Sabbir Rahman hits an unbeaten 82 off 33 balls with nine sixes, but his 50 went in vain as Dhaka Capitals suffered a seven-wicket defeat to Chittagong Kings in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match on Thursday in Sylhet. Dhaka’s innings was powered by Sabbir’s 82 not out. Along with nine sixes, he hit three fours. Despite a slow start, Sabbir’s innings kept them strong in the contest. But the other batters failed to accelerate when they needed it most. Tanzid Hasan also hit a 50. He ended up on 54 off 48 balls. Nurul’s last-ball six seals a high-scoring thriller for Riders vs Barishal Khaled Ahmed was the best bowler for the Kings. He bagged three wickets for just 21 runs. In response, Chittagong began strongly. Usman Khan smashed 55 off 33 balls, supported by Parvez Hossain Emon, who made 17 off 16. The pair added 55 runs for the opening wicket before Emon fell in the sixth over. Graham Clark then joined Usman, contributing 39 off 32 to keep the chase on track. After Clark’s dismissal in the 17th over, captain Mohammad Mithun and Shamim Hossain guided the Kings to victory. Mithun remained unbeaten on 33 off 22, while Shamim struck a quick 30 off 14 balls, including four fours and a six. Tamim reaches 8000 runs as first Bangladeshi With this win, the Kings moved to fourth place on the points table while Dhaka remained winless after matches, sitting at the bottom of the points table with zero points and a negative net run rate of -1.527. The Kings maintained their positive net run rate of 1.262. Rangpur Riders, with six consecutive victories, lead the table with 12 points and an impressive net run rate of 1.732. Fortune Barishal, despite their loss to Rangpur earlier in the day, hold the second spot with six points from five games and a net run rate of 0.838.

Kusal Perera scored Sri Lanka's fastest Twenty20 international century — from 44 balls — on Thursday to spur his team to a consolation win over New Zealand by seven runs in the the final match of the three-match series. Perera's career-best score in a century partnership with captain Charirth Asalanka lifted Sri Lanka to 218-5 — its second-highest T20 score, as it batted first for the first time in the series. New Zealand held a winning 2-0 lead in the series after winning the first match by eight runs and the second by 45 runs. New Zealand needed to achieve its highest run chase in T20s to complete a clean sweep of the series and was given a good start by Rachin Ravindra who made 69 from 39 balls. But it fell just short, held to 211-7. The Black Caps began at a pace to match Sri Lanka, reaching 60-0 in the six-over power play. But Asalanka slammed the brakes on the New Zealand innings when he dismissed Ravindra, Mark Chapman (9) and Glenn Phillips (6) in quick succession. Asalanka had figures of 3-25 after those dismissals but Daryl Mitchell hit four consecutive sixes from his final over to wreck his analysis and bat New Zealand back into the game. Wanindu Hasaranga then dismissed Mitchell Hay (8) and Michael Bracewell (1) in the 16th over to tip the match back in the visitors' favor. Asalanka took a superb diving catch to remove Bracewell and managed his bowlers well in a superb all-round performance. “I think it's a good win for us,” Asalanka said. "I think throughout the series we've played good cricket but couldn't manage to get a win. Finally we got it. I hope this is a momentum shift for us. Adapting to these conditions has been a key for us.” Read: William, Mahidul help Khulna beat Chittagong Kings New Zealand came to the last over, bowled by Binura Fernando, needing 22 to win. After taking six runs from the first three balls, one of which was a wide, Zak Foulkes hit the fourth ball for six, leaving New Zealand needing 10 from the last two balls. It was too much and the New Zealand batters managed only three more runs. The start of the match was delayed by 30 minutes by a wet outfield and when it began Sri Lanka lost the toss but had the chance to bat first on a good pitch at Saxton Oval. The tourists lost both openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, inside the power play. But Perera powered up the Sri Lanka innings in an outstanding batting performance, hitting 13 fours and four sixes in his 101 from 46 balls. One of the keys to victory was the 75 runs Perera and Asalanka hit between the 14th and 18th overs which proved vital in making the run chase just too much for New Zealand. The teams meet in the first of three one-day internationals in Wellington on Sunday.

