Sports
Women's T20I: Australia crush Bangladesh by 10 wickets
Following their dominant sweep in the ODI series, Australia continued their winning ways against Bangladesh, registering a crushing 10-wicket victory in the first T20I match in Mirpur on Sunday.
Batting first, Bangladesh struggled to build a competitive total. Despite captain Nigar Sultana's unbeaten 63, the hosts were restricted to a modest score. Early wickets, including first-ball ducks for Dilara Akter and Sobhana Mostary, hampered their progress.
Sophie Molineux was the pick of the Australian bowlers, claiming two wickets.
In response, Australian openers Alyssa Healy (65) and Beth Mooney (55) made light work of the chase, reaching the target in just 13 overs. The Bangladeshi bowlers were unable to challenge the powerful Australian batting lineup.
The second and third T20Is will be played at the same venue on April 2nd and 4th, with Bangladesh looking to bounce back and Australia aiming to maintain their dominance.
Chattogram Test: Sri Lanka post big total, Bangladesh lose a wicket to end day two
Sri Lanka ended their first innings of the ongoing Chattogram Test against Bangladesh at 531 on Sunday. In reply, Bangladesh lost opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy and ended day two at 55 for one.
Sri Lanka had ended day one at 314 for four, adding a further 217 runs on day two while losing their remaining six wickets.
Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis narrowly missed centuries, falling for 93 and 92 respectively. Kusal was dismissed by Shakib, while Kamindu remained unbeaten.
Chattogram Test: Sri Lanka dominate day one against Bangladesh
Four other Sri Lankan batters also scored half-centuries in this innings.
For Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan, returning to Test cricket after a year-long gap, bagged three wickets. Debutante pacer Hasan Mahmud took two.
Bangladesh's fielding performance in this match has been notably sloppy. They dropped at least seven catches in Sri Lanka's first innings and called for an lbw review of a delivery that clearly hit the bat, attracting much discussion on social media. Even an Indian police department made fun of it on their social media handle.
Sri Lanka win toss and bat in 2nd test against Bangladesh
In reply to Sri Lanka's first innings total, Bangladesh openers Mahmudul and Zakir Hasan started cautiously, adding 47 runs for the first wicket. Mahmudul fell first to Lahiru Kumara for 21. Taijul Islam, batting at number three, remained unbeaten on zero off eight balls.
Premier Div Hockey: Dhaka Abahani finally drop points in draw with Mohammedan SC
After 8th consecutive wins, Dhaka Abahani Ltd dropped points first in the 11-team Green Delta Insurance Premier Division Hockey League playing 1-1 draw in a tense packed match with traditional rivals Dhaka Mohammedan SC at the Moulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium here on Saturday.
Despite the day's maiden draw, Dhaka Abahani Ltd maintained their top slot intact in the league with unbeaten record securing 25 points from nine matches while Dhaka Mohammedan SC remained at 3rd slot collecting 20 points from eight matches.
Premier Div Hockey: Ashraful's hattrick guides Dhaka Abahani Ltd to bag 8th successive win
Earlier, Abahani Ltd outplayed Dilkusha SC by 10-1 goals, Usha KC by 2-1 goals, Azad SC by 10-1 goals, Sadharan Bima KS by 3-0 goals, Victoria SC by 16-0 goals, Ajax SC by 7-1 goals, Police SC by 4-2 goals and Bangladesh SC by 6-2 goals
In the day's crucial match, Rakibul Hasan Rocky put the sky-blue Dhanmondi outfit Abahani ahead by a field goal in the very 3rd minute of the match (1-0).
The traditional black and whites Mohammedan had to wait till 32nd minute to make a equaliser by the promising defender Amirul Islam from a penalty corner (1-1).
The two foreign match umpires from Sri Lanka and Malaysia, took more than one and half hour time to complete the day's 60- minute dramatic and tense-packed match between two arch-rivals.
Premier Div Hockey: Dhaka Mohammedan SC maintain unbeaten run beating Police SC 4-3
Dhaka Abahani, which won most of their previous matches with good command over their opponents, today was comparatively off coloured. against Mohammedan SC
Earlier in the day's first match, defending champions Dhaka Mariner Youngs Club, riding on a hattrick by Shohanur Rahman Sobuj, outplayed Bangladesh Sporting Club by 9-1 goals at the same venue Saturday afternoon.
