mushtaq expressed his views on the unique challenges of his new position: “It is very challenging. From a coaching skill point of view, it is totally different to the rest of the world. You have to adopt and be very proactive. You have to understand the cricket here.”
Despite the challenges, Mushtaq conveyed his belief in the Bangladesh team's potential, stating: “I think that the Bangladesh team can pose a strong challenge to any team in the world.”
'Mustafizur has nothing to learn from IPL,' says BCB Cricket Ops chair
His primary objective will be to develop a generation of leg-spinners, addressing a historical gap in Bangladesh cricket. He expressed his enthusiasm for this challenge.
Bangladesh has only one leg-spinner in the current set-up— Rishad Hossain, who impressed with both his bowling and hard-hitting batting ability.
“There is always a legspinner, mystery spinner and chinaman in the nets in Asia. I think that’s where my experience will come through,” he remarked. “You need to have spinners who can get you wickets in the middle overs of white-ball cricket.”
Tamim's international career in limbo as BCB offers no clarity
Reflecting on his past visits to Bangladesh as a player, Mushtaq fondly recalled: “I remember when we won the World Cup in 1992, I was part of the team (that visited Bangladesh) in 1993-94. It was always great to visit Bangladesh. The local people are big fans of Pakistani cricketers. The last time I visited Bangladesh as a player was in 1998.”
BCB Unveils Preliminary Squad for Zimbabwe T20Is, Shakib and Mustafizur Absent
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a preliminary squad on Tuesday for a practice camp ahead of the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, commencing on May 3rd in Chattogram.
Notable absentees from the squad include Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman. Shakib is currently unavailable, while Mustafizur is occupied with his commitments in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
'Mustafizur has nothing to learn from IPL,' says BCB Cricket Ops chair
"Shakib is expected to return home later this month," stated BCB chief selector, Gazi Ashraf Hossain. "We will assess his availability upon his return."
Shakib is currently residing in the USA with his family, and his participation in the series remains uncertain. However, Gazi Ashraf expressed optimism about Shakib joining the squad, at least for the latter part of the series.
Soumya Sarkar has been included in the squad despite concerns surrounding his injury. He will participate in a match-scenario practice camp in Chattogram on April 26th, 27th, and 28th, under the observation of the team's fitness staff.
Tamim's international career in limbo as BCB offers no clarity
"Soumya is not fully fit," explained Gazi Ashraf, "but he is gradually recovering. His presence with the team will allow him to be involved in strategic discussions."
Mohammad Saifuddin makes a comeback after over a year of absence due to injuries. Batsman Parvez Hossain Emon, currently the top scorer in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League with 585 runs, also earns a recall, along with left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam.
BCB dismisses speculation over Hathurusingha
The final squad for the Zimbabwe series will be announced later this month following the preliminary camp in Chattogram.
Preliminary Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah Riyad, Jaker Ali Anik, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanvir Islam, Afif Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Mohammad Saifuddin, Soumya Sarkar.
Fed Cup Football: Bangladesh Police smartly reach semifinal eliminating Sheikh Jamal DC
Bangladesh Police FC smartly reached the semifinal of the Federation Cup Football Tournament 2023-24 eliminating former BPL champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club by 3-0 goals in the 3rd quarterfinal at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj on Tuesday.
Earlier, defending champions Dhaka Mohammedan SC and league champions Bashundhara Kings also qualified for the semifinals eliminating Sheikh Russel KC (2-1) and Rahmatganj MFS (2-0) respectively in the quarterfinals
Six times BPL champions Dhaka Abahani Ltd will face Fortis FC in the 4th and last quarterfinal on April 30 also at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj.
In the day's 3rd quarterfinal, all the three goals of the match were scored in the first 23rd minute of the match.
Uzbek midfielder Javokhir Sokhibov put the Police team ahead in the very 2nd minute of the match by a good header, capitalizing a Mithu free kick (1-0).
