Sports
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."//
Nasum's five-wicket haul propels Mohammedan to Super League
A mesmerizing spin bowling display from Nasum Ahmed, claiming five wickets for just 22 runs, spearheaded Mohammedan Sporting Club to a convincing 5-wicket victory over Brothers Union in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League on Thursday.
'Mustafizur has nothing to learn from IPL,' says BCB Cricket Ops chair
This win secured Mohammedan's spot in the Super League phase with 16 points, trailing only Abahani Limited.
Brothers Union struggled from the outset, losing early wickets to Nasum's masterful control and variations. Mahmudul Hasan (45) and Rahatul Ferdous (45) offered some resistance, but Nasum's consistent breakthroughs restricted Brothers to a modest total of 135.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz also contained runs and bagged three wickets for Mohammedan.
Who's leading Bangladesh's Premier Cricket League?
Mohammedan started with a strong opening stand. Skipper Imrul Kayes anchored the innings with a magnificent unbeaten knock of 92, laced with 12 boundaries and 3 sixes. His dominant display ensured Mohammedan comfortably reached the target in just 23.2 overs.
Nasum Ahmed deservingly earned the Player of the Match award for his match-winning bowling performance.
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While Mohammedan secured 16 points, Brothers slipped to eighth position in the points table with only six points from three wins in 11 matches.
BPL Football: Dhaka Abahani manage 2-1 victory over Sheikh Jamal DC
In a battle of two former champions, six times champions Dhaka Abahani Ltd managed 2-1 goals victory over three times champions Sheikh Jamal DC in the Bashundhara Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football 2023-24 at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj on Friday.
Federation Cup Football: Bashundhara Kings reach semifinals beating Rahmatganj MFS
Midfielder Mohammad Abdullah put Sheikh Jamal DC ahead in the 8th minute (1-0) while Brazilian booter Jonathon Fernandes restored the parity for Abahani in the 28th minute (1-1).
St. Vincent booter Stewart Cornelius scored the match winning goal for the traditional sky-blue Dhanmondi outfit Abahani in the stoppage time (45+1) of the first half (2-1).
BPL Football : Dhaka Mohammedan SC maintain unbeaten run defeating Sheikh Russel KC 3-1
After the day's match, Dhaka Abahani Ltd remained at the 3rd slot securing 22 points while Sheikh Jamal DC is in the 5th slot with 15 points, playing 12 matches each.
In the day's other match, Bangladesh Police FC beat another former champions Sheikh Russell KC by a solitary goal scored by Quazem in the 23rd minute (1-0) at the Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh on Friday.
BPL Football: Bashundhara Kings thrash Ctg. Abahani 5-0
Zillur Rahman of Police FC got marching order after receiving two yellow cards.
With the day's victory, Police FC advanced to the 4th slot in the league table securing 17 points while Sheikh Russell KC is in the 7th slot with 11 points, playing 12 matches each
Prime Bank and Shinepukur Secure Big Wins in Dhaka League
Prime Bank Cricket Club and Shinepukur Cricket Club emerged victorious in their respective Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League matches on Thursday.
In Fatullah, Prime Bank posted a challenging total of 269 for 9 against Gazi Tyres Cricket Academy, thanks to a 71-run knock by Mushfiqur Rahim.
For Gazi Tyres, Shamim Mia was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets. Iftekhar Sajjad and Nuhayel Sandeed also contributed with two wickets each.
Gazi Tyres' batting line-up faltered in response, and they were bowled out for a mere 128 runs in 32.2 overs. Asraful Alom Asif top-scored with 34 runs but found little support from his teammates.
Prime Bank's national team stars, Hasan Mahmud and Mahedi Hasan, wreaked havoc with the ball, taking three and four wickets, respectively. This dominant performance secured a 141-run victory for Prime Bank, bringing their points tally to 14 and placing them in fifth position on the points table.
Meanwhile, in Savar, Shinepukur Cricket Club triumphed over Legends of Rupganj by 67 runs. Irfan Sukkur's impressive century laid the foundation for Shinepukur's victory.
