United News of Bangladesh

New Zealand A ended Day 3 of the second unofficial Test on a strong note, reaching 277 for 4 in reply to Bangladesh A’s first innings total of 357, trailing by just 80 runs with a full day left to play at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Nick Kelly led the visitors’ fightback with an unbeaten 83, striking five fours and six sixes in a composed 140-ball knock. He found steady support from Matthew Boyle, who was not out on 44 at stumps. The duo added 101 runs for the unbroken fifth wicket, navigating through weather interruptions and Bangladesh A’s varied spin attack. Earlier, New Zealand A’s top order made significant contributions, with Curtis Heaphy (71) and Joe Carter (62) steadying the innings. Pacer Khaled Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 78 runs. Soumya Sarkar ruled out of Pakistan tour; Mehidy Hasan Miraz called up Saif Hassan provided a vital breakthrough, dismissing Carter. Khaled Ahmed took three for 78 for the hosts. Rain and bad light disrupted proceedings throughout the day, but New Zealand A maintained their momentum. Bangladesh A will look for early wickets on the final day to force a result, while the visitors will aim to surpass the hosts’ total and push for a lead.

A New Zealand parliamentary committee has recommended the unprecedented suspensions of three Māori lawmakers for performing a protest haka in the debating chamber last year. The haka is a chanting dance of challenge of great cultural importance in New Zealand, and the three lawmakers from Te Pāti Māori, the Māori party, performed one to oppose a controversial bill that would have redefined the country’s founding document. A committee Wednesday recommended record suspensions and severe censure — the harshest penalties ever assigned to New Zealand parliamentarians — after finding the trio in contempt of Parliament. Government bloc lawmakers, who hold the majority, are expected to endorse the penalties in a vote Tuesday. But Parliament’s Speaker Gerry Brownlee took the unusual step Thursday of saying he would first allow unlimited debate before the vote due to the severity of the proposed punishments. The recommendations were the latest twist in the fraught saga over the bill, now defeated, that opponents said would have provoked constitutional havoc and reversed decades of progress for Māori, New Zealand’s Indigenous people. Poland votes for new president Sunday as worries grow about future Video of the legislators in full cry drew global attention last November. The bill they opposed was vanquished at a second vote in April. However, some lawmakers from the center-right government objected to the Māori Party legislators’ protest during the first vote and complained to parliament’s speaker. At issue was the way the trio walked across the floor of the debating chamber towards their opponents while they performed the haka. “It is not acceptable to physically approach another member on the floor of the debating chamber,” Wednesday’s report said, adding that the behaviour could be considered intimidating. The committee denied the legislators were being punished for the haka, which is a beloved and sacred cultural institution in New Zealand life, but “the time at and manner in which it was performed” during a vote, according to the findings.

Pakistan has been penalized for a slow over-rate against New Zealand in their second one-day international in Hamilton this week. Match referee Jeff Crowe fined the Pakistan players 5% of their match fees after they were one over short of the target on Wednesday after the time allowances were taken into consideration. New Zealand won by 84 runs. Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan “pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the sanction, eliminating the need for a formal hearing,” the International Cricket Council said on Thursday. India reveals schedule of a packed cricket season in 2025 It was the second consecutive match after which Pakistan was fined for a slow over-rate. The visiting team was two overs short of the target and fined 10% after losing the first ODI by 73 runs at Napier last Saturday. The third and last ODI is at Mount Maunganui on Saturday.

