Tag: Bangladesh

SYLHET: Zimbabwe successfully chased down the modest target of 174 runs, defeating Bangladesh by three wickets in the first Test, despite a brilliant bowling performance by Mehidy Hasan Miraz on Wednesday.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz recorded his second five-wicket haul for the match but it was in vain as Zimbabwe’s batsmen held their nerve to close out the match despite losing quick wickets.

Zimbabwe chased down their target of 174 by the third session of the fourth day with three wickets in hand, their first win against Bangladesh since 2018, and their first against any team in four years, to secure a 1-0 lead.

Brian Bennett racked up his second fifty of the match to lead the chase on a surface that Bangladesh’s bowlers failed to exploit early.

Bennett and his opening partner Ben Curran laid a solid foundation with a partnership of 95 runs before Curran fell to Mehidy while attempting to play him over long on.

Curran failed to gauge the spin and ended up sending a catch to the mid-off.

Mehidy quickly bagged four more wickets for Bangladesh, sending tremors through the Zimbabwe camp, while Taijul Islam chipped in with another two.

But Wessly Madhevere (19 not out), Wellington Masakadza (12), and Richard Ngarava (4 not out) held their nerve to guide Zimbabwe home.

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Bangladesh posted 255 in the second innings, with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and wicket-keeper-batter Jaker Ali contributing with a fifty each.

But the failures of batters such as Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy prevented them from setting up a more challenging target.

The Sylhet pitch is known to assist the fast bowlers, but, unlike Muzarabani, Bangladesh’s pacemen failed to capitalise on the home conditions.

The onus fell on the spin duo of Mehidy and Taijul, but their efforts weren’t enough to make the required impact.

Zimbabwe earlier responded with 273 to Bangladesh’s first innings of 191, with Nahid Rana taking three wickets alongside Mehidy’s five.

An 82-run first-innings lead put Zimbabwe in a commanding position, and they went on to record a big win.

Zimbabwe achieved its eighth victory over Bangladesh in 19 Tests, matching Bangladesh’s number of wins against them.

The second and final Test between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh will be played in Chattogram from April 28.

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Najmul Hossain Shanto batting heroics on Tuesday pushed Bangladesh second innings lead to 112 on the third day of the first Test against Zimbabwe, with the home team on 194-4.

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, who scored 40 in the first innings, remained unbeaten on 60 when bad light stopped play in Sylhet.

Najmul Hossain Shanto was ably supported by Jaker Ali, who was unbeaten on 21, and the duo will be looking on day four to stretch their team’s lead beyond 200 against an impressive Zimbabwe batting line-up.

Bangladesh ended the second day on a strong note after a disappointing first day, when Zimbabwe bowled them out for a modest 191.

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An impressive spell by spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who took five wickets, helped Bangladesh restrict the visitors to 273 — a lead of only 82.

The entire morning session on the third day was washed out by rain, making only 44 overs possible through the day’s play.

Bangladesh started the day at 57-1 and added 60 runs in a solid second-wicket stand between Mominul Haque (47) and opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy (33).

Zimbabwe speedster Blessing Muzarabani, who took three wickets in the first innings, added three more to his tally and closed the day at 3-51.

Muzarabani removed both Bangladesh openers, Shadman Islam (4) and Joy. He also took the key wicket of Mushfiqur Rahim (4).

The right-armer was supported by Victor Nyauchi, who was the only other Zimbabwe bowler to take a wicket in Bangladesh’s second innings.

Bangladesh have long been formidable on their slow and spin-friendly home pitches, but have several veterans missing this series.

They have won eight out of 18 Tests against Zimbabwe — their highest total against any Test side, including four of the past five.

The second and final Test between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will be played in Chattogram from April 28.

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Spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed five wickets as Bangladesh managed to restrict Zimbabwe to 273 on Monday for a modest 82-run lead on the second day of the first Test.

Zimbabwe finished the first day in Sylhet in a commanding position after bowling out the hosts for 191 and then racing to 67 without loss.

However, opener Ben Curran fell on 18 to Nahid Rana at the start of the second day, and his partner Brian Bennett, who hit an aggressive 64-ball 57, was removed soon after with the score on 88-2.

Sean Williams (59) was the only other Zimbabwe batter to reach fifty. Wessly Madhevere (24), Nyasha Mayavo (35), and Richard Ngarava (28) all failed to build bigger scores.

Off-spinner Mehidy took the key wickets of Williams, Mayavo, and Ngarava to finish with 5-52 on a wicket that was expected to help the pace bowlers.

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Nahid took 3-74 with aggressive bowling in support of Mehidy.

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss on the first day and opted to bat first, but his batters were unable to capitalise.

Shanto must now hope that they can make the most of the friendly home conditions to set a formidable target for the visitors.

Bangladesh have won eight of the 18 Tests against Zimbabwe, their highest total against any Test side, with four of them in their past five encounters.

The second and final Test of the series will be played in Chattogram from April 28.

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Zimbabwe finished the first day of the first Test in a commanding position at 67-0 after an inspired bowling performance dismissed Bangladesh for 191 runs on Sunday.