Premier Hockey: Usha KC finish with winning note beating Police SC
Usha Krira Chakra completed their Green Delta Insurance Premier Division Hockey League engagements with a winning note, beating Bangladesh Police SC by 2-0 in their last super league match at the Moulana Bhasani National Stadium here on Thursday.
Arshad put Usha KC ahead in the 27th minute with a field goal (1-0), while Indian player Mohammad Shariq confirmed the Usha victory by scoring one more goal in the 38th minute from a penalty corner (2-0).
After the day's match, the old Dhaka outfit Usha KC finished 4th in the league table, securing 31 points from all 15 league matches, while Police SC finished in a distant fifth place, collecting 20 points.
Dhaka Mohammedan SC dominated the league table, securing 35 points, while Dhaka Abahani Limited and Dhaka Mariner Youngs Club followed the leader neck and neck with 34 points each, all playing 14 matches.
However, the league title will depend on Friday's Mohammedan-Abahani vital match where the black and whites Mohammedans need just a win to be the league champions.
If Mohammedan SC concedes defeat or makes a draw with Abahani Ltd in their last Super League match, then Dhaka Mariner Youngs Club and Dhaka Abahani Ltd will be the title contenders.
Meanwhile, Dhaka, Mohammedan captain Rassell Mahmud Jimmy will miss Friday's title-deciding match after receiving three yellow cards.
But Mohammedan appealed to the Hockey Federation to withdraw his suspension, as he was not warned after receiving the second yellow card.
Shoriful bags four as Abahani thrash Shiekh Jamal
Abahani Limited delivered a dominant performance, crushing Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club by 10 wickets in a lopsided Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League match at Mirpur on Thursday.
'Mustafizur has nothing to learn from IPL,' says BCB Cricket Ops chair
Sheikh Jamal's batting crumbled under Abahani's relentless bowling attack, managing a paltry total of 88 runs. Shoriful Islam, the left-arm national pacer, was the star with the ball, claiming impressive figures of 4 wickets for 35 runs. Taskin Ahmed also chipped in with two wickets, leaving Sheikh Jamal reeling.
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Abahani's openers, Anamul Haque (37*) and Mohammad Naim (53*), made light work of the chase, reaching the target in just 10.2 overs. Naim's aggressive knock, studded with eight fours and two sixes, ensured a swift victory for Abahani.
Shoriful Islam's devastating spell earned him the Player of the Match award.
Who's leading Bangladesh's Premier Cricket League?
With this win, Abahani cemented their place at the top of the points table. They now have won 11 matches in a row, becoming the only team to do so in this season of the Dhaka League.
Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe T20 Series 2024: Fixtures, Head-To-Head Records
The Tigers will take on Zimbabwe as a last assignment before visiting the USA. Zimbabwe will tour Bangladesh for a 5-match T20I series to bolster their preparation for World T20 as well. This is the first time these two teams will be facing each other since the thriller in World T20 2022 at Brisbane. Both teams are likely to come up with their best possible squads for this series. Here is all you need to know for the Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe Men's T20I Series 2024.
Full Fixtures of BAN vs ZIM T20I Series in 2024
The series is scheduled to kick off on Friday, May 3 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. It will end with the 5th T20I of the series on Saturday, May 11 at Dhaka's Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Table: Full fixture of the T20I series between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe
Match
Date
Venue
1st T20
Friday, May 3, 2024
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
2nd T20
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
3rd T20
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
4th T20
Friday, May 10, 2024
Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
5th T20
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
Read more: BCB appoints former Pakistan great Mushtaq Ahmed as spin-bowling coach
BAN vs ZIM Head-to-Head T20I Records So Far
Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe have faced each other 20 times in T20I. Bangladesh has won 13 games against Zimbabwe which is the most for them against a single opponent. Similarly, Zimbabwe has won 7 games against Bangladesh which is their highest (along with Ireland) against a single opponent.
