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  • Bangladesh rewrite history in Rawalpindi

    Bangladesh rewrite history in Rawalpindi

    Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by six wickets in a rain-affected second cricket Test to convincingly sweep the two-Test series 2-0 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Bangladesh had last week won the first Test by 10 wickets after Pakistan had declared their first innings at 448 for six.

    This was just Bangladesh’s third series win outside home and first against Pakistan. And befittingly, Bangladesh’s most decorated and experienced cricketers – Mushfiqur Rahim (22) and Shakib Al Hasan (21) – were at the crease when their side wrote history. The two batters had joined hands at 153 for four after Abrar Ahmed had picked up his only wicket of the Test by dismissing Mominul Haque (34).

    In the first Test, Mushfiqur had scored a gallant 191 to steer Bangladesh to a commanding 565 in the first innings, while Shakib had taken four wickets in the match, including three for 44 as Pakistan were spun out for 146.

    For Pakistan, it was their sixth loss in 10 Tests at home since their 95 runs victory over South Africa on 8 February 2021, making it 1,303 days without a home Test win. Overall, it was Pakistan’s 11th loss in 23 Tests with eight wins since Hasan Ali’s 10-fer against Quinton de Kock’s side.

    It was also Shan Masood’s fifth successive loss as Pakistan captain since taking over from Babar Azam for last year’s tour to Australia, while it was also a forgettable start for Jason Gillespie as Pakistan’s red-ball head coach. With Pakistan’s next Test against England at home on 7 October, Bangladesh have left Pakistan with a mountain to climb.

    The series loss has also ended Pakistan’s hopes of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s next June. After seven Tests, Pakistan is languishing eighth in the nine-team table with 16 points.

    Resuming their second innings at the overnight score of 42 for no loss in pursuit of 185 runs target, Bangladesh went for lunch at 122 for two and wrapped up the series a stroke before tea as rain stayed away whole day.

    In the first session’s play, Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam were the batters to be dismissed, falling to Mir Hamza and Khurran Shahzad, respectively. Zakir was bowled on 40 after starting the day at 31, while Shadman added 15 runs to his overnight score of nine to depart after contributing 24 runs.

    Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (38) then added a 57 runs partnership for the third wicket with Mominul to put Bangladesh on a course for a comfortable victory.

    Litton Das, for his 138 runs in the first innings after Bangladesh had plummeted to 26 for six and six dismissals, was adjudged player of the match. Mehidy Hasan Miraz for his 155 runs in two innings and 10 wickets in the series was declared player of the series.

    Scores in brief (day 5 of 5)

    Pakistan 274 all-out, 85.1 overs (Saim Ayub 58, Shan Masood 57, Salman Ali Agha 54, Babar Azam 31, Mohammad Rizwan 29; Mehidy Hasan Miraz 5-61, Taskin Ahmed 3-57) and 172 all-out, 46.4 overs (Salman Ali Agha 47 not out, Mohammad Rizwan 43, Shan Masood 28, Saim Ayub 20; Hasan Mahmud 5-43, Nahid Rana 4-44)

    Bangladesh 262 all-out, 78.4 overs (Litton Das 138, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 78, Hasan Mahmud 13 not out; Khurram Shahzad 6-90, Salman Ali Agha 2-13, Mir Hamza 2-50) and 185-4, 56 overs, (Zakir Hasan 40, Najmul Hossain Shanto 38, Mominul Haque 34, Shadman Islam 24)

    Result – Bangladesh won by six wickets

    Player of the match – Litton Das (Bangladesh)

    Player of the series – Mehidy Hasan Mirza (Bangladesh)

  • Ton-up Litton Das overshadowed Khurram Shahzad’s six-fer

    Ton-up Litton Das overshadowed Khurram Shahzad’s six-fer

    Ton-up Litton Das overshadowed Khurram Shahzad’s six-fer as Bangladesh left Pakistan shell-shocked with one of the greatest fightbacks to leave the second cricket Test delicately poised at the draw of stumps on the third day’s play at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

    Pakistan fully exploited early moisture in the surface to reduce Bangladesh to 26 for six inside nine overs of the day, before Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz put on 165 runs for the seventh wicket to take the score to 191. Bangladesh’s tail continued to wag following Mehidy’s departure as the last three wickets added another 71 runs in just over 26 overs, before the innings folded 32 minutes before close at 262 in reply to Pakistan’s 274.

    Bangladesh had earlier started the day at 10 for no wicket in two overs. When play ended, Pakistan were in a spot of bother at nine for two with Hasan Mahmud sending Abdullah Shafique (three) and nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad (zero) back in the hut. Pakistan are 21 runs ahead with eight second innings wickets in hand.

    Litton overcame cramps and was the ninth batter out after scoring a gallant 138, falling to Salman Ali Agha who, two balls later, accounted for last-man Nahid Rana to finish with figures of 3.4-0-13-2. Abrar Ahmed, who was the only specialist spinner in the side and bowled his first over with Bangladesh reeling at 43 for six in 15 overs, returned with figures of 31-5-83-0.

    Apart from adding 165 runs for the seventh wicket with Mehidy, who gave Khurram Shahzad his maiden five-wicket haul in third Test, Litton also put on 69 runs for the ninth wicket with No.10 batter Hasan Mahmud, who finished as the third most successful Bangladesh batter with 13 not out after occupying the crease for nearly two hours.

    Litton reached his fourth Test century from 171 balls with 11 fours and two sixes, before being caught at long-on after a 228-ball knock that contained 13 fours and four sixes. In contrast, Mehidy, followed his five-fer with a 124-ball 78 with 12 fours and a six.