The visitors’ opening pair of Brian Bennett, unbeaten on 40 off 37 balls, and Ben Curran (17) took the attack to Bangladesh’s bowlers in the 14.1 overs they faced before bad light stopped play.

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, who scored 40, earlier won the toss and opted to bat first on a pace-friendly wicket.

But his batters failed to capitalise on the decision and none of them, including top-scorer Mominul Haque (56) or Jakir Ali, who made 28, were able to turn good starts into decent Test scores.

The Zimbabwe attack bowled aggressive and disciplined lines, with paceman Blessing Muzarabani and left-arm orthodox Wellington Masakadza both taking three wickets.

They were assisted by Victor Nyauchi and Wessley Madhevere, who shared the other four wickets.

Nyauchi set the tone for Zimbabwe, sending back the opening pair of Bangladesh early in the first session with only 32 runs on the board.

Shadman Islam was the first to fall for 12 in the ninth over, with Nyauchi also removing Mahmudul Hasan Joy (14) in his next over.

A third-wicket partnership of 66 runs between Haque and Shanto gave the home team’s score some respectability.

Bangladesh’s relatively inexperienced pace attack of Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana and Khalid Rana couldn’t find their lines against Bennett, who hit six fours.

Trailing only by 124 runs, Zimbabwe have a rare opportunity to set a formidable first innings total with the pitch expected to be better for the batters on the second day.

Bangladesh are ranked ninth and Zimbabwe are at the bottom of the 12-team ICC Test rankings after a disappointing year and both teams are hoping for a better start to the long season ahead.

The hosts have been formidable on the slow and spin-friendly home pitches, but have several veterans missing.

The second and final Test of the series between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will be played in Chattogram from April 28.

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Pakistan wrapped up their ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier campaign on a high, outclassing Bangladesh by seven wickets in their final group match at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground on Saturday.

Already through to the ICC Women’s World Cup in India later this year, Pakistan showed no signs of complacency as they produced another disciplined all-round performance to maintain their unbeaten run in the tournament.

Asked to bowl first after Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana won the toss, Pakistan’s bowlers responded brilliantly.

Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal was the pick of the attack, finishing with impressive figures of 3/28 in her 10 overs, while skipper Fatima Sana and Diana Baig chipped in with two wickets each.

Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sandhu bagged one apiece as Bangladesh limped to 178/9 in their allotted 50 overs.

Only Ritu Moni (48 off 76) and Fahima Khatun (44* off 53) offered any resistance with the bat, but the lack of partnerships at the top proved costly in what was a must-win game for Bangladesh.

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In reply, Pakistan made light work of the chase to remain unbeaten in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier.

Muneeba Ali anchored the innings with a classy 69 off 93 deliveries, laced with eight boundaries, while Aliya Riaz guided the side home with an unbeaten 52 off 65, hitting six fours and a six.

Sidra Amin also contributed a steady 33 at the top to ensure the hosts were always ahead of the game. Pakistan reached the target with 62 balls to spare, losing just three wickets in the process.

For Bangladesh, Rabeya Khan, Nahida Akter, and Marufa Akter claimed a wicket each, but there was little joy for their camp as they now face an anxious wait.

With just one spot remaining, Bangladesh’s hopes of qualification for the ICC Women’s World Cup now hinge on the result of the final match between West Indies and Thailand.

If the West Indies manage a big win, they could leapfrog Bangladesh into the second spot and book their ticket to the World Cup alongside Pakistan.

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The India men’s cricket team is set to tour Bangladesh for a white-ball series featuring three ODIs and as many T20Is, scheduled for August 2025.

The ODI series between the two nations will commence on 17 August at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. The second ODI will take place at the same venue on 20 August.

The final ODI will be held at the Chattogram’s Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Motiur Rahman Cricket Stadium (formerly known as the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium).

The first bilateral T20I series for India in Bangladesh will start on 26 August in Chattogram, with the other two matches taking place in Mirpur on August 29 and 31.

The series will also serve as a final preparation ground for the Asia Cup, which will be hosted by India.

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Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury expressed his excitement for the forthcoming series, praising India for setting the benchmark across all formats in international cricket.

“This series promises to be one of the most exciting and most anticipated events in our home calendar,” he said.

“India have set the benchmark in international cricket across all formats, and the cricket-loving millions in both countries are sure to enjoy this contest, added Nizam Uddin.

The most recent T20I series between Bangladesh and India occurred in 2024, with India hosting the matches. India won the series decisively, finishing with a 3-0 victory over Bangladesh.

In contrast, the last ODI series between the two teams took place in 2022, where Bangladesh hosted and secured the series win with a margin of 2-1.

Schedule for India’s tour of Bangladesh

ODI Series:

• 1st ODI – 17 August, Mirpur
• 2nd ODI – 20 August, Mirpur
• 3rd ODI – 23 August, Chattogram

T20I Series:

• 1st T20I – 26 August, Chattogram
• 2nd T20I – 29 August, Mirpur
• 3rd T20I – 31 August , Mirpur

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Former Pakistan pacer Umar Gul has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the role of Bangladesh men’s cricket team’s bowling coach, according to media reports.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is reportedly dissatisfied with the performance of the current bowling coach, Andre Adams and is considering replacing him despite his contract running until February 2026.