There have been 7 bilateral T20 series played between these two sides. 3 have been won by Bangladesh, 1 by Zimbabwe and the rest were a draw. However, Zimbabwe were the last bilateral series winners among them. Therefore, it is the perfect opportunity for both sides to brush up before the World T20. Let’s dive into some more detailed H2H records among these two familiar sides.
Table: Head-to-Head Records between Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe
Records
Bangladesh
Zimbabwe
Match Wins
13
7
Highest Total
200/3
205/3
Lowest Total
135/9
119/7
Largest Victories by Runs
48 Runs
31 Runs
Largest Victories by Wickets
9 Wickets
3 Wickets
Read more: Tamim's international career in limbo as BCB offers no clarity
Table: Notable Individual Head-to-Head Records between Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe:
Records
Bangladesh
Zimbabwe
Most Matches
Mahmudllah Riyad (16)
Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams (16)
Most Runs
Litton Das (308)
Hamilton MasaKadza (377)
Highest Score
Najmul Hossain Shanto(71)
Hamilton Masakadza (93)
Most 50
Litton Das (3)
Wesley Madhevere (3)
Most Sixes
Soumya Sarkar (15)
Malcolm Waller (18)
Most Wickets
Mustafizur Rahman (24)
Graeme Cramer (11)
Best Bowling
Mosaddek Hossain (4-0-20-5)
Neville Madziva (4-0-34-4)
Most Catches
Soumya Sarkar (8)
Sikandar Raza (9)
Most Dismissals
Mushfiqur Rahim (7)
Regis Chakabva (5)
Highest Partnership
Shakib Al Hasan-Shamsur Rahman (118)
Vusi Sibanda, Hamilton Masakadza (101)
Most Matches as a Captain
Mashrafe Mortaza (6)
Elton Chigumbura (4)
Bottom Line
Both of the teams are coming to the series after suffering a 2-1 defeat against Sri Lanka. Bangladesh lost to them at their home while Zimbabwe lost to Sri Lanka. Therefore, both of them will go to the field having a similar situation. The last 1 year of Bangladesh at T20 cricket on home ground, where they beat England, Ireland, and Afghanistan, makes them a slight favorite for this series. On the other hand, Zimbabwe lost their last 3 series in a row. Nevertheless, both teams can ulitilise the BAN vs ZIM T20I Series 2024 to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup tournament.
Read more: 'Mustafizur has nothing to learn from IPL,' says BCB Cricket Ops chair
'Mustafizur has nothing to learn from IPL,' says BCB Cricket Ops chair
Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) Cricket Operations Chairman, Jalal Yunus has sparked debate with his statement that star left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman has nothing more to gain from playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
This declaration comes despite Mustafizur's strong performance for the Chennai Super Kings, where he has taken 10 wickets in five matches, including a four-wicket haul.
BCB extended Mustafizur's IPL participation by one day, allowing him to play on May 1. He is expected to join the national team camp on May 3.
“Mustafizur has nothing left to learn by playing in the IPL. His learning process is over. In fact, many IPL players can learn from Mustafizur. Bangladesh will not benefit from this. Others will benefit from having Mustafizur,” Jalal asserted in Mirpur on Wednesday.
Jalal emphasised that the IPL is not limited to four-over spells for Mustafizur and expressed concern over the physical demands of the tournament's tight schedule.
“Our concern is Mustafizur's health. His fitness. They (the IPL teams) will want to take 100% from him. They don't have a headache about his fitness, but we do,” Jalal added. “What do we need? We need a fresh Mustafizur. We don't want an exhausted Mustafizur.”
He explained that the decision is part of managing Mustafizur's workload due to his recent heavy involvement in cricket.
Jalal's comments drew a reaction from renowned Bangladeshi cricket coach Mohammed Salah Uddin, who took to social media with a mocking response: “Nothing (is) expected better than that, brilliant thinking. Best jokes ever (I) heard,” accompanied by laughing emojis.