United News of Bangladesh

Pakistan has omitted Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from its squad for an upcoming triangular series and the Asia Cup, naming a 17-member team for the two T20 tournaments in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday. Neither Babar nor Rizwan has played a T20 international since facing South Africa in December 2024. In their absence, Pakistan has opted for aggressive batters Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, and Fakhar Zaman. Head coach Mike Hesson said Babar was advised to work on certain aspects, including his strike rate and handling of spin bowling. Babar is scheduled to play for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League later this year, and Hesson expressed confidence that the batter will be in contention for next year’s T20 World Cup. Under Hesson’s guidance, Pakistan has won two bilateral T20 series against Bangladesh and the West Indies but also lost one to Bangladesh 2-1. The West Indies also claimed their first bilateral ODI series win against Pakistan in 34 years, with Babar scoring 47, 0, and 9. Bangladesh A down Nepal for first win in Darwin “Currently, our players like Farhan, Ayub, and Zaman have performed exceptionally,” Hesson said. “Babar, however, remains an important player and can prove himself in the BBL to earn a spot in future T20s.” The triangular series featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and UAE will take place in Sharjah from Aug. 29 to Sept. 7, followed by the Asia Cup in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from Sept. 9 to 28. Hesson praised Pakistan’s preparations, noting six wins in nine T20s under his tenure, and highlighted new fast bowler Salman Mirza’s impressive performances in Bangladesh. Mirza, along with Mohammad Wasim, is included in both tournament squads. “From a T20 perspective, this team is progressing well,” Hesson added. “Providing opportunities to different players helps build depth, which is essential for major events like the Asia Cup.” Squad: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed.

Captain Shai Hope’s brilliant unbeaten century and Jayden Seales’ devastating bowling powered West Indies to a thumping 202-run victory over Pakistan in the third one-day international on Tuesday, clinching a historic 2-1 series win. It was the Caribbean side’s first bilateral ODI series triumph over Pakistan since 1991, ending a long run of home series defeats in both Test and T20 formats against Australia and Pakistan. Hope struck an unbeaten 120 from 94 balls, hitting five sixes and 10 fours, and shared a rapid, unbroken seventh-wicket stand of 110 runs with Justin Greaves, who smashed 43 off just 24 balls. West Indies finished on 294-6 at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. In reply, Pakistan crumbled to 92 all out in 29.2 overs. Seales ripped through the top order, taking 6-18 in 7.2 overs. Pakistan’s chase faltered immediately, slumping to 23-4 inside nine overs, with three of the top four dismissed for ducks. Harmanpreet eyes home World Cup as chance to ‘break the barrier’ Opener Saim Ayub fell to the third ball of the innings, Abdullah Shafique followed without scoring, and captain Mohammad Rizwan was bowled first ball by Seales. Babar Azam (9) was trapped lbw by the pacer for his fourth wicket. Salman Agha provided brief resistance with 30 off 49 balls, but the collapse continued as Hasan Nawaz (13) was stumped off Gudakesh Motie and Hussain Talat (1) was bowled by Roston Chase. The innings ended with a run-out of Abrar Ahmed for a golden duck. Hope said he was “extremely proud” of his team, noting that recent focus had been on the negatives in West Indies cricket. “Now there are positives to shout about,” he said. The emphatic win followed a turbulent period, including a two-day crisis summit attended by legends Brian Lara and Clive Lloyd to map a revival plan, after the team’s batting collapse for just 27 runs in a Test against Australia. West Indies had lost the ODI opener to Pakistan by five wickets, leveled the series with a five-wicket win in the second match, and then dominated the decider to complete a morale-boosting victory.