Jacob Duffy and Zakary Foulkes shared seven wickets as New Zealand bowled out Pakistan for 105 Sunday to win the fourth Twenty20 international by 115 runs and clinch victory in the five-match series with a game remaining. Duffy took 4-20 and Foulkes 3-25 as New Zealand's pacers thrived in responsive conditions under the floodlights at Bay Oval and bowled out Pakistan in 16.2 overs. At 56-8 Pakistan was in danger of falling short of its lowest score in T20 internationals — 74 against Australia in 2012. But Abdul Samad made an unbeaten 44 to steer his team past that total and, at 91, past its lowest total against New Zealand. Earlier, Finn Allen made a half-century from 19 balls and captain Michael Bracewell made an unbeaten 46 as New Zealand posted 220-6 after being sent in. Tim Seifert made 44 from 22 balls to dominate an opening partnership with Allen that produced 59 runs in 4.1 overs. New Zealand went on to 79-1 after six overs, it’s highest power play total against Pakistan. Allen hit six fours and three sixes to accelerate the New Zealand scoring: the home team was 134-2 at the midpoint of its innings. Haris Rauf took 3-27 to curb the New Zealand scoring before Bracewell finished strongly. Heather Knight steps down as England Women’s Cricket captain after nine years “With Tim (Seifert) belting them it makes it tough to get some rhythm sometimes,” said Allen who was Player of the Match. “It's nice for me to sit at the other end and watch him go and then try to take over when he goes.” Pakistan lost three wickets in the first two overs including third match century-maker Hasan Nawaz for 1. O'Rourke and Duffy produced devastating opening spells to upset the Pakistan run chase. O'Rourke cut a ball back from outside off to bowl Mohammad Haris (2) with the second ball of the Pakistan innings. Duffy then removed Nawaz and captain Salman Ali Agha (1), both caught behind by wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay. The New Zealand pacers were able to move the ball around in conditions under floodlights that previously had seemed relatively benign. Even leg spinner Ish Sodhi found the purchase to turn the ball sharply. “We have to give them credit, they bowled really well and they outplayed us,” Ali Agha said. “It was swinging and turning as well. It did a lot in the second innings but we are an international team and we have to do better.” The final match of the series will be played at Wellington on Wednesday.

Hasan Nawaz made an unbeaten 105 from 45 balls as Pakistan beat New Zealand by nine wickets in the third Twenty20 international Friday to keep alive the five-match series. Pakistan won the toss and was able to bowl first, reversing the trend of the first two matches which New Zealand won by nine and five wickets. Nawaz was supported in his first century by captain Salman Ali Agha, who made 51 from 31 balls in an unbroken partnership of 133 for the second wicket. Pakistan finished at 207-1, running down the home team's total of 204 with four full overs to spare to inflict New Zealand's heaviest T20 loss in terms of wickets. Nawaz made ducks in both of the first two matches. “I failed in the first two games and I thank the team for backing me,” he said through an interpreter. "When I went out to bat I wanted to score my first international run. “After I scored the first run the pressure was released and I wanted to win the game.” Mark Chapman made 94 from 44 balls before New Zealand was bowled out with one ball remaining in their 20 overs. Chapman hit 11 fours and four sixes but lacked support. Captain Michael Bracewell's 31 was the next-best effort by the Kiwis, who lost wickets regularly. Tim Seifert made 19, including 16 runs from the second over. Haris Rauf took 3-29 in an excellent bowling performance in the middle of the innings. The Pakistan selectors kept Nawaz and Mohammad Haris at the top of the order, giving them time to acclimatize to New Zealand conditions. Their opening partnerships produced only one run in each of the first two matches. But on Friday they put on 75 for the first wicket, within the six-over power play. Haris made 41 from 20 balls with four fours and three sixes to get the Pakistan innings off to the rapid start it needed. He hit two sixes from the first over bowled by Kyle Jamieson as Pakistan rushed to 50 from only four overs. Jamieson, who took 3-8 in the first match, conceded 30 runs from his first two overs. Pakistan was 124-1 at the midpoint of its innings where New Zealand had been 105-3. The 13th over bowled by Jacob Duffy went for 19 runs including two sixes as Pakistan's run rate ticked up over 12 per over. Rotating the strike and taking at least a boundary from each over, Nawaz reached his half century from 26 balls. Salman posted his first T20 international half century from 30 balls.    

