Category: Sports

SYLHET: All-round Khushdil Shah and an impressive final over from pacer Mustafizur Rahman helped Rangpur Riders seal a thrilling five-run victory over Dhaka Capitals in the 12th fixture of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26.

Set 156, Capitals fell short by five runs at the end of their 20 overs, with 10 required on the last six balls.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Abdullah Al Mamun provided a solid start with 54 on the board in the first six overs.

However, Kyle Mayers and Khushdil Shah removed both batters in consecutive overs to put Dhaka Capitals back into the game.

Gurbaz made 31 from 22 with the aid of five fours and six, while Mamun hit four boundaries in his 20 off 18.

Despite the wickets, Mohammad Mithun and Saif Hassan were able to lift their side out of trouble as they added 51 for the third wicket partnership. The pair composed a batting partnership that brought the score to 111 in 15.1 overs.

Saif made 15 from 24 balls, an innings without a single boundary.

Meanwhile, Mithun managed to string a couple of partnerships, first wiht Shamim Hossain and then with Sabbir Rahman, that brought them near the target.

But it was an impressive final over from Mustafizur that turned the match on its head.

Watch BPL 2026 matches LIVE Here!

With 10 required of six, Mustafizur started with a single, followed by two dots on the next two deliveries. The left-arm pacer gave nothing away in the next three balls as Sabbir and Mithun could only take three singles.

For Rangpur Riders, Khushdil Shah, Kyle Mayers, Mustafizur Rahman, and Al Islam picked up one wicket each.

Earlier, put into bat first, Rangpur Riders were limited to 155-5 in their 20 overs.

Dhaka Capitals bowlers put Riders in early trouble as they were reduced to 30-3 in 5.2 overs.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

But it was Dawid Malan’s and Mahmudullah’s 74-run stand that laid the foundation for a competitive total.

The stand eventually ended with Malan’s wicket, the scorecard reading 104-4 in 14.2 overs.

Mahmudullah, meanwhile, continued on and scored a half-century before getting caught in the 17th over. The right-handed batter made 51 off 41 balls with the help of seven boundaries.

Khushdil, on the other hand, provided Riders’ innings with a s late flourish, scoring a brisk 38* off 21, which included two sixes and four boundaries.

For Dhaka Capitals, Ziaur Rahman was the pick of the bowlers as he took two wickets in his quota of four overs.

READ: Tyson Fury comes out of retirement again

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury announced Sunday he will return to boxing in 2026.

Fury has not fought since losing to Oleksandr Usyk in a bout for three of the four major world titles in December 2024.

But the 37-year-old British star posted on Instagram on Sunday: “2026 is that year.

“Been away for a while but I’m back now, 37 years old and still punching. Nothing better to do than punch men in the face and get paid for it.”

Fury also said he was retiring from the sport after beating Dillian Whyte in April 2022, only to return later in the year.

Fury’s history of retirement followed by U-turns meant few believed his most recent claim to end a career that had brought 34 wins in 37 contests.

He was incensed at the judges’ decisions in a pair of defeats by Usyk, the only boxer to beat Fury, who said in last year’s retirement message: “I’m going to end with this: Dick Turpin wore a mask.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The self-styled “Gypsy King” fuelled speculation of another comeback over the festive period by posting several clips on his social media feeds of himself in training.

Despite insisting he had bowed out of the sport, Fury has been repeatedly linked with a long-awaited all-British bout against Anthony Joshua, another former two-time world heavyweight champion.

The pair agreed to a fight in August 2021 when they held all the major world titles between them, but that was scuppered when Fury was ordered to take on Deontay Wilder for a third time by an arbitration hearing.

Plans were in the pipeline for Joshua and Fury to have tune-ups in the early part of this year before finally facing off against each other, either in late summer or towards the back end of 2026.

However, the car crash in Nigeria on Monday, which left Joshua injured and led to the deaths of two close friends and team members, has likely put boxing on the back burner for the 36-year-old.

If Joshua is unavailable, Fury could seek a trilogy fight against WBC, WBA and IBF titlist Usyk or a contest with WBO champion Fabio Wardley.

A win over either would see Fury join Muhammad Ali as a three-time world heavyweight champion.

READ: Australian great Martyn out of coma in ‘miracle’ recovery

Former Australia batter Damien Martyn has awoken from an induced coma following meningitis, ex-teammate Adam Gilchrist said on Sunday in a statement on behalf of Martyn’s family.

