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SYLHET: An all-round effort led by Imad Wasim and Abdullah Al Mamun guided Dhaka Capitals to a comfortable victory over Rajshahi Warriors in their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) clash at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Opting to field first, Dhaka Capitals struck immediately as Imad delivered a perfect start, dismissing Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan with the very first ball of the innings.

Rajshahi skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, fresh off an unbeaten century in the previous match, tried to steady the innings and emerged as the top-scorer with 37 off 28 balls, laced with two fours and as many sixes.

However, Rajshahi failed to build momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals against a disciplined bowling display.

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Mushfiqur Rahim chipped in with 24 off 23 balls, while Mohammad Nawaz provided some late resistance with an unbeaten 26 off 26 deliveries.

Rajshahi Warriors were eventually restricted to 132 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.

Imad Wasim was the standout with the ball, returning impressive figures of 3 for 16.

Nasir Hossain picked up two wickets, while Salman Mirza, Ziaur Rahman and Mohammad Saifuddin claimed one apiece to keep Rajshahi in check.

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In reply, Dhaka Capitals suffered an early setback as opener Saif Hassan was dismissed for one in the second over.

Abdullah Al Mamun then took charge of the chase, anchoring the innings with a composed 45 off 39 balls, including five boundaries and a six, to put his side firmly in control.

After Mamun’s dismissal, Sabbir Rahman played a brisk cameo of 21 off just 10 deliveries, sealing the chase in style with a towering six, as Dhaka Capitals crossed the target with ease.

For Rajshahi Warriors, Mohammad Nawaz was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Sandeep Lamichhane picked up one each.

READ: Steve Smith opens up after first Ashes home Test loss for 15 years

MELBOURNE: Captain Steve Smith said Saturday that Australia had left themselves 60 runs short and could have taken a more aggressive batting approach, after they lost the fourth Test against England for a first home Ashes defeat in 15 years.

England came out on top of a seesawing contest at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), played on a grassy, bowler-friendly deck that made batting treacherous and was all over inside two days.

After being dismissed for 152 in their first innings, Australia managed only 132 in their second to leave England with 175 to chase for victory.

They got over the line with four wickets to spare.

“Obviously, a very quick game,” Smith said. “I think if we got 50 or 60 more runs across both innings, we might have been there at the end, but credit to England.”

“They came out today and fought really well this morning, didn’t let us get away.”

The victory ended England’s 18-match Test winless streak on Australian soil, with an aggressive approach to the run chase by Ben Stokes’s men paying off.

Ben Duckett and Harry Brook, in particular, reverted to the ultra-attacking “Bazball” style pioneered by coach Brendon McCullum and skipper Stokes.

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Steve Smith said it was something Australia would review in the wash-up.

“I think the guy with the most success on that wicket was probably Harry Brook, running down the wicket, playing some kind of rogue shots, I suppose, and trying to get the bowlers off their lengths that way,” he said.

“You know, whether we could have been a bit more proactive, potentially, and played a few more of those. That’s something we’ll talk about.

“But in the end, it’s also tricky to do that. You want to try and dig in for your team sometimes.

“You have to weigh up whether you should have gone harder, or you should have reined it in. And everyone’s different the way they go about it as well.”

Australia had already retained the Ashes after eight-wicket wins in Perth and Brisbane and an 82-run victory at Adelaide.

“We’d love to win every game and keep every streak going,” Smith said of England snapping their long winless record in Australia.

“But England played really well today. We probably controlled the first half of the game, all yesterday, and then they came back into play today and took the game away from us.”

Australia lead the series 3-1 with the fifth and final Test starting in Sydney on January 4.

READ: Dhaka Capitals coach dies after collapsing ahead of BPL match

Tragedy struck the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Saturday as Dhaka Capitals assistant coach, Mahbub Ali Zaki, collapsed just before the clash against Rajshahi Warriors in Sylhet and later passed away.

The incident occurred during pre-match preparations, roughly 20 minutes before the scheduled start.

Players from both teams were warming up near their dressing rooms when Zaki suddenly fell ill and collapsed.

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Emergency medical attention was administered immediately, including CPR, before he was rushed to Al Haramain Hospital in Sylhet.