Police FC doubled the margin by a gifted goal while Sheikh Jamal defender S. Kholmatov sent the ball to his own net in the 9th minute while he trying to foil an attempt of Shah Quazem (2-0).
Uzbek defender Azamat Abdullaev sealed the fate of the match scoring the 3rd and last goal in the 23rd minute, off a Shaheed Miah's cross (3-0).
Mohammedan clinch thrilling last over win over Sheikh Jamal
In a nail-biting Super League clash at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium, Mohammedan Sporting Club secured a thrilling victory against Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, winning by 5 wickets with just 2 balls to spare.
Sheikh Jamal, batting first, posted a challenging total of 259 for 2 in their allotted 50 overs.
Saif Hassan led the charge with a magnificent 120 runs off 146 balls before retiring hurt. Taibur Rahman continued the momentum with an unbeaten 102 off 114 deliveries.
Mohammedan's bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Nasum Ahmed claiming the lone wicket. Fazle Mahmud, the other batter who fell, was run out.
Chasing a challenging target of 260, Mohammedan's innings were built around a sensational century from wicketkeeper-batter Mahidul Islam Ankon. He played a masterful knock of 101 runs off 122 balls, including 5 fours and 6 sixes. Rony Talukdar provided valuable support with a brisk 41.
Despite losing a few wickets in the middle overs, Mohammedan's lower order held their nerve, with Mahmudullah Riyad (87*) playing a crucial role in guiding his team to a thrilling victory on the very last over of the match.
In the other Super League match on the day, Shinepukur Cricket Club beat Gazi Group Cricketers by 13 runs in a low-scoring affair in Savar. Shinepukur batted first and amassed only 138 runs, with Rishad Hossain scoring 33 off 26 balls in the late order. In reply, Gazi Group tumbled for 125, with Rishad coming to the fore again with four wickets, conceding 31 runs in eight overs.
Abahani triumph over Prime Bank in Super League clash
Abahani Limited secured a convincing five-wicket victory against Prime Bank Cricket Club in the Super League encounter of the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Opting to field first, Abahani's bowlers put on a disciplined performance, restricting Prime Bank to a total of 178 runs.
Nasum's hunger for wickets spurs Mohammedan's Super League Campaign
Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed led the charge, claiming three and two wickets, respectively. Despite a good effort from Zakir Hasan, who top-scored with 68, and Mushfiqur Rahim's 44, Prime Bank's batting lineup struggled to build partnerships and fell short of a competitive total.
In response, Abahani's chase was anchored by a patient fifty from Litton Das, who remained unbeaten at 56. Tawhid Hridoy contributed with 55 off just 27 balls.
Nasum's five-wicket haul propels Mohammedan to Super League
Although Abahani lost a few wickets in the middle overs, being battered ensured they reached the target comfortably with 11.3 overs to spare.
The victory solidifies Abahani's position at the top of the Super League table.
DPL Super League: Sheikh Jamal secure top spot, Abahani suffer 2nd defeat
Bangladesh vs India Women T20 Series 2024: Fixtures, Squad, H2H Records, Key Players
Bangladesh women have a busy schedule as teams ahead of hosting the World T20 in September this year. After hosting Australia for the first time ever, the Tigresses are set to host India as well. The 5-match Women's T20I series between Bangladesh and India is scheduled to embark on the 28th of April at Sylhet. This series promises to be a belter after a thrilling outing of these two sides last July. Let’s take a look at all the details of this series
Fixtures of BAN vs IND Wone's T20I Series 2024
Table: Schedules of the 2024 Bangladesh vs India Women T20 Series
Match
Date
Time (Bangladesh Time)
Venue
1st T20
Sunday, 28th April, 2024
6:30 PM
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
2nd T20
Tuesday, 30th April, 2024
6:30 PM
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
3rd T20
Thursday, 2nd May, 2024
2:00 PM
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
4th T20
Monday, 6th May, 2024
2:00 PM
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
5th T20
Thursday, 9th May, 2024
6:30 PM
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
Read more: Who Performed Best in the Ongoing Dhaka League So Far?