Defender Shohanur Rahman Shohan made a hattrick scoring four goals, Khorshedur Rahman struck two, Sadaf Salehin, Rahid Hossain and Indian Ajay Yadav scored one each for the Mariner Youngs.
Indian player Prince Kumar contributed consolation goal for Bangladesh SC
Chattogram Test: Sri Lanka dominate day one against Bangladesh
Sri Lanka took control on the opening day of the second cricket Test against Bangladesh, propelled by strong performances from its top-order batters.
The visiting team reached 314 for 4 in 90 overs by stumps on Saturday, with Kusal Mendis leading the charge with 93 runs. Opening batter Dimuth Karunaratne contributed 86, while Nishan Madushka added 57 to Sri Lanka's total.
Sri Lanka win toss and bat in 2nd test against Bangladesh
Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, playing his first international match since the 2023 World Cup, took 1 wicket for 60 runs in 18 overs.
Dinesh Chandimal (34 not out) and captain Dhananjaya de Silva (15 not out) will resume Sri Lanka's innings on Sunday. De Silva, who scored centuries in both innings of the first Test, will look to continue his impressive form.
Shakib Al Hasan: Saviour or Disruptor?
Bangladesh's debutant fast bowler Hasan Mahmud bagged 2 wickets for 64 runs.
Commenting on the day's play, Sri Lanka's Karunaratne said, “300-plus for four on Day 1 is a good score. There’s turn and seam movement with the new ball ... There’s a result on this wicket.”
Despite a fluent start by the tourists, Bangladesh missed several opportunities, with Madushka surviving a dropped catch on 9 and Karunaratne escaping a dismissal thanks to a fielding error.
Madushka reached his second Test fifty off 80 balls before being run out, while Karunaratne notched up his 37th Test half-century off 93 balls. Both batsmen frustrated Bangladesh's bowlers, sharing a crucial partnership of 114 runs for the second wicket.
Mendis, who scored his 18th Test fifty, appeared to be heading towards a century before being dismissed by Shakib. Mahmud also claimed the wicket of Angelo Mathews for 23.
Sri Lanka made one change from the first Test, with Asitha Fernando replacing the injured Kasun Rajitha. Bangladesh brought in Shakib and Mahmud for Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam.//
BPL Football: Bashundhara Kings, Dhaka Abahani Ltd earn convincing win
Defending champions Bashundhara Kings and former champions Dhaka Abahani Ltd earned convincing victories in the ABG Bashundhara Bangladesh Premier League ( BPL) Football 2023-24' at the two different venues on Saturday.
At the Muktijoddha Smriti Stadium in Rajshahi, star-studded Bashundhara Kings outplayed lowly Brothers Union Club by 7-1 goals.
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Brazilian striker Miguel and Nigerian forward Mfon struck twice each while another Brazilian Robson Robinho, local defender Saaduddin and Sohel Rana netted one each for the winners while Eleta Kingsley scored the lone goal for the Brothers Union.
On the day's other match, Dhaka Abahani Limited defeated Rahmatganj MFS by 3-0 goals at the Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh on Saturday.
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After a barren first, Santos, Stewart and Jonathon scored one each for Abahani Ltd.
Shakib Al Hasan: Saviour or Disruptor?
Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh's most accomplished cricketer, finds himself at the center of a swirling debate regarding his commitment to the national team. His return to the team for the second Test starting tomorrow against Sri Lanka, after missing earlier matches in the series, has reignited questions about his priorities and the impact his sporadic appearances have on the team.
The left-handed all-rounder last appeared in a First-Class match a year ago, during a Test against Ireland in Dhaka. Now, after a year-long hiatus from the longest format of cricket, he is set to play another Test without any intervening First-Class appearances. He has not played any international matches in 2024, despite Bangladesh having played seven matches. While the reasons for his absence remain unclear, his abrupt end to the 2023 World Cup was due to a finger injury, which also caused him to miss the home Test series against New Zealand and the subsequent away T20I and ODI series against the same opponent following Bangladesh's disastrous World Cup outing.