Despite intensive care efforts and being moved to the hospital’s ICU, Zaki, a seasoned domestic cricket coach, could not be saved and succumbed to a heart attack.

Dhaka Capitals confirmed the heartbreaking news through an official statement on social media, expressing profound grief over the loss.

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“It is with great sadness to we inform you that our dear assistant coach of the Dhaka Capitals family has left us after suffering from heart disease,” the franchise wrote on Facebook.

“We are deeply saddened by this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.”

READ: Former Pakistan pacer slams Babar Azam over BBL struggles

Former Pakistan fast bowler Abdur Rauf has voiced sharp criticism of star batter Babar Azam, following his inconsistent run in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Rauf, who represented Pakistan in three Tests, four ODIs, and a T20I, argued that Babar’s recent struggles indicate a loss of key batting fundamentals, warning that continuing in short-format leagues could further strain the right-hander’s game.

“Babar has lost a lot of very important credentials of batting,” Rauf wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

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“This is not the platform to mend your mistakes; you are just building more pressure on yourself. Your advisors are piece of s***. If you continue like this, how long will you survive?”

The criticism comes after Babar’s BBL campaign began on a challenging note, with single-digit scores in three of his four appearances for Sydney Sixers.

The lone bright spot was his 58-run innings against Sydney Thunder last week.

Abdur Rauf urged Babar to shift focus to longer formats to refine his technique and regain confidence.

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“Long format, county cricket or domestic first-class cricket is the only platform for you to work on your technique, spend most of the time on the pitch, play long innings, [and] then you will manage to improve your faults. It will not only relax your mind but also relieve stress from your body,” Rauf advised.

He also questioned Babar’s heavy involvement in franchise leagues, highlighting the unnecessary pressure they bring.

“Why are you putting more pressure on yourself by playing short formats and these leagues? You have enough money to pass your life comfortably, then why are you running after it and putting more stress on your mind and body that will lead you to ruin your career in the end?” Rauf added.

READ: England claim first Ashes victory in Australia since 2011

MELBOURNE: A fighting England won their first Test in Australia since 2011 on Saturday, restoring their battered pride with a gutsy four-wicket victory to clinch a chaotic fourth Ashes clash that was all over inside two days.

The pumped-up tourists dismissed Australia for 132 soon after lunch in front of a bumper 92,045 crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), following the 20 wickets that tumbled on day one.

It left them chasing 175 to win, with Harry Brook (18) and Jamie Smith (three) seeing them home for the loss of six wickets to huge roars from their travelling “Barmy Army” of fans. Jacob Bethell contributed 40 and Zak Crawley 37.

England crashed in the first three Tests and arrived in Melbourne under enormous pressure, amid questions about their limited preparations and allegations of excessive drinking during a mid-series beach break.

But they finally came good and will head to Sydney for the fifth and final Test, brimming with confidence.

England had not won a Test in Australia since January 2011 at Sydney, losing 16 and drawing two since, and openers Crawley and Ben Duckett had a clear objective to snap the streak, play ultra-aggressive “Bazball” style.

Duckett hit a boundary off Mitchell Starc in his first over, while Crawley slammed Michael Neser for a six and a four in successive balls.

They brought up a whirlwind fifty opening partnership, but next ball, Duckett was bowled by a Starc yorker for 34.

Fast bowler Brydon Carse then strode to the middle as a surprise number three in place of Bethell.

But England’s pinch-hitting experiment failed as Carse lasted only eight balls before skying Jhye Richardson to Cameron Green.

Crawley fell lbw to Scott Boland after a gritty knock, and Bethell was caught by Usman Khawaja from the same bowler.

Richardson trapped Joe Root (15) lbw, and Starc accounted for Ben Stokes (2), but by then only 10 runs were needed, and Brook and Smith completed the job.

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Australia resumed on 4-0 in their second innings after an explosive opening day of searing pace saw 20 wickets fall with the hosts dismissed for 152 and England just 110.

It was the most wickets to tumble on the first day of an Ashes Test since 1909, and eclipsed the 19 on day one of the series opener in Perth.

With 10 millimetres of grass on the track, it was a bowler’s dream, but a host of former greats criticised the pitch for “doing too much” and being “unfair for the batters”.