Bangladesh vs India Women’s H2H T20I Records
Table: Head to Head records between Bangladesh and India Women's Team in T20I format
Matches Played
Bangladesh Won
India Won
Tie
No Result
16
3
13
0
0
India largely dominated this fixture over the years. Two of the three wins by Bangladesh women came at the 2018 Asia Cup in which they were the champions making it the only silverware of Bangladesh women's team. The other win came from the last time these two met in July, 2023. Bangladesh won the last game of the series while India clinched the 3-match series that time.
Bangladesh Squad in the 2024 BAN vs IND Wome's T20I Series
Table: List of Players in the Bangladesh Team
Player
Role
Nigar Sultana ©
Wicketkeeper Batter
Dilara Akter
Wicketkeeper Batter
Fahima Khatun
Bowler
Fariha Trisna
Bowler
Habiba Islam
Bowler
Marufa Akter
Bowler
Sobhana Mostary
Middle order Batter
Murshida Khatun
Opening Batter
Nahida Akter
Bowler
Rabeya Khan
Allrounder
Ritu Moni
Allrounder
Rubaya Haider
Wicketkeeper Batter
Shorifa Khatun
Bowler
Shorna Akter
Allrounder
Sultana Khatun
Bowler
14-year-old Habiba Islam got her first call for the national team and might become the 2nd youngest women player to play for Bangladesh after Rabeya Khan. Bangladesh made two changes in their squad. Sumaiya Akter and Farzana Akter miss out this time. They are replaced by Rubya Haider and Habiba Islam.
Read more: Nasum's hunger for wickets spurs Mohammedan's Super League Campaign
Indian Squad in the 2024 BAN vs IND Wome's T20I Series
Table: List of Players in the India Team
Player
Role
Harmanpreet Kaur ©
Batting Allrounder
Yastika Bhatia
Wicketkeeper Batter
Richa Ghosh
Wicketkeeper Batter
Dayalan Hemalatha
Top order Batter
Saika Ishaque
Bowler
Amanjot Kaur
Batting Allrounder
Smriti Mandhana
Opening Batter
Shreyanka Patil
Allrounder
Renuka Singh
Bowler
Titas Sadhu
Bowler
Sajeevan Sanjana
Allrounder
Shafali Verma
Opening Batter
Deepti Sharma
Allrounder
Asha Sobhana
Allrounder
Pooja Vstrakar
Bowler
Radha Yadav
Bowler
Sajeevan Sajana has earned her maiden call-up for India after a good WPL campaign. Asha Sobhana also earned her maiden call-up to the India women's team in this series after a brilliant WPL campaign, where she became the 2nd highest wicket-taker of the tournament, for RCB in WPL 2024. Jemimah Rodrigues is a notable miss for them.
Read more: BCB appoints former Pakistan great Mushtaq Ahmed as spin-bowling coach
Players to Watch in Bangladesh Squad in the Women's T20I Series Against India
Nahida Akter
Nahida Akter is one of the most in-form players for Bangladesh right now. She became the first from the Bangladesh women’s team to become ICC Player of the month in November 2023. Additionally, she claimed 15 wickets in her last 9 matches with a strike rate of 13.46. She slowly has made herself the biggest wicket-taking bowler for Bangladesh.
Nahida Akter is currently the highest wicket-taker for Bangladesh in T20Is. Standing at 91, she’s only 9 wickets away from becoming the first Bangladeshi female player and the 13th female player ever to acquire 100 wickets in Women’s T20I. Bangladesh would hope for her to achieve that milestone in this upcoming series against India. Nonetheless, she might be the most influential factor to guide Bangladesh towards victory.