Shakib Al Hasan diagnosed with retinal condition in left eye
Shakib's undeniable talent and past contributions are unquestioned. He is a genuine all-rounder, capable of winning matches with both bat and ball. However, in recent years, his appearances for the national team have been inconsistent, with breaks taken for personal reasons, injuries, and even political activities (while the Bangladesh team was busy playing against New Zealand in New Zealand late last year, Shakib was actively campaigning for the national election in his constituency, Magura district). This inconsistency has led to a sense of unease and frustration among fans and experts alike.
During the recent Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Shakib faced an eye issue that required medical attention. This issue reportedly affected him during the World Cup, contributing to his lean batting display, as he hinted in an interview with a cricket website. Despite this, he continued playing in the BPL, leading to rumors that he would take a break after the tournament. However, even before the BPL concluded, he contradicted earlier statements from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) by claiming that he had no issues with his eyes.
Shakib Al Hasan named ICC Men's Player of the Month for March 2023
Ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, Shakib declared himself available, and the BCB promptly included him in the squad. This sudden turnaround has raised eyebrows and fueled the perception that Shakib dictates his own terms when it comes to playing for the national team. With his standout performances over the years, he made himself a difficult figure to criticize, though, the performance doesn't.
His absence from the earlier matches of the Sri Lanka series was attributed to personal activities, including brand endorsements. While these pursuits are understandable, their prioritization over national duty has left some questioning his commitment.
The times Shakib Al Hasan found himself in controversies
Shakib's leadership during the 2023 World Cup, which he himself acknowledged as one of Bangladesh's worst performances in the tournament, also comes under scrutiny. The team lost seven out of nine matches, including a shocking defeat to the Netherlands. This poor showing has led some to question his captaincy and ability to lead the team effectively.
Now, with his return for the second Test, Shakib's intentions and potential contribution are under the microscope. Is he returning to be the savior of a struggling team who lost the first Test by a margin of over 300 runs, or will his sporadic appearances further disrupt the rhythm and morale that the team is trying to build?
There are arguments to be made on both sides. On the one hand, Shakib's talent and experience are undeniable assets to the team. His presence can boost the morale of the players and provide much-needed stability in the batting and bowling departments. On the other hand, his inconsistent availability can disrupt team dynamics and make it difficult for the team management to build a cohesive unit.
Ultimately, the question of whether Shakib, in recent years, is a savior or disruptor for the Bangladesh national team remains open. His performance in the upcoming Test and his future commitment to the team will be crucial in determining the answer.
Sri Lanka win toss and bat in 2nd test against Bangladesh
Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva won the toss and elected to bat first in the second and final test against Bangladesh on Saturday in a bid to sweep the series.
Sri Lanka made one change from the team which won the first test by 328 runs with Asitha Fernando replacing the injured Kasun Rajitha.
Rajitha took eight wickets in the first match to play a leading role in Sri Lanka’s big win.
Bangladesh is bolstered by the return of star allrounder Shakib Al Hasan, whose last international match was at the 2023 World Cup in India. The hosts also handed a test debut to pacer Hasan Mahmud, who has played 39 white-ball matches for Bangladesh.
They replaced fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam.
Lineups:
Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Shahadat Hossain, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud.
Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando.
Bangladesh aim to prove their Test mettle
After a disappointing loss in the first Test of the two-match series in Sylhet, Bangladesh are determined to prove their Test credentials when they take on Sri Lanka in the second Test starting Saturday in Chattogram.
In the first Test, Bangladesh's batting faltered, failing to reach 200 runs in either innings. The top-order, in particular, failed to live up to expectations.
However, Bangladesh will be bolstered by the return of star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who is making his Test comeback after a year-long absence. Despite not having played any first-class cricket in the past year, Shakib's presence is expected to boost the team's morale.
While Shakib returns, head coach Chandika Hathurusingha will be unavailable due to personal reasons. Assistant coach Nic Pothas will take charge of the Tigers for this Test. Pothas expressed his delight at Shakib's return, stating that the all-rounder is also happy to be back with the Test squad.
Unlike Sylhet, the Chattogram wicket is known to be more favorable to batsmen and spinners. This may prompt Bangladesh to field a spin-heavy playing XI, potentially including an extra batsman. However, Pothas has indicated that the final playing XI is yet to be determined.