Nightwatchman Boland added two to his overnight four, but his time was always going to be limited, and he edged Gus Atkinson to wicketkeeper Smith.

Atkinson left the field soon after clutching what appeared to be his left hamstring.

Josh Tongue came into the attack on a hat-trick after bagging the last two Australia wickets on day one, but Jake Weatherald whipped his full ball for three.

Weatherald needed a decent knock to cement his spot at the top of the order, but he failed again, bowled by Stokes for five, leaving a delivery that nipped back.

Travis Head was joined by Marnus Labuschagne, but he only made eight, caught by Root in the slips off Tongue.

Head was in good touch before being bowled on 46 by a peach of a delivery from Carse that beat the outside edge, and when Khawaja (0) and Alex Carey (4) departed in the space of nine balls, the momentum was back with England.

After reaching lunch at 98-6, Green (19) became the seventh wicket to fall with the score on 119, edging a rising Stokes ball to Harry Brook at slip.

Carse bagged Neser and Starc without scoring, and Richardson fell to Stokes with the last four wickets tumbling for 13 runs, leaving Steve Smith unbeaten on 24.

READ: Short Tests are bad for business: Cricket Australia boss after MCG carnage

Cricket Australia (CA) chief Todd Greenberg stated on Saturday that short Tests were detrimental to the game’s business, as some of the biggest names in the sport criticised the state of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) pitch.

Twenty wickets tumbled on day one of the fourth Test between Australia and England on Friday, with the hosts dismissed for 152 and the tourists just 110.

Six more fell on the second morning with Australia 98-6 at lunch, meaning 26 wickets had fallen in 98 overs and four sessions.

It was the most wickets to fall on the first day of an Ashes Test since 1909, and came on the back of 19 wickets being taken on day one of the series opener in Perth.

The Perth Test ended in two days, costing Cricket Australia (CA) millions of dollars in lost revenue, with Melbourne also shaping as a major dent to the governing body’s finances.

“I didn’t sleep well last night, put it that way,” Greenberg said on SEN radio after more than 94,000 packed into the MCG for Friday’s first day.

“It was an amazing day of Test cricket, so for that record number of people who were here, boy, they’ve had an experience.

“But our challenge is to make sure we can continue those experiences day after day. That’s the challenge for all of us.”

The Melbourne pitch was prepared with 10 millimetres of grass on the wicket, making it heavily favourable for the bowlers with plenty of movement and bounce under overcast skies.

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Greenberg said a trend towards shorter Test matches was not in Cricket Australia’s interest.

“A simple phrase I’d use is short Tests are bad for business. I can’t be much more blunt than that,” he said. “So I would like to see a slightly broader balance between the bat and the ball.”

A host of former greats have been critical of the Melbourne pitch, with former England captain Michael Vaughan on Saturday calling it “a joke”.

“This is selling the game short,” he added, while another ex-England skipper, Alastair Cook, branded it “an unfair contest”.

Curators in Australia are traditionally independent when it comes to preparing pitches, both from captains and Cricket Australia.

Todd Greenberg suggested a more interventionist approach might be needed.

“It’s hard not to get more involved when you see the impact on the sport, especially commercially, he said.

“I’m not suggesting I’ll go around talking to ground staff, but we do have to have a careful eye on what our expectations are over the course of a summer.”

READ: Dorgu scores winner for depleted Manchester United against Newcastle

Patrick Dorgu scored his first Manchester United goal to help the depleted Red Devils to a 1-0 win over Newcastle to propel Ruben Amorim’s men up to fifth in the Premier League.

Short of captain Bruno Fernandes due to injury, plus the absence of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo due to the Africa Cup of Nations, Amorim’s change of role for Dorgu paid dividends.

The Danish international connected sweetly with a looping ball on his left foot for the only goal to compound Newcastle’s miserable away form despite the visitors dominating the second half.

A first home win in two months takes United level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea, while Newcastle remain down in 11th.

After a series of promising performances went without reward in recent weeks, this time United got over the line despite having to mount a rearguard action to secure just a second clean sheet of the season.

Amorim responded to the loss of Fernandes by finally switching from his preferred 3-4-3 system to a back four, with Dorgu thrust into a more attacking role on the right side of a three behind Benjamin Sesko up front.