Yasir Ali and Anamul Haque of Durbar Rajshahi shone with fifties in the opening fixture of the new season of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Monday in Mirpur.  Riding on Yasir’s unbeaten 94 off 47 balls, and 65 off 51 balls by Anamul, Rajshahi posted a big total of 197 for three against the defending champions Fortune Barishal.  Rajshahi, who were put to bat first after losing the toss, lost their first wicket in the second over of the innings as Jishan Alam was sent back by Kyle Mayers for a duck. With 25 runs on the board, Rajshahi lost their second wicket. Australia claims dramatic final-hour victory against India in 4th Test When Barishal was trying to get control of the match, Anamul and Yasir formed a 140-run stand in the third-wicket partnership.  Before falling in the 18th over, Anamul posted 65 off 51 balls with four fours and five sixes.  However, Yasir was firm on the other end of the wicket. He remained unbeaten at 94, smashing seven fours and eight sixes.  India reeling at 33-3 at lunch on Day 5, chasing 340 to win 4th Test against Australia Mayers took two wickets for Rajshahi, who made a comeback to BPL after missing out on the event for years.  Meanwhile, fans clashed in front of the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday for tickets. They broke a gate of the stadium. Police had to use batons to disperse the crowd. 

Hundreds of fans clashed in front of the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday, the opening day of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), because they could not buy tickets at the designated branches of a private bank. Historically, BCB struggled to ensure a smoother flow of BPL tickets in the past. They failed to do so once again.  Police had to use batons to disperse the crowd of fans who broke the main gate of the stadium, and they also reportedly barred the car of a national team cricketer. But it is not clear if the cricketer was inside the car during the incident.  India reeling at 33-3 at lunch on Day 5, chasing 340 to win 4th Test against Australia Yesterday, fans demonstrated for tickets too when the board did not provide official information about ticket sales. The BCB issued a press release only in the afternoon detailing where and how fans could purchase tickets. This year, fans can buy tickets from online platforms and seven branches of a private bank. But, as fans said, they were not able to get tickets from the Mirpur branches, which angered them.  For online buyers, tickets can be accessed through the official website (www.gobcbticket.com.bd).  Hard copies of tickets are being sold at designated Modhumoti Bank PLC branches. On Sunday, tickets were made available between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. On Monday, the opening day of BPL, sales will continue from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Bumrah stars with four wickets but Australia's tail pushes lead past 300 on 4th day of 4th test The branches facilitating sales include those located in Mirpur, Motijheel, Uttara, Gulshan, Dhanmondi, Kamrangirchar, and on VIP Road in Paltan. Fans are advised to visit the branch closest to them during the specified hours.  In the opening match of the event, the defending champions Fortune Barishal is taking on newcomer Durbar Rajshahi. 

India captain Rohit Sharma has urged his fellow bowlers to provide more support to star pacer Jasprit Bumrah in their ongoing series against Australia. With the five-match series tied at 1-1 following a rain-affected draw in Brisbane, the focus now shifts to Thursday's test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Bumrah has been exceptional, claiming 21 wickets at an average of 10.90, whereas the rest of the Indian bowling attack has collectively taken 26 wickets at a higher average of 36.81. Sharma acknowledged Bumrah’s dominance but emphasized the need for the other bowlers, including Mohammed Siraj, to contribute more effectively. "Bumrah has been outstanding so far," Sharma said. "Siraj and the others know they must step up to support him and get the job done. They've been trying hard but have been a bit unlucky with missed opportunities and near chances." Travis Head is in doubt for Australia in 4th cricket test against India Sharma also reassured that he is fit despite a knee injury sustained during a net session, but he did not confirm whether he would continue batting at No. 6, where he has struggled in the series. India is also considering including two spinners in response to Melbourne’s forecasted high temperatures, which could reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). With veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin retiring and returning home after the Brisbane test, Washington Sundar and newcomer Tanush Kotian are being considered for spin duties. Ravindra Jadeja, who has bowled 23 overs without taking a wicket, remains in the mix. Meanwhile, Australia's Travis Head has been cleared to play and will be joined by MCG specialist Scott Boland, who famously took six wickets for seven runs on his test debut during the 2021-22 Ashes series. Australia will make two changes, with 19-year-old Sam Konstas set to debut in place of Nathan McSweeney, and Boland replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood. 6-team 2nd South Asian Lawyers Cricket taking place Dec 23-26 Head has been in remarkable form, scoring 409 runs at an average of 81.80, including centuries in Adelaide and Brisbane. While other Australian batters have struggled against Bumrah, Head has stood out as a key performer. The fifth and final test of the series is scheduled to begin on January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

England captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of cricket for at least three months because of a torn left hamstring. Stokes will undergo surgery on the hamstring next month, the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement on Monday. He was injured a week ago during the third test loss to New Zealand in Hamilton. The 33-year-old allrounder had already been left out of England's squad announced on Sunday for the Champions Trophy in February and March in Pakistan. Hamstring issues previously forced Stokes to miss the home summer series against Sri Lanka and the first test in Pakistan in October.

The eight-nation ICC Champions Trophy' 2025 is set to begins on February 19, 2025 in Pakistan in promises to deliver intense cricketing action among the top teams in the world. Hosts Pakistan will play New Zealand in the opening match on February 19 in Karachi Bangladesh is likely to start their campaign taking on their giant neighbor India on the following day (February 20) at neutral venue in Dubai. BCB announces much-needed pay rise for women cricketers with central contracts The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash will take place on February 23. The highly anticipated tournament, hosted by Pakistan, will feature eight teams divided into two groups, will play across the Pakistani city of Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.  Grouping of Champions Trophy : Group A: Pakistan, New Zealand, India, Bangladesh Group B: South Africa, England, Australia, Afghanistan U-19 cricketers get cash bonus from BCB for Asia Cup triumph As per latest ICC ruling, all the matches of the Indian team will be held in neutral venue, likely in Dubai,  as per its hybrid deal. The grand final will commence on March 9, 2025, with March 10 reserved as the backup day Tentative schedule of the Champions Trophy. Date Time (IST) Venue Match February 19, 2025 2:30 pm Karachi Pakistan vs New Zealand February 20, 2025 2:30 pm Neutral Bangladesh vs India February 21, 2025 2:30 pm Karachi Afghanistan vs South Africa February 22, 2025 2:30 pm Lahore Australia vs England February 23, 2025 2:30 pm Neutral Pakistan vs India February 24, 2025 2:30 pm Rawalpindi Bangladesh vs New Zealand February 25, 2025 2:30 pm Rawalpindi Australia vs South Africa February 26, 2025 2:30 pm Lahore Afghanistan vs England February 27, 2025 2:30 pm Rawalpindi Pakistan vs Bangladesh February 28, 2025 2:30 pm Lahore Afghanistan vs Australia March 1, 2025 2:30 pm Karachi South Africa vs England March 2, 2025 2:30 pm Neutral New Zealand vs India March 4, 2025 2:30 pm Neutral Semi-Final A1 vs B2 March 5, 2025 2:30 pm Neutral Semi-Final B1 vs A2 March 9, 2025 2:30 pm Neutral Final March 10, 2025 - Neutral Reserve Day  

Indian cricket allrounder Ravichandran Ashwin waved goodbye to international cricket. His decision came abruptly on Wednesday.  He hastily called a media conference following the drawn test between Australia and India at the Gabba, and came up with the retirement decision, reports AP.  “It’s a very emotional moment,” Ashwin said. “I have had a lot of fun, I have made a lot of memories alongside Rohit (captain Sharma) and my other teammates.” Bangladesh clinch T20I series vs West Indies The right-arm spinner and handy batter got his maiden Test cap in 2011 and played 106 Tests since. He grabbed 537 wickets in Test cricket. He has 115 wickets in Tests against Australia in 23 matches.  He has more wickets against Australia than other countries.  Sharma said he was aware of Ashwin’s desire to walk away before the start of the series, but convinced him to play in Adelaide last week. The 38-year-old spinner was then left out of the third test in Brisbane, with Ravindra Jadeja taking his spot. India trails Australia by 278 runs on the 4th day of the 3rd test “He felt if I am not needed now in the series, I am better off saying goodbye to the team,” captain Rohit Sharma said. Ashwin’s call means he will not be available for the final two tests in Australia, with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar the two remaining spinners in the Indian squad.