Nigar Sultana
The skipper will have a big role to play in this series. She is one of the most consistent and standout performers of the team. She averages 30+ in her last 10 games for the Bangladesh team with a strike rate of almost 90. She can also play a big role for the team as a wicket-keeper. Bangladesh will largely depend on her batting, keeping, and captaincy to get a positive result from the series.
Read more: Keep the expectation bar low': Shanto cautions ahead of World Cup
Fahima Khatun
Fahima Khatun is another vastly experienced campaigner on the team. She is known for being the first-ever female cricketer for Bangladesh to bag a hat-trick. She is only a couple of wickets away from reaching the milestone of becoming only the 5th bowler to take 50 wickets for Bangladesh in T20Is.
This series against India might be her opportunity to achieve them. She also plays a crucial role with the bat in the lower middle order. Her economical spells in the death overs have come in handy for Bangladesh over time. Therefore, she is expected to marshall all her experience in driving Bangladesh towards victory.
Key Players in India Squad in the BAN vs IND Wome's T20I Series 2024
Smriti Mandhana
The dashing opener and the current no.4 in the world ranking pose the biggest threat from India. Her quick-fire starts have been the base for many wins and it is not supposed to be any different this time. She scored 251 runs in the last 10 games with a strike rate of 102. She also guided Royal Challengers Bangalore to their 1st ever WPL title being the 4th highest run-scorer of the tournament.
With over 3000 runs, she is currently the 6th highest run-scorer in WT20I and she can jump to the 3rd position. A player of her caliber might feel 5 matches are enough for her to get to this record. India would also want her to be on song from the very first delivery of the series.
Read more: Who's leading Bangladesh's Premier Cricket League?
Shafali Verma
Smriti Mandhana’s opening partner Shafali Varma can also decide games by herself. She scored 253 runs in her last 10 outings for India with a strike rate of a massive 122. She also played a knock of 64(44) in India’s latest win over Australia in January. She had a fantastic WPL 2024 campaign being the 3rd highest run scorer with 309 runs. India’s batting tone largely depends on her and she often leads India to glory. The tour of Bangladesh is not supposed to be any different either.
Deepti Sharma
The current no.3 bowler of the world can be crucial for India on this tour. She captured 11 wickets in her last 10 games. She is also the only Indian bowler to achieve 100 wickets in WT20I to date. Her off-spin should test Bangladesh to the limits in Sylhet. For the last few campaigns, she has been the main strike bowler and the wicket-taker of the team. Even though India currently has a talented core of bowlers, the experience of Deepti can always be fruitful for them.
Final Words
According to statistics, the Indian Women’s Cricket Team dominated over Bangladesh. The latest series against Australia doesn’t help Bangladesh’s confidence much. Therefore, India is going to the series as the favorite. However, Bangladesh is always a difficult opponent at home which makes this 2024 BAN vs IND Women's T20I series a highly anticipated one.
Read more: Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe T20 Series 2024: Fixtures, Head-To-Head Records
Who Performed Best in the Ongoing Dhaka League So Far?
After eleven rounds of matches, the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, Bangladesh's most prestigious 50-over domestic competition, continues to showcase the best of local cricket talent. Let's take a look at the top performers of the ongoing season ahead of the next round.
Parvez Hossain Emon, a left-handed batter for Prime Bank Cricket Club, tops the list of highest run-scorers. He has amassed 585 runs in 11 matches, including three centuries and two fifties. Emon is the only batter to surpass the 500-run mark this season.
Mohammad Naim of Agrani Bank follows closely behind with 469 runs in 11 matches, including one century and four fifties. Mahidul Islam Ankon of Mohammedan Sporting Club ranks third with 454 runs, having scored six fifties.
Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal, playing intermittently due to his absence from the national team, holds fourth place with 424 runs and four fifties. Saif Hassan of Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club rounds out the top five, also scoring 424 runs with one century and two fifties.
Among batters with at least 400 runs, Parvez boasts the highest average at over 53 runs per innings. His individual high score of 151 is also the season's best so far. Towhid Hridoy's unbeaten 125 ranks as the second-highest individual innings.