Dorgu duly delivered his first goal for United since joining from Lecce nearly a year ago.

Diogo Dalot’s cross was cleared high into the air before the 21-year-old volleyed past Aaron Ramsdale on 24 minutes.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe himself made an early formation change to adapt to a fast start from United.

But Howe has struggled all season for answers to the Magpies’ woeful form on the road.

Newcastle have won just twice in 12 games away from Tyneside in all competitions.

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Ramsdale denied Dorgu a second at the end of another dangerous United counter-attack before half-time.

Yet, Amorim’s forward options were dealt another blow when Mason Mount did not reappear for the second half.

Jack Fletcher, son of former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, was introduced for his first appearance at Old Trafford.

Newcastle sensed their opportunity as they penned the home side inside their own half for practically the entire second half without reward.

Amorim tinkered with his system once more to try and turn the tide, but his substitution of Casemiro left the Brazilian befuddled.

Despite barely being able to escape their own half, United still had two huge chances to kill the game off.

Sesko smashed off the bar from a narrow angle before Dalot blazed over after being picked out by Lisandro Martinez’s free-kick.

Lewis Hall crashed a strike off the crossbar with Newcastle’s best effort.

Anthony Gordon and Lewis Miley both fired wastefully high over the bar after intricate play to finally create some space inside the United box.

But Newcastle joined local rivals Sunderland as the only sides to not score against United this season in the latest blow to their hopes of a return to the Champions League next year.

READ: Salah helps Egypt beat South Africa to book AFCON last-16 place

Mohamed Salah scored as 10-man Egypt beat South Africa 1-0 in Agadir on Friday to become the first qualifiers for the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Liverpool star converted a penalty on 45 minute, and South Africa were denied a spot-kick late in the second half when Yasser Ibrahim appeared to handle the ball inside the box.

Egypt were reduced to 10 men in the first-half added time when right-back Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card for a stamp, followed by a red.

After two rounds in Group B, record seven-time champions Egypt have six points and are guaranteed a top-two finish and a place in the round of 16.

South Africa have three points, and Angola and Zimbabwe one each after they drew 1-1 in Marrakesh earlier.

“I’m very happy with the result, for sure. It was a tough game; they dominated most of the time. It’s a team that can keep the ball for a long time, so I think we had a good game plan, it worked,” said Salah.

“We walked away with the three points, it’s the most important thing. The atmosphere is incredible. Hopefully, we can carry on like this.”

The first chance fell to Salah after 11 minutes, but he could not move forward quickly enough to connect with a low cross from Hany.

That the majority of the crowd were supporting the Pharaohs became obvious soon after when the Burundi referee ignored Zizo’s appeals for a free-kick, and loud whistling enveloped the stadium.

When Mohamed Salah delivered a free-kick into the heart of the South African area, three Egyptians darted forward, but none could connect with the ball.

Midway through the opening half, a pattern had developed, Egypt were pushing forward regularly while South Africa defended with calmness and solid tackling.

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When Teboho Mokoena fouled Omar Marmoush just outside the D, he was yellow-carded. However, the Manchester City striker fired the resultant free-kick wide.

As the first half progressed, the sun broke out in the southern coastal city, a welcome sight for players and spectators with many earlier group matches staged in torrential rain.

A rare South Africa attack ended disappointingly as Lyle Foster struck a weak shot that was comfortably saved by 37-year-old Mohamed El Shenawy.

Awarded a free-kick close to the touchline, South Africa performed an intricate, multi-pass move that ended tamely as El Shenawy clutched a cross.

Salah was being closely policed by Aubrey Modiba, and as half-time drew near, the Liverpool star retreated into the Egyptian half to retain possession.

Then, as the Egypt captain chased a loose ball with Khuliso Mudau, the South African right-back raised his left arm, striking an eye of Salah.

Amid Egyptian protests, the Burundian referee viewed the incident on a VAR monitor and pointed to the penalty spot.

A lengthy delay before the kick was taken could not have eased the nerves of Salah, but he comfortably converted the penalty as Ronwen Williams dived in the wrong direction.