Bangladesh delivered a clinical performance with the ball to defeat the West Indies by 27 runs in the second T20I at Arnos Vale Ground, securing the three-match series with one game to spare. It was Bangladesh’s first T20I series win against West Indies since 2018. After a disappointing 3-0 loss in the ODI series, the visitors have bounced back emphatically in the shorter format. Being sent to bat first, Bangladesh struggled to gain momentum on a slow and damp pitch. Captain Litton Das (3 off 10) was the first to depart, stumped off Akeal Hosein, as Bangladesh found themselves in early trouble at 8 for 1. The top order faltered against the West Indies’ disciplined bowling, with Tanzid Hasan (2), Soumya Sarkar (11), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (26) failing to capitalize on starts. At 72 for 6 in the 14th over, Bangladesh seemed headed for an underwhelming total. India trails Australia by 278 runs on the 4th day of the 3rd test However, a watchfull knock by Shamim Hossain turned the tide. The left-hander smashed 35 off just 17 balls, including two fours and two sixes, lifting Bangladesh to a defendable 129 for 7 in 20 overs. Gudakesh Motie took two wickets for the West Indies. Chasing a modest target of 130, the West Indies' innings was shaken early under the pressure of Bangladesh's disciplined bowling. Taskin Ahmed struck in his very first over, removing Brandon King (8) and Andre Fletcher (0) to leave the hosts reeling at 19 for 2. Mahedi Hasan and Rishad Hossain then combined to decimate the middle order, with Nicholas Pooran (5) and Rovman Powell (6) falling cheaply. Bangladesh edge out West Indies in thrilling first T20I The hosts' hopes rested on Roston Chase, who fought well with a 32-run knock off 34 balls. Akeal Hosein added a battling 31 off 31 at the tail end, but their efforts were in vain as wickets kept tumbling at the other end. Taskin returned to claim the final scalp, dismissing Hosein and wrapping up the West Indies innings at 102 in 18.3 overs.

Bangladesh secured a nail-biting 7-run victory over the West Indies in the first T20I at Kingstown, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The victory came in the morning of Bangladesh’s 54th Victory Day anniversary, commemorating the country’s liberation from Pakistan in 1971, making the occasion even more special. Mahedi Hasan was the star of the match, earning Player of the Match honours for his brilliant all-round performance. He contributed an unbeaten 26 runs with the bat and then dismantled the West Indies batting lineup with a career-best 4 for 13.   Bangladesh add Nahid Rana to T20I squad against West Indies After being put into bat, Bangladesh posted a modest total of 147 for 6. Soumya Sarkar top-scored with 43 off 32 balls, while Shamim Hossain’s quickfire 27 off 13 provided much-needed momentum at the death. Mahedi played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings, forging a vital partnership with Shamim. West Indies' Akeal Hosein was the best bowler for the hosts, taking 2 for 13 in his four overs.   West Indies, chasing 148, were rocked early by Taskin Ahmed and Mahedi. By the 7th over, the hosts were reduced to 38 for 5, with Mahedi’s four-wicket burst sending jitters through the batting order. “We tried to bowl straight and stick to our process,” Mahedi explained. “It was crucial to maintain partnerships, and I’m glad we could execute our plans.” Bangladesh set 322 target for West Indies in final ODI Despite the collapse, captain Rovman Powell led a fightback with a 60 off 35 balls. Alongside Romario Shepherd, Powell stitched a record 67-run partnership for the eighth wicket, giving West Indies a glimmer of hope. With 20 runs needed off the final three overs, Taskin Ahmed delivered a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Shepherd for 22. Powell followed soon after, caught in the deep, as West Indies fell short, bowled out for 140 in 19.5 overs.   “The pitch didn’t behave as expected, and we felt 150-160 would have been a good score,” Bangladesh captain Litton Das lauded his team’s fighting spirit. “But we believed in our bowlers and fielders, and they delivered. This win gives us confidence going into the next game.” Litton also set a personal milestone, breaking the record for most dismissals by a Bangladesh wicketkeeper in a T20I innings with five.   “We lost wickets in clusters, and that was the only way they could stay in the game,” Powell admitted his side missed opportunities. “Our batting let us down after a credible bowling performance. We need honest conversations about what went wrong.”