Martyn, 54, fell seriously ill last week and was rushed to the hospital.

He was diagnosed with meningitis — an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Now, former wicket-keeper batter Adam Gilchrist provided an update regarding his health, calling his recovery a ‘miracle.’

“It’s been an unbelievable turn of events in the last 48 hours,” Gilchrist said. “He is now able to talk and respond to treatment.”

“He has responded extraordinarily well since coming out of the coma to the point where his family feels it’s like some sort of miracle,” he added.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

He remained hopeful of moving the batter out of the ICU amid speedy recovery.

“It has been so positive that they’re hopeful he will be able to move out of the ICU into another part of the hospital, which is representative of what a great recovery it’s been and how quickly it has flipped around.

He’s in good spirits and overwhelmed by the support. There is still some treatment and monitoring to go, but it’s looking positive,” he concluded.

For the unversed, Damien Martyn represented Australia in 67 Tests and 208 ODIs between 1992 and 2006.

He remained part of Australia’s triumph in the 2003 ODI World Cup. The right-hander played a pivotal role in the final against India alongside skipper Ricky Ponting, scoring an unbeaten 88*.

Damien Martyn called time on his international career during the 2006 Ashes and has kept a low profile since.

READ: Bangladesh opts out of T20 World Cup fixtures in India

DHAKA: The Bangladesh cricket team has decided to pull out of its fixtures scheduled in India for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, the country’s cricket board confirmed on Sunday.

Political relations between India and Bangladesh soured after a mass uprising in Dhaka in 2024 toppled then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina, a close ally of New Delhi.

The decision came in the light of pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s abrupt exclusion from the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.

A day earlier, the left-arm pacer was excluded from the KKR’s squad on the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), after an emergency meeting on Sunday, said it had “formally requested” the International Cricket Council (ICC) shift its games to Sri Lanka.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“The Board of Directors resolved that the Bangladesh National Team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions,” a BCB statement read.

The board linked the decision to players’ security and safety upon the government’s advice.

Earlier, Asif Nazrul, Youth and Sports Adviser in the interim government, said that Dhaka “will not accept any insult to Bangladeshi cricket, cricketers and Bangladesh under any circumstances.”

For the unversed, the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled begin on 7 February in India and Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh, who are slotted in Group C alongside England, West Indies, Italy, and Nepal, were scheduled to play the first three out of their four Super 8 fixtures in Kolkata.

Initially, the mega event was to be hosted solely by India, but strained relations with Pakistan — who will play their matches in Sri Lanka under the hybrid model — led to this decision.

READ: Rizwan, Brown end Renegades’ losing streak in Melbourne Derby

MELBOURNE: Josh Brown, Mohammad Rizwan, and skipper Will Sutherland helped Melbourne Renegades seal a nervy last-ball victory over Melbourne Stars in the 22nd fixture of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Renegades chased down a stiff 174 at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday in front of a record crowd with one ball to spare, losing six wickets in the process.

After Tim Seifert departed for six in the second over, Mohammad Rizwan and Josh Brown made light work of the chase with a 103-run partnership.

The duo composed batting, particularly Brown, made the target look easy before a collapse left them reeling. The pair brought the total to 127 in 14.1 overs.

Brown was bowled by Mitchell Swepson for 84 off 48 with the help of nine fours and four maximums.

However, after Brown’s departure, the Renegades lost their way in the middle, losing 5 for 34 in less than 5 overs.

Rizwan followed him after the 16th over, making 41 off 38 with the help of four boundaries, while Peter Siddle and Haris Rauf combined to rock back with quick wickets, which slumped them to 148-5 in 17.5 overs.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

However, Sutherland held his nerve and launched Marcus Stoinis for two sixes in the final over to win it for his side.

For Melbourne Stars, Peter Siddle and Haris Rauf once again stood tall with the ball, picking up two wickets each.

With this, the Melbourne Renegades ended their three-match losing streak and secured their second win of the season. On the contrary, Stars have now lost two in a row after winning the first four games.

Earlier, put into bat Melbourne Stars managed to put 173-9 on the board at the end of their 20 overs.

Callum Stow and Gurinder Sandhu provided Melbourne Renegades with the start they wanted, keeping the Stars batters on their toes.

At one stage, Stars were reduced to 55-4 in 7.4 overs before a string of partnerships in the lower middle order lifted them out of trouble.