Mitchel Santner, the New Zealand captain, said his team is confident as they are ready to take on India for the second time in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai.  While expressing confidence, the New Zealand captain said maintaining a consistent approach will be key for them in the final. “It's easy to say it's just another game, it's obviously not, but I think the way you approach it has to be the same,” Santner said at a press conference on the eve of the final.   “We've done a lot of good things in this tournament, and we’re just trying to build on them. It’s the biggest stage tomorrow, so the key is to stay confident, keep a relaxed environment, and let the guys enjoy the occasion,” the New Zealand captain added.  Before the final, New Zealand faced India once in this tournament and lost that match. But Santner said the experience of playing in Dubai before will help them do well in the coming match.  “You get to the business end of these tournaments, and it’s about standing up on the day,” he added. “We know we have to put in a good performance, but at the same time, we don’t want to get overawed by the occasion.” Ahead of the final battle, New Zealand’s biggest worry is the fitness of Matt Henry, who has taken the most wickets in this tournament so far. The pacer has injured his shoulder in the match against South Africa and is uncertain for the final.  India faces New Zealand in budding rivalry at Champions Trophy final “Matt’s going to have a bowl today, and we’ll assess his condition before making a decision,” Santner said in the press conference.  The Kiwi skipper also weighed in on India's bowling attack, particularly leg-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who took five wickets against New Zealand in the group match.   “He's a world-class bowler with a little bit of mystery,” Santner said. ”We’ve analyzed more footage, and the boys will be ready this time. We know what his threats are—especially that 115kph armball that got me!” It’s been two and a half decades since New Zealand won an ICC event. They are now aiming to end the drought in the final against India.

Virat Kohli is set to achieve a significant milestone as he becomes only the seventh Indian cricketer to play 300 ODIs. This landmark match will take place against New Zealand in the final group stage fixture of the Champions Trophy on Sunday in Dubai. To mark the occasion, Kohli’s wife, Anushka Sharma, and his elder brother, Vikas Kohli, are expected to arrive in Dubai on Sunday. Sources confirmed their presence, emphasizing the importance of this milestone in the star batter’s career. Kohli’s recent form had been under scrutiny, particularly after a disappointing Test series in Australia. Although he showed signs of regaining his touch during the ODI series against England, it wasn’t enough to quell critics. However, in the Champions Trophy, after a sluggish start against Bangladesh, Kohli bounced back in spectacular fashion against Pakistan in Dubai. His performance evoked memories of his match-winning knock against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022 in Melbourne. In that game, he sealed victory with a stunning shot, marking his 51st ODI century and becoming the fastest batsman to reach 14,000 ODI runs. King Kohli becomes fastest batter to reach 14,000 runs in ODI cricket In his 299 ODIs so far, Kohli has amassed 14,085 runs at an average of 58.20 and a strike rate of 93.41. His remarkable record includes 51 centuries, 73 half-centuries, and a highest score of 193. Throughout his illustrious career, Kohli has consistently set new benchmarks, holding the record as the fastest batsman to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, 13,000, and 14,000 runs in ODIs. Source: Agencies 

Fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears were recalled to New Zealand's 15-man squad on Sunday for the Champions Trophy next month in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. Ferguson is no longer contracted to New Zealand Cricket and missed the home series against Sri Lanka which finished on Sunday, while playing in Australia's Big Bash League. Sears was a traveling reserve for last year's Twenty20 World Cup but missed New Zealand's test series in India in November and the first half of the domestic season with a knee injury. He returned from injury on Thursday in a T20 match for Wellington province. Sears, Will O'Rourke and Nathan Smith have been named to play at their first ICC tournament but Jacob Duffy, who was outstanding in the T20 and one-day international series against Sri Lanka, has been named as a traveling reserve. “ICC tournaments represent the pinnacle of our game and it’s a huge honor to be picked to represent your country at them,” coach Gary Stead said. “I’d especially like to acknowledge Ben, Nathan and Will, who will be attending their first senior ICC events and I know they’re really excited to do so." The pace attack is led by the experienced Matt Henry and Ferguson, who has played in two T20 and two ODI World Cups. The experience of the squad is also bolstered by captain Mitchell Santner, wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham and former captain Kane Williamson, who played in the last Champions Trophy in 2017. Williamson also played in the 2013 edition. Santner will be leading New Zealand to a major tournament for the first time. He offers a spin bowling option along with Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra. The batting lineup is a strong one with Devon Conway, Will Young, Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell and Williamson providing depth and experience. Read: Pakistan recalls opening batter Imam for two test matches against West Indies “Although the Champions Trophy hasn’t been played for a few years, the team is well aware of the history of the tournament and the fact New Zealand were the first winners of the tournament in 2000 when it was known as the ICC KnockOut Trophy,” Stead said. “We’re currently blessed with a lot of quality players and that certainly made for some challenging selection discussions. Ultimately, we’ve gone with the squad that will offer us the best options to perform well in the expected conditions in Pakistan and the UAE." New Zealand will prepare for the tournament with a warmup tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa in Karachi and Lahore and a warmup match against Afghanistan in Karachi. The Champions Trophy is contested by the top-eight ranked men's ODI teams in world cricket.

