Cricket
Women’s Cricket: India to travel Bangladesh this month
The Indian women's cricket team will travel to Bangladesh this month to play a five-match T20I series, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed on Wednesday.
The series will kick off on April 28, with the other matches will be played on April 30, and May 2, 6, and 9. While the first two and last matches will be played at the Sylhet International Stadium, the third and fourth matches will take place at the Sylhet International Stadium Outer field.
Chattogram Test: Sri Lanka near victory as Bangladeshi batters falter
India traveled to Bangladesh last year when Bangladesh won their first-ever ODI against them.
Bangladesh are currently busy playing a series against Australia, which will end on Apr 4 with the last T20I of the three-match series. Bangladesh has failed to win any of the five matches they have played so far in the ongoing contest.
Chattogram Test: Sri Lanka win to sweep series over Bangladesh
Sri Lanka secured a decisive 192-run victory over Bangladesh in the second Test match, with fast bowler Lahiru Kumara taking four wickets for 50 runs.
This win completed a series sweep for Sri Lanka, maintaining their record of never losing a Test match in Bangladesh. Prior to this, Sri Lanka also won the three-match T20 series 2-1 but lost the ODI series by the same margin.
“We’re very satisfied with the (Test) win,” Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva said. There are many areas for us to improve, and I’ve talked about those with the team and the coaches are working towards that. If we can learn day by day and raise our game by 1%, we can make winning a habit.”
Resuming Day 5 at 268-7 and needing 243 runs for an unlikely victory, Bangladesh was bowled out for 318 with Mehidy Hasan Miraz staying unbeaten on 81.
Occasional bowler Kamindu Mendis, who took 3-32, got the breakthrough for the visitors in the fourth over of the day when he dismissed Taijul Islam, caught by Nishan Madushka at gully.
But Mehidy raised his sixth Test 50 off 62 balls, hitting Kamindu for a boundary. He batted aggressively to raise the prospect of his only second century but Hasan Mahmud and Syed Khaled Ahmed failed to give him support.
Both of the batters were dismissed by Kumara, leaving Mehidy 19 runs short of his century. He played 110 balls for his 81, including 14 fours.
“After the team does badly, the players feel bad. They always want to improve. They communicate with each other. We don’t think about Test match fees,” Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said. “We are looking for improvement even when we are doing well. Everyone feels bad when we lose, but we prepare very well. We practice very hard.
“This is a very young team. We don’t have much experience. Every player has the desire to improve. Give it more time, the team will make better decisions.”
Sri Lanka posted 531 in its first innings with six batters getting past half-century marks, making it the highest total without any batters scoring a century.
It then dismissed Bangladesh for 178 runs, and took a 353-run lead but the visitors decided against the follow-on. Despite a batting collapse in the second innings, Sri Lanka was able to leave Bangladesh a record chase of 511 after declaring on 157-7.
“The bowlers did their basics on this wicket, and the batters did their job as well,” Dhananjaya said. “The batters were a bit disappointed about not getting runs in the first Test, but we have experienced players. I was confident they would get runs.”
Chattogram Test: Sri Lanka near victory as Bangladeshi batters falter
Sri Lanka was on the brink of victory in the second and final Test against Bangladesh at the end of day three, with the hosts struggling at 268 for 7 in pursuit of a challenging 511-run target.
Pacer Lahiru Kumara, left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuirya, and occasional bowler Kamindu Mendis shone with two wickets each, pushing Bangladesh into survival mode. Despite Mehidy Hasan's resilient 44 off 49 balls and Taijul Islam's 10, Bangladesh faced an improbable 243-run deficit, conceding that Sri Lanka's bowling prowess was too formidable to overcome.
Chattogram Test: Sri Lanka post big total, Bangladesh lose a wicket to end day two
Mominul Haque’s second fifty in the series helped Bangladesh go past 200 for the first time in five test innings dating back to December. But he was dismissed on 50 off 56 after hitting eight fours and one six.
“Bangladesh played well today. They put the pressure back on the bowlers,” Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood said.
“We bowled well in patches. There were periods when we could have bowled better. I don’t think we quite had the consistency in this inning as we showed in the first inning with the ball. But, thankfully, our hard work has put us in a strong position, going into tomorrow.”
Sri Lanka began the day batting, witnessing Angelo Mathews score his first half-century of the series and 41st in his career. Resuming their second innings at 102-6, Sri Lanka declared at 157-7 shortly after Mathews was dismissed by Shakib Al Hasan for 56, having hit five boundaries. Prabath Jayasuriya remained unbeaten on 28.
Chattogram Test: Sri Lanka dominate day one against Bangladesh
With a total of 531 in their first inning, Sri Lanka secured a 353-run lead without enforcing the follow-on, maintaining their undefeated record in tests in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh batted for eight overs until lunch, losing their first wicket in the second over after the interval. Jayasuriya dismissed Mahmudul Hasan for 24, followed by pacer Vishwa Fernando getting Zakir Hasan caught by Dhananjaya de Silva at first slip for 19.
Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto reached double digits for the first time in the series but appeared uncomfortable throughout his stay before he was bowled on 20 by Kumara.
Mominul counterattacked and raised his 18th test fifty off 55 balls, pulling pacer Asitha Fernando down to a fine leg for a single. He was out off the next delivery, top-edging a sweep of Jayasuriya straight to square leg.
“No excuse, as a batting unit, we played extremely bad cricket,” Mominul said. “We couldn’t bat according to our potential. We have to take the responsibility. Today, most of the batters, including me, got out after getting set. The wicket was good to bat on.”
Sri Lanka win toss and bat in 2nd test against Bangladesh
Shakib and Liton Das came together at 132-4 and became Bangladesh’s last great hopes. They fought for more than 16 overs, bridging tea, and combined for 61 runs, but were out in the space of four runs.
Shakib, playing his first test in a year, had 36 off 53 balls when he was baffled by Kamindu’s huge turn and gave the bowler his first wicket in test cricket.
Kamindu also took out Shahadat Hossain for 15 before Liton was undone by a short delivery from Kumara and edged behind on 38.
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.
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.//
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.
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.
Cricket umpire Asad Rauf dies at age 66
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.
Bangladesh’s celebrated umpire Nadir Shah dies at 57
“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.