Bangladesh’s top order failed to impress as they managed only 133 runs against Pakistan while batting first after losing the toss on Tuesday in Dhaka.  Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals and never quite recovered from an early collapse. Mohammad Naim fell in the second over for 3, attempting a lap shot off Faheem Ashraf only to edge it to the keeper. The pressure grew further when Litton Das, Bangladesh’s captain, tried to go over midwicket but was caught by Hasan Nawaz off Salman Mirza for 8. In the very next over, Towhid Hridoy was run out for a duck following a sharp direct hit by Pakistan skipper Agha Salman.  Parvez Hossain Emon tried to break the shackles with a six but soon gave away his wicket for 13, skying a simple catch to mid-on off Ahmed Daniyal. Security concerns lead BCB to ban outside food at upcoming matches By the end of the powerplay, Bangladesh were struggling at 28 for 4. Jaker Ali and Mahedi Hasan offered some resistance, forging together a 53-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Mahedi struck two boundaries and two sixes in a brisk 33 off 25 before falling to Mohammad Nawaz in the 14th over. His dismissal triggered another collapse. Jaker Ali, who top-scored with 55 off 48 balls including five sixes, was the last to fall in the final delivery of the innings. Salman Mirza impressed with the ball, finishing with figures of 2 for 17 from four overs, while Abbas Afridi and Ahmed Daniyal also picked up two wickets each. //

Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to renew their T20 rivalry with a three-match series starting Sunday in Mirpur. After the last meeting, both sides have seen changes. Bangladesh now has their new captain in Litton Das, while Agha Salman is the captain of Pakistan.  For Bangladesh, this is more than just another bilateral contest. It marks the return of high-profile cricket on home soil against a top Asian rival. Litton accepted the fact the series will be tough for them, but also sounded optimistic.  He pointed to the benefits of franchise cricket, where both sets of players have shared dressing rooms, particularly in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL). "They know our strengths and weaknesses, and we know theirs," said Litton. “It makes for a level playing field.” Series-winning team retained as Bangladesh announce T20I squad for Pakistan Pakistan’s preparations have drawn heavily from BPL experience. Nine players in their current squad have played in the league, and head coach Sean McDermott, a former Bangladesh fielding coach, brings local insight. “We’ve spoken to those who’ve played here and built plans around their inputs,” said Pakistan captain Agha Salman. The pitch in Mirpur, notorious for its unpredictability and spin-friendly nature, has been a talking point. Litton acknowledged that the surface had made life difficult for batters in previous years, especially during the 2021 series against Australia and New Zealand. “Many of us struggled back then, but it’s different now. It’s still challenging, but runs are possible,” he said. Pakistan, meanwhile, will field a revamped T20 lineup, continuing their post-Babar-Rizwan experiment. Agha Salman confirmed the team’s intent to play aggressive cricket but said they would adapt if conditions demanded restraint. “If the pitch supports it, we’ll go hard. If not, we’ll reassess. The goal is to score 10-15 more than par,” he said. All three matches will be played at the same venue, with weather expected to stay dry after several days of rain earlier in the week.//

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the 15-member national cricket team for the ensuing three-match T20I series against Bangladesh on Tuesday. Salman Ali Agha has been retained as captain to lead the Pakistan T20I team in Bangladesh tour, said a PCB media release on Tuesday. The three-match T20Is series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played on July 20, 22 and 24 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. 15-member squad for Bangladesh series: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza and Sufyan Moqim Tanvir Islam stands tall in his second ODI Team management: Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Muhammad Hanif Malik (batting Coach), Shane McDermott (fielding Coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Irtaza Komail (security manager), Dr. Wajid Ali Rafai (doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)end  

Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has been appointed as the acting head coach of the men’s red-ball team, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Saturday.   Before being appointed to a role, Azhar was the bowling coach and assistant head coach of the Pakistan team. He will continue in the new role until the end of his current contract.    His appointment comes as the PCB continues to shape the team ahead of the new ICC World Test Championship cycle.   A seasoned figure in Pakistan cricket, Azhar brings a wealth of experience both as a player and coach.   He has two County Championship titles to his name and is respected for his tactical acumen and leadership in red-ball cricket.   “Having served as assistant head coach, Azhar has long been a pivotal part of the team’s strategic core,” the PCB said in a statement.   BCB to celebrate 25 years of Test status Thursday with special reception   “His deep knowledge of the game, hands-on international exposure, and success in county cricket make him exceptionally suited for this role,” the statement further reads.    Azhar takes over from former fast bowler Aaqib Javed, who had filled the position on an interim basis following the departure of Jason Gillespie late last year.   His first challenge as red-ball coach will be preparing the national team for their upcoming home series against South Africa later this year — Pakistan’s opening assignment in the new World Test Championship cycle.   The PCB expressed confidence that under Azhar’s leadership, the Test team will grow in “strength, discipline, and performance” on the global stage.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially confirmed a three-match T20I home series against Bangladesh, with all matches to be held under lights at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from May 28 to June 1. According to the revised schedule announced on Wednesday, the series will begin on May 28 (Wednesday), followed by the second match on May 30 (Friday), and the final game on June 1 (Sunday). Each of the three T20Is will start at 8:00pm local time. Bangladesh are expected to arrive in Lahore on May 25. The team will train on May 26 and 27 ahead of the opening clash. This marks Bangladesh’s return to Pakistan for a T20 series after more than five years. UAE pull off historic chase to stun Bangladesh in Sharjah thriller The tour had earlier faced uncertainty due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, which also forced a temporary suspension of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had awaited government clearance and consulted with its players and coaching staff before agreeing to the tour. That clearance came last week, and both boards have since worked together to finalize the new dates. This will be Bangladesh’s second away assignment this month, following their ongoing T20 series in the UAE.

Former Indian cricket captain and ex-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sourav Ganguly, has called for an end to cricketing relations between India and Pakistan. "100 per cent, this (breaking ties with Pakistan) should be done. Strict action is necessary. It is no joke that such things happen every year. Terrorism cannot be tolerated," Ganguly said during his interview with ANI after Pahalgam attack. Hyderabad notches its first IPL win at Chepauk as Chennai's struggles continue In recent years, the two sides have only faced each other in ICC tournaments like the T20 and 50-over World Cups, the ICC Champions Trophy, and Asia Cup events organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

Hosts Pakistan made a winning start while tournament favourites West Indies suffered a shock defeat despite a century from captain Hayley Matthews in the opening day of the six-nation ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers held in Lahore on Wednesday. Pakistan made a flying start beating Ireland by 38 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore while Scotish Women's upset favourite West Indies beating them by 11 runs in nerve shattering match at the Lahore City Cricket Association ground.on Wednesday  Bangladesh Women’s team, which narrowly missed the direct World Cup berth losing to New Zealand due to poor  net run rate, will start their campaign in the six-nation World Cup qualifiers  taking on Thailand on Thursday for the remaining two final round spots. The Bangladesh-Thailand match will kick-off at 10:30:am on Thursday at the Lahore City Cricket Association ground. Arya's 39-ball century for Punjab sends Chennai to fourth straight loss in IPL Earlier, Bangladesh women's made a very good practices in Pakistan crushing hosts Pakistan Women's by a massive 167 runs in their second warm-up match after beating Scotland by five wickets in the first warm up match ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers. In the day' s World Cup opener,  Pakistan batted first after losing the toss and were all out for 217 runs in 49 overs featuring two half centuries by Aliya Riaz (52) and Sidra Amin (51)  Chasing a target of 218 runs, the Irish Women's were bundled out for 179 runs in 44 overs featuring 44 runs each runs by captain Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter. Diana Baig of Pakistan captured four wickets for 35 runs while Nashru Sandhu took three for 41 runs. Sent into bat first In the other opening day's crucial match,  Scotland piled up moderate 244 runs for all in 44 overs featuring wicket keeper Sarah Bryce's 55 runs off 56 balls with six boundaries In reply, the Caribbeans Women's were all out for 233 runs in 46.2 overs despite a captain knock by opening batter Hayley Matthews, who hammered a century (not out 114) and was adjudged player of the match.

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.