Asith Fernando and Maheesh Theekshana shared six wickets as Sri Lanka bowled out New Zealand for 150 runs in 29.4 overs to win the third one-day international by 140 runs Saturday. Fernando took 3-26 and Theekshana 3-35 to jointly knock the top off the New Zealand innings as it chased 291 for victory. Eshan Fernando also contributed 3-35 as Sri Lanka completed a comprehensive victory. New Zealand won the three-match series 2-1 in its last matches at home before the ICC Champions Trophy begins in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates next month. Earlier, Pathum Nissanka made 66 in an innings of two parts as Sri Lanka compiled 290-8 after choosing to bat first. New Zealand then slumped to 21-5 inside seven overs as Fernando helped Sri Lanka unpick the New Zealand top order. “It's a huge confidence boost for me and for the team as well because we haven't played well in the first two games. It's a pleasure to play like this,” Fernando said. McSweeney returns to Australia squad for Sri Lanka tour “We identified a few areas to be improved (after the first two games). Now we are going straight back to work to continue improving day by day.” Mark Chapman was the only New Zealand batter to stand against the chaos, making 81 at a run a ball. Chapman's 51-run partnership with Nathan Smith (17) for the eighth wicket was New Zealand's hope of making a game of it. The run rate never got away from New Zealand but it lost too many wickets early to seriously challenge Sri Lanka's total. Nissanka reached 50 from 31 balls but almost immediately fell to the ground in pain from an apparent groin or hip strain. He tried to bat on but was clearly impaired while running between wickets and was 50 not out when he was summoned from the field by Sri Lanka coach Sanith Jayasuriya to receive medical treatment. Matt Henry took 4-55 for New Zealand.

Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman made half centuries in a 112-run second-wicket partnership which helped New Zealand to a 113-run win over Sri Lanka in the second one-day international on Wednesday and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Ravindra made 79 from 63 balls and Chapman scored 62 from 52 as New Zealand reached 255-9 batting first in a match reduced by rain to 37 overs per side. Maheesh Theekshana became the seventh Sri Lanka player to take an ODI hat trick when he dismissed Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith and Matt Henry with consecutive deliveries across two overs late in the innings. Sri Lanka slumped to 22-4 but Kamindu Mendis made a career-best 64 before the team was dismissed for 142 in 30.2 overs. Mendis put on 57 for the fifth wicket with Janith Liyanage (22) and 47 for the sixth wicket with Chamidu Wickramasinghe (17) in a key partnership which was cut short by the second run-out of the Sri Lanka innings. Sri Lanka struggled against the pace and bounce of the New Zealand attack and its run rate required had crept up to almost 15 by the end. Showers and a wet outfield delayed the start of play by two hours. When Sri Lanka won the toss it made the natural decision to bowl on a greenish pitch at Seddon Park with the possibility of more showers to come. Pakistani batter Fakhar Zaman confident of returning at Champions Trophy New Zealand lost Will Young for 16 and was 31-1 when Chapman joined Ravindra. Together they kept the score ticking over steadily, reaching their 50 partnership from 44 balls and their century partnership from only 79 deliveries. The pair rotated the strike and worked the ball often into the onside where there were larger gaps in the field. Ravindra also showed he was in form with an early straight drive which was a perfect example of the shot. “I think it's a nice natural tempo to go out there and play cricket shots, even in the shortened game,” Ravindra said. "I do enjoy the ODI format, although you don't see many matches happening any more. “It's a format I grew up watching and I think it suits the way I bat.” There were signs Ravindra was coming into form when he hit 69 from 38 balls in the third Twenty20 between the teams and 45 from 36 balls in the first match of the ODI series on Sunday which New Zealand won by nine wickets. He found his timing early on Wednesday and hit nine fours and a six. Chapman hit five fours and two sixes, playing with increasing confidence at No. 3. Both players reached their half centuries with sixes, Ravindra from the bowling of Wanindu Hasaranga and Chapman from Eshan Malinga. New Zealand lost momentum after Ravindra and Chapman were out. Daryl Mitchell made 38, Glenn Phillips 22 and Santner 20 but New Zealand couldn't get back on top of the bowling. The third ODI is on Saturday at Auckland.