As per reports, Gul and former Australian pacer Shaun Tait are among the frontrunners to take over the role if the BCB decides to move on from Adams.

Both Umar Gul and Tait bring significant coaching experience to the table, having previously served as Pakistan’s bowling coach. Additionally, Gul has worked with Afghanistan’s national team as a coach.

The possible shake-up in the bowling department comes as part of broader changes in Bangladesh’s coaching setup.

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The BCB recently extended the contract of head coach Phil Simmons until the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to work with Bangladesh cricket on a long-term basis,” Simmons had said about his extension.

“The talent within this team is undeniable, and I believe we have the potential to achieve great things together. I am looking forward to the journey ahead.

“My time with the Bangladesh team over the past few months has been incredibly rewarding.

The energy, commitment, and ability within this group have been nothing short of impressive. I’m excited to continue helping these players reach their full potential.”

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The Bangladesh men’s cricket team is likely to tour Pakistan in May for a white-ball series featuring three ODIs and as many T20Is, as per reports emerging on Tuesday.

If the series goes ahead, it will mark Bangladesh’s second tour of Pakistan in consecutive years, following their historic 2-0 Test series victory over the hosts last year.

The series is expected to be scheduled shortly after the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10, which is set to take place from April 11 to May 18.

While the series was originally part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP), it was postponed due to the packed schedules of both teams.

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However, recent discussions during Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Chairman Faruque Ahmed’s visit to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 meetings have put the series back on track.

“I would like to thank PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for the invitation,” said Ahmed. “Both boards have discussed the possibility of holding a white-ball series outside of the FTP, and talks are ongoing to finalize the schedule.”

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi welcomed Ahmed to Pakistan and appreciated Bangladesh’s support for the Champions Trophy 2025. He also confirmed that the two boards have been in discussions for several weeks regarding the series.

Reports from Dhaka indicate that the matches are likely to be held in Faisalabad, Multan, and Lahore.

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Bangladesh all-rounder Mahmudullah Riyad has called time on his international career after announcing his retirement from ODIs through a social-media post on Wednesday.

Mahmudullah’s retirement came after Bangladesh’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The 39-year-old had already taken retirement from Tests and T20Is in 2021 and 2024 respectively.

“All praises only for the Almighty Allah. I have decided to retire from international cricket,” Mahmudullah wrote on his official Facebook page.

The right-hander penned a heartfelt message, thanking his family, friends and fans for supporting him throughout his career.

“I would like to thank all of my team-mates, coaches and specially my fans who has always supported me.”

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“A big thank you to my parents, my in-laws specially my father in law & most importantly my brother Emdad Ullah who has been there for me constantly since my childhood as my coach & mentor, ” he added.

Mahmudullah Riyad concluded his 19-year career as the fourth-highest run-scorer for Bangladesh, trailing only Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, and Tamim Iqbal.

The all-rounder amassed 5,689 runs at an average of 36.46, which included four centuries and 32 fifties.

Mahmudullah Riyad’s retirement also marked the end of Bangladesh’s golden generation in cricket, as Shakib and Tamim had already announced their retirements from international cricket.

However, Mushfiqur Rahim, who announced his retirement from ODIs last week, will continue playing in the Test format.

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Bangladesh wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim has announced his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket following his team’s winless performance in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The 37-year-old, who is the most experienced ODI batter for Bangladesh, shared this news on social media.

Mushfiqur Rahim represented Bangladesh in 274 ODIs since making his debut against Zimbabwe in 2006.

The right-hander finished as Bangladesh’s second-highest ODI run-getter, amassing 7795 runs at an average of 36.42, with nine centuries and 49 half-centuries.

He is also one of only five wicketkeepers to have played more than 250 ODIs. His seven centuries as a wicketkeeper rank fourth-most in history, surpassed only by Kumar Sangakkara, Adam Gilchrist, and MS Dhoni.

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In a heartfelt message on his official Facebook page, Mushfiqur Rahim announced his retirement and expressed gratitude for everything he experienced throughout his career.

“I am announcing my retirement from the ODI format as of today,” said Mushfiqur.

“Alhamdulillah for everything. While our achievements may have been limited on a global level, one thing is certain: whenever I stepped onto the field for my country, I gave more than 100% with dedication and honesty.”

He acknowledged the challenges he faced in recent weeks and indicated that he has come to accept this decision as part of his destiny.

Mushfiqur also thanked his family, friends, and fans for their unwavering support over his 19-year career.

“The last few weeks have been very challenging for me, and I have come to realize that this is my destiny.”

“Lastly, I would like to deeply thank my family, friends and my fans for whom I have played cricket for the last 19 years,” he concluded.

It’s worth mentioning that he has already stepped away from T20 Internationals, yet he is currently at 94 Tests and is on track to be the first Bangladeshi to achieve the milestone of 100 Tests.

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