Shakib's return provides Bangladesh with the flexibility to include an extra bowler or batter in their lineup. However, his recent lean patch with the bat may favor the inclusion of an extra batter.
The match is scheduled to begin at 10am Bangladesh time and will be broadcast live on T-Sports and various other platforms around the world.
Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Litton Das, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mominul Haque, Nahid Rana, Nayeem Hasan, Shadman Islam, Shahadat Hossain, Shakib Al Hasan, Shoriful Islam, Taijul Islam, Towhid Hridoy, Zakir Hasan
Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Kusal Mendis (vice-captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Vishwa Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Chamika Gunasekara, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Udara, Prabath Jayasuriya, Dimuth Karunaratne, Lahiru Kumara, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Ramesh Mendis, Nishan Peiris, Kasun Rajitha, Sadeera Samarawickrama.
Premier Div Hockey: Ashraful's hattrick guides Dhaka Abahani Ltd to bag 8th successive win
A brilliant hattrick by Ashraful Islam helped Dhaka Ahahani Ltd to bag the 8th successive win in the 11-team Green Delta Insurance Premier Division Hockey League outplaying Bangladesh Sporting Club by 6-2 goals at the Moulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium in that capital on Thursday.
With this victory, Dhaka Abahani not only maintained their all-win record as the lone team in the league but also maintained their top slot intact in the league table securing 24 points from straight eight matches.
Earlier, they outplayed Dilkusha SC by 10-1 goals, Usha KC by 2-1 goals, Azad SC by 10-1 goals, Sadharan Bima KS by 3-0 goals, Victoria SC by 16-0 goals, Ajax SC by 7-1 goals and Police SC by 4-2 goals.
Premier Div Hockey: Dhaka Mohammedan SC maintain unbeaten run beating Police SC 4-3
Bangladesh SC collected eight points from as many matches with two wins, two draws and four defeats.
In the day's 2nd and last match, national star defender Ashraful Islam made a hattrick scoring three goals while Obaidul Hossain Joy, Pushkar Kisha Mimo and Mohammad Abdullah scored one each for the traditional sky-blue Dhanmondi outfit Abahani.
Indian recruit Gurpreet Singh scored both goals for Bangladesh Sporting Club.
Earlier in the day's first match, Ajax SC, riding on a hattrick by Silheiba Lesham, beat Victoria, SC by 7-3 goals at the same venue Thursday afternoon.
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Indian player Silheiba Lesham made a hattrick scoring three goals while Tanzim Ahmed and another Indian Harshukpreet Singh scored two goals each for the Ajax SC.
Syed Iqbal Nadir Prince, Indian Akkhar Dube and Irshad Mirza scored one each for the Victoria SC.
With the day's well-merited win, Ajax SC brightened their chance to reach Super Six stage of the league securing 11 points from nine matches while lowly Victoria SC bagged only three points from eight encounters.
Bangladeshi Umpire Sharfuddoula makes history on ICC's elite panel
Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid has made history as the first Bangladeshi umpire to join the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires.
The announcement follows the International Cricket Council's (ICC) annual review.
Bangladeshi umpire Sharfuddoula set for another milestone
A selection panel made up of ICC General Manager Cricket Wasim Khan (Chair), Sanjay Manjrekar (former player and commentator), Tony Hill (retired umpire), and Mike Riley (consultant officiating expert) chose Sharfuddoula for the promotion.
Since joining the International Panel in 2006, Sharfuddoula has extensive experience, having officiated 10 men's test matches, 63 men's ODIs, 44 men's T20Is, 13 women's ODIs, and 28 Women's T20Is.
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He has also participated in major tournaments like the ICC Women's Cricket World Cups (2017 and 2021), the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, and the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2018.
“It is a great honour to be named on the ICC Elite Panel. To be the first from my country on the panel makes it extra special, and I look forward to justifying the faith shown in me…,” as Sharfuddoula was quoted by the ICC.
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“I would like to thank the ICC and the BCB for backing me and my other colleagues for all their help and guidance. I would also like to thank my family and friends for standing by and supporting me," he added.