After a shambolic display from the top-order, Tom Curran (38 off 18) and Campbell Kellaway (33 off 27) provided them with respites, which helped them reach a competitive total at the end of their innings.

For the Renegades, Gurinder Sandhu remained the star bowler, who picked up a four-wicket haul.

READ: Bangladesh reveal squad for T20 World Cup 2026

DHAKA: Litton Das is set to lead the Bangladesh 15-member squad in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to begin in Sri Lanka and India on 7 February.

Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed made a return to the side after missing out on the previous series against Ireland. Meanwhile, top-order batter Saif Hassan is named as Das’ deputy.

Jaker Ali is among the notable absentees, who has been axed for the first time since March 2024 after playing all 45 T20Is for the Tigers during this timeframe.

Das, Tanzid Hasan, and Saif Hassan comprise a good top-order, whereas Parvez Hosain Emon could be utilized at the No.04 position.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Overall, the Tigers, who have appeared in all previous editions, will look to rewrite history with improved performances.

The squad’s strength lies in its fast bowling, with seasoned pacers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman alongside Tanzim Hasan, Shoriful Islam, and Mohammad Saifuddin.

Rishad Hossain will lead a potent spin attack that includes Nasum Ahmed and Mahedi Hasan.

Bangladesh’s first three fixtures in the Super 8s are scheduled in Kolkata; however, with strained ties with India, the Bangladesh Cricket Board is expected to formally write to the ICC requesting a venue change to Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh are placed in Group C with England, the West Indies, Nepal, and Italy.

Bangladesh T20 World Cup group fixtures:

v West Indies: February 7, Kolkata

v Italy: February 9, Kolkata

v England: February 14, Kolkata

v Nepal: February 17, Mumbai

Squad

Litton Das (C), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shaif Uddin, Shoriful Islam

READ: BPL: Rossington, bowlers take Chattogram Royals to top of table

SYLHET: A clinical bowling display backed by Adam Rossington’s and Mohammad Naim half-centuries powered Chattogram Royals to a nine wicket win over Sylhet Titans in the 11th match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 here at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Royals chased down a mere target of 127 with ease in 16 overs, losing only wicket in the process.

Mohammad Naim and Adam Rossington made the contest one sided affair with a monumental 115-run partnership for the opening wicket.

The pair took full advantage of fielding restrictions, managing to put 52 in first six overs.

But, it was the middle phase of the innings in which both batters took Sylhet Titans bowlers to the cleaners. After a solid powerplay, Rossington and Naim scored 78 in the middled phase of the innings.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Naim who made 52 off 37, striking four boundaries and three sixes, perished on the fourth ball of the 13th over.

Meanwhile, Adam Rossington remained unbeaten on 73 off just 53 balls with the aid of eight fours and two sixes.

For Sylhet Titans, Rahatul Ferdous took one wicket.

Earlier, put in to bat first, Sylhet Titans could not get going and eventually ended their innings on 126 for 7 in 20 overs.

Chattogram Royals bowlers put pressure from the start as half of Sylhet side was sent back in first five overs.

As a result, they were reduced to 34-5 with Azmatullah Omarzai and Parvez Hossain Emon on the crease.

Watch BPL 2026 matches LIVE Here!

The duo stablized the innings with 43-run partnership which provided them some respite.

Emon made 17 whereas Azmatullah Omarzai remained the top-scorer with 44 from 41 balls with the help of a maximum and four boundaries.

For Royals, Mirza Baig and Mahedi Hasan scalped two apiece. Aamer Jamal, Mukidul Islam and Shoriful Islam also took one each.

With this win, Chattogram Royals are now at top position, with three wins out of four games.

READ: Pakistan submit provisional squad to ICC for T20 World Cup: reports

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has submitted the provisional squad to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the Men’s T20 World Cup.

The final deadline to submit the squad is 31 January, with some teams already revealing theirs.

According to ICC regulations, participating teams are free to revise their preliminary squads without the apex body’s consent until the stipulated deadline; any alterations thereafter will require clearance from the cricketing apex body technical Committee.

According to reports, the squad features Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf.

The reports further indicate that the T20I series against Sri Lanka will be crucial for some players to secure places in the final squad.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

After the completion of the tour, the Green Shirts squad will be named for the T20I series against Australia and the T20 World Cup 2026.