Pace bowler Ruyel Miah of Gazi Group Cricketers leads the wicket-takers with 25 scalps in 11 matches, including two five-wicket hauls. His best figures are 5 wickets for 18 runs. Mohammedan's Abu Hider trails closely with 22 wickets and holds the season's best bowling figures of 7 for 20.
Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain has emerged as a standout bowler with 19 wickets. Maruf Mridha and Nazmul Islam join him in the 19-wicket club.
Currently, Abahani Limited is leading the points table with 22 points. They are the only team who are yet to taste a defeat this season. Shinepukur Cricket Club are right behind them with 16 points.
With 16 points each, Mohammeand and Sheikh Jamal are right behind them in the table. Gazi Group and Prime Bank have secured 14 points each so far.
BPL Football: Holders Bashundhara Kings further consolidate top slot beating Fortis FC
Holders Bashundhara Kings further consolidated their position to clinch the Bashundhara Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football 2023-24 title beating Fortis FC Ltd by 1-0 at the Muktijoddha Smriti Stadium in Rajshahi on Saturday.
After the day's win, star-studded Bashundhara Kings comfortably dominates the league table securing 31 points from 12 matches while Fortis FC went down to the 6th slot with 13 points also playing 12 matches.
Brazilian midfielder Miguel Figueira scored the match winning goal for the Kings in the 23rd minute of the match (1-0).
Nasum's hunger for wickets spurs Mohammedan's Super League Campaign
At the Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh, Federation Cup Cup champions Dhaka Mohammedan SC crushed old horse Brothers Union Club by 8-0 goals Saturday afternoon.
Malian striker Souleymane Diabate made a hattrick scoring five goals in the 43rd, 45+2, 68th, 72nd and 89th minutes while Emon, Jewel Mia and Tony scored one goal each in the 34th, 76th and 87th minutes respectively for the traditional black and whiles Mohammedan, which dominated the first half by 3-0 goals.
Despite the day's huge victory, Mohammedan SC remained at the 2nd slot in the league table collecting 26 points from 12 matches while the Gopibagh outfit Brothers Union remained at the bottom with three points from 12 encounters
In the day's other league match, Chittagong Abahani Ltd defeated Rahmatganj MFS by 2-1 goals at the Fl. Lt Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj on Saturday.
Premier Hockey: Usha KC finish with winning note beating Police SC
Nigerian forward Pual Komolafe put Abahani ahead in the 15th minute (1-0) while Abahani doubled margin by a gifted goal when Rahmatganj defender sent the ball to his own net in the 49th minute (2-0).
Ghanian booter Ernest Boateng netted the lone goal for Rahmatganj MFS from a penalty in the 57th minute (2-1).
Nasum's hunger for wickets spurs Mohammedan's Super League Campaign
Nasum Ahmed's hunger for wickets was on full display as his mesmerizing spell of spin bowling, claiming 5 for 22, propelled Mohammedan Sporting Club to a dominant victory over Brothers Union and secured their place in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League Super League.
After the match, Nasum opened up about his recent struggles and the desire that fueled his match-winning performance.
"I had been feeling a strong urge for a breakthrough," he admitted. "Despite picking up a few wickets, I was at the bottom of the bowling charts. I was hungry to make a real impact."
Nasum emphasized his focus on consistency and building pressure, rather than taking unnecessary risks.
"I never challenge batsmen during the powerplay," he explained. "I prefer to stick to my strengths - bowling dot balls and restricting runs."
He also acknowledged the need to evolve his bowling strategies. "It seems batsmen are reading my arm ball more easily," Nasum observed. "I need to work on some variations during the off-season."
With wickets becoming more favorable for bowlers, Nasum expressed confidence for the remainder of the tournament. "My five-wicket haul today gives me a lot of confidence going forward," he stated. "I'm excited to see what we can achieve in the Super League."//