More drama erupted in added time when Hany stamped on Mokoena, leading to a second yellow card for the defender.

South Africa, with a numerical advantage, attacked more as the second half progressed, but Egypt came close to a second goal with Williams foiling substitute Emam Ashour after a quick free-kick.

El Shenawy displayed his agility with 15 minutes remaining, using his right hand to tip to safety a low shot from Foster. It was one of several saves that kept Egypt ahead.

WATCH: Struggling Babar Azam falls cheaply against Melbourne Stars

SYDNEY: Pakistan batting star Babar Azam continued his inconsistent run in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 15 as he was dismissed for just two runs during Sydney Sixers’ clash against Melbourne Stars on Friday.

Opening the innings for the Sixers, Babar looked uncomfortable from the outset against Tom Curran, who troubled him with a probing out-swinging line.

The right-hander failed to connect with his first three deliveries, all of which carried safely through to the wicketkeeper.

Curran eventually found the breakthrough on the fifth ball of the over, getting one to swing late and draw a thick outside edge, which was comfortably taken by Glenn Maxwell at slip.

Babar departed after facing seven balls, adding another low score to his tally.

 

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The dismissal marked the third time in the tournament that the former Pakistan captain has fallen for a single-digit score.

He had a forgettable start to his BBL campaign, managing just two runs off five balls on debut against Perth Scorchers in a match the Sixers went on to lose.

That was followed by another lean outing against Adelaide Strikers, where he scored nine off 11 deliveries, including a solitary boundary, as Sydney suffered consecutive defeats.

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Babar Azam did show signs of recovery in his third appearance, registering his first BBL half-century with a composed 58 off 42 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes.

That innings played a key role in Sydney Sixers securing their first win of the season and briefly silencing questions over his form.

READ: Pakistan U19 to begin tri-series campaign against Afghanistan

HARARE: Pakistan, the champions of the ACC U19 Asia Cup, will take on Afghanistan in their opening match of the tri-series on Saturday here at the Harare Sports Club.

Pakistan clinched the eight-team ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup in Dubai after defeating India by 191 runs in the final in Dubai on 21 December.

The side will play a minimum of four matches in the 50-over tri-series, which also includes hosts Zimbabwe.

Pakistan will face Zimbabwe at the Prince Edward School in Harare on 29 December, followed by their second encounter against Afghanistan at the Sunrise Sports Club in Harare on 2 January.

Pakistan will then take on the hosts again on Sunday, 4 January.

The top two teams of the tournament will contest the final on Tuesday, 6 January.

The tri-series provides a valuable opportunity for all three sides to prepare for the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, scheduled to be played in Namibia and Zimbabwe from 15 January to 6 February.

Pakistan are placed in Group C and will play their group-stage matches in Harare from 16 to 22 January.

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The Super Six stage will take place from 25 January to 1 February, followed by the semi-finals on 3 and 4 February.

The final of the 16-team tournament will be played at the Harare Sports Club on 6 February.

Pakistan held their first training session on Friday ahead of their first match.

“The Asia Cup was a good win for us, and the players showed great morale and intensity. The players are confident and excited as we head into the tri-series,” said Pakistan U19 captain Farhan Yousaf.

“The tri-series is very important for the players and will help us find the right combinations ahead of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup.

“The conditions here are similar and will be beneficial for our World Cup preparations.

“Both teams in the tournament are strong and competitive, and we respect every opposition as we look forward to a competitive event.”

Pakistan U19 squad: Farhan Yousaf (c), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas and Umar Zaib

Non-travelling reserves: Abdul Qadir, Farhanullah, Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar and Mohammad Huzaifa

Tri-series Pakistan fixtures:

• 27 December – Afghanistan v Pakistan, Harare Sports Club
• 29 December – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Prince Edward
• 2 January – Pakistan v Afghanistan, Sunrise Sports Club
• 4 January – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Old Hararians Sports Club
• ICC U19 World Cup Pakistan fixtures:
• 16 January – Pakistan v England, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
• 19 January – Pakistan v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
• 22 January – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
• 24 January to 1 February – Super 6 matches
• 3 February – First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
• 4 February – Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
• 6 February – Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare

READ: Shanto’s century powers Rajshahi Warriors to victory in BPL opener