The Pakistan team is scheduled to depart for Sri Lanka in phases on January 4 and 5.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka will contest a three-match T20 International series, with all fixtures to be played in Dambulla on January 7, 9, and 11.

For the unversed, the mega event will run from 7 February to March 8, with the opening match scheduled between Pakistan and the Netherlands.

Pakistan is slotted in Group A alongside India, the Netherlands, the USA, and Namibia

T20 World Cup Groups:

Group A: India, USA, Namibia, Netherlands, Pakistan
Group B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Oman
Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Italy, Nepal
Group D: South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE

Pakistan squad for T20I series vs Sri Lanka

Salman Agha (capt), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq

READ: BBL 15: Warner’s 130* in vain as Hurricanes consolidate top spot

Aston Villa beat struggling Nottingham Forest 3-1 at their home fortress on Saturday to ease the pain of their midweek mauling by Arsenal, leapfrogging Manchester City into second place in the Premier League.

Ollie Watkins’ strike on the cusp of half-time gave Unai Emery’s side a deserved lead and John McGinn grabbed a second early in the second period.

Morgan Gibbs-White pulled a goal back for the visitors but McGinn took advantage of a brain freeze by Forest goalkeeper John Victor to restore Villa’s two-goal lead.

Villa’s 11-game winning streak in all competitions was brought to a shuddering halt with a 4-1 defeat at the Emirates on Tuesday, raising doubts about their ability to maintain a title charge.

But their impressive record at Villa Park remains intact — they have now won 11 straight matches since a 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in August.

Villa started brightly on a bitingly cold day in Birmingham and were denied an early opener when Victor saved a Watkins shot from point-blank range with his legs.

Sean Dyche’s Forest, who came into the match on a three-match losing run, struggled to gain a foothold but the home side failed to take advantage of their dominance in a tepid first half.

The away team came close to taking the lead with their first shot on target when Emi Martinez was forced to dive to his right to deny Omari Hutchinson.

But the in-form Watkins gave Villa a deserved lead in the closing moments of a half in which they enjoyed nearly 80 percent possession.

The England man received the ball outside of the area from Morgan Rogers and slammed home for his fourth goal in three games.

McGinn doubled Villa’s lead in the 49th minute, side-footing into the net after a Matty Cash cross.

Villa appeared to be cruising towards all three points but Forest were back in the game in the 61st minute courtesy of a fine finish from Gibbs-White, who chipped past the diving Martinez.

But Villa were gifted a third goal in the 73rd minute when Victor inexplicably vacated his goalmouth to try to reach a long ball from Youri Tielemans even though there were defenders nearby.

Scotland midfielder McGinn collected the ball and remained cool, sidestepping Victor and stroking the ball into the empty net with his left foot from well outside the area.

The win leaves Villa on 42 points, three behind leaders Arsenal, and one ahead of City.

The Gunners are away at Bournemouth later on Saturday while Pep Guardiola’s men host managerless Chelsea on Sunday.

Forest remain one place above the relegation zone, four points clear of West Ham, who face Wolves later on Saturday.

READ: Xabi Alonso opens up on Kylian Mbappe’s return

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso admitted Saturday that he does not know how long injured superstar Kylian Mbappe will be sidelined for.

The French striker was diagnosed with a knee strain on Wednesday, expected to keep him out for at least three weeks.

“We’ll try to make it happen quickly, it depends a lot on how he feels, but we’ll try to get him back as quickly as possible,” Alonso told a news conference.

“When is as soon as possible? That’s the question. I don’t know.”

The coach said he hopes Mbappe will be back to take part in the Spanish Super Cup, with Los Blancos facing rivals Atletico Madrid in the semi-final on January 8.

Mbappe, 27, is Madrid’s top goalscorer with 29 goals this season across all competitions in 24 appearances.

Alonso will be without the striker for Sunday’s La Liga clash against Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Madrid trail leaders Barcelona by four points, with the Catalans visiting city rivals Espanyol on Saturday.

Alonso came under heavy pressure in December amid Madrid’s inconsistent form, with his future still on the line in the weeks ahead.

One bright spot was Brazilian forward Rodrygo Goes bursting into form towards the end of 2025, and Alonso wants him to continue in the same vein.

“He played some very good games at the end of the year… we need him, like everyone else,” said Alonso.

“To make up for Kylian’s absence we have different options, and Rodrygo is one of them.”

READ: BBL 15: Warner’s 130* in vain as Hurricanes consolidate top spot