    Trailing 0-1 in the two-Test series and scoring 274 in the first innings, Khurram had provided a dream start to Pakistan by knocking off Zakir Hasan (1), Shadman Islam (10), Najmul Hossain Shanto (4) and Shakib Al Hasan (2). Mir Hamza lent excellent support to Khurram from the other end, accounting for Mominul Haque (1) and Mushfiqur Rahim (3) to leave Bangladesh wobbling at 26 for six.

    However, Pakistan had to wait for another 199 minutes before securing their seventh success, which produced another wicket of Taskin Ahmed shortly before tea. Khurram masterminded both the wickets to finish the day with impressive figures of 21-3-90-6, including first spell of 7-0-15-4.

    Khurram could have potentially added another wicket to his cap, had Shan Masood held on to a straightforward catch at short-cover of Hasan Mahmud.

    Nonetheless, Khurram’s six for 90 made him the first Pakistan fast bowler to take a six-fer in a home series since 2010 when Tanvir Ahmed recorded figures of six for 120 against South Africa in Abu Dhabi.

    Mir Hamza also bowled his heart out, finishing with figures of 16-1-50-2.

    Scores in brief (day 3 of 5)

    Pakistan 274 all-out, 85.1 overs (Saim Ayub 58, Shan Masood 57, Salman Ali Agha 54, Babar Azam 31, Mohammad Rizwan 29; Mehidy Hasan Miraz 5-61, Taskin Ahmed 3-57) and 9-2

    Bangladesh 262 all-out, 78.4 overs (Litton Das 138, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 78, Hasan Mahmud 13 not out; Khurram Shahzad 6-90, Salman Ali Agha 2-13, Mir Hamza 2-50)

  • Jason Gillespie confirms 12-member squad for second Test

    Jason Gillespie confirms 12-member squad for second Test

     Jason Gillespie, the Pakistan men’s cricket team red-ball head coach today announced a 12-member squad for the second Test match against Bangladesh during a pre-match press conference at a local hotel in Islamabad.

    The playing XI for the second Test commencing tomorrow at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will be announced at the time of toss. Bangladesh are leading the two Test-match series 1-0, after defeating the hosts Pakistan by 10 wickets at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

    The toss will take place 09.30am, with the first ball expected to be bowled at 10.00am.

    Pakistan 12-member squad for second Test against Bangladesh:

    Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha

    Match officials for second Test match:

    Michael Gough and Adrian Holdstock (on-field umpires), Richard Kettleborough (third umpire), Asif Yaqoob (fourth umpire) and Ranjan Madugalle (match referee)

  • Karachi Test against Bangladesh shifted to Rawalpindi

    Karachi Test against Bangladesh shifted to Rawalpindi

    Due to the deployment of heavy construction equipment and the need to adhere to tight redevelopment schedules for the National Bank Stadium, which is being prepared for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board, in consultation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, has decided to move the second ICC World Test Championship fixture to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

    This decision allows cricket spectators and fans to watch live action of both the Tests, which serve as a preview of a busy and hectic international season for Pakistan cricket. During this period, the national side will play a total of nine Tests, 14 T20Is, and at least 17 ODIs from 21 August to 5 April.

    “We have been guided by the construction experts on the timelines for the readiness of the venue. They advised that while construction could continue during playing hours, the resulting noise pollution would disturb the cricketers. Additionally, the dust from the construction work could also affect the health and wellbeing of the players, officials, broadcasters, and media.

    “Given that construction must continue uninterrupted to ensure the venue is operationally ready for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the PCB, after consulting all stakeholders and reviewing operational and logistical matters, has decided to hold both Tests in Rawalpindi.

    “At this stage, we will not like to speculate on the hosting of the second Test in Karachi from 15-19 October and will continue to work closely with the architects and construction experts on the safe and secure hosting of the match, while keeping the England and Wales Cricket Board updated.”

    The first Test will begin in Rawalpindi on 21 August, with the second Test starting on 30 August.

    Meanwhile, in Islamabad, Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ will continue with their series. After a drawn first four-day match, the second four-day match will commence on 20 August at the Islamabad Club, followed by three 50-over matches on 26, 28 and 30 August.

    Update on sale of tickets

    The following is important information on sale of ticket for both the Test matches at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium:

    • Tickets are available online at PCB.tcs.com.pk
    • Ticket booth at Aviation Ground, opposite Rescue 1122, Rawal Road, will be operational on 19 August at 11am
    • Express counter list is attached
    • Public car park will be available at Aviation Ground, opposite Rescue 1122, Rawal Road; and Govt. Graduate College Satellite Town, 6th Road

  • Pakistan rejects Indian statements of involvement in Bangladesh developments

    Pakistan rejects Indian statements of involvement in Bangladesh developments

    Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch has rejected all statements emanating from India accusing Pakistan of any kind of involvement in recent developments that took place in Bangladesh.

    Answering a question at her weekly media briefing in Islamabad today, the Spokesperson said these statements depict India’s disturbing obsession with Pakistan.

    She said Indian political ledgers and their media have a habit of blaming Pakistan for their failures in domestic and foreign policy.

    The Spokesperson said Pakistan and Bangladesh have positive relations which are continued to grow over the last several years.

    She said the government and people of Pakistan have expressed their support and solidarity with the people of Bangladesh and we sincerely hope for a peaceful and swift return to normalcy.

    Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said we are confident that the resilient spirit and unity of the Bangladeshi people will lead them towards a harmonious future.

    Replying to another question, the Spokesperson said Pakistan’s High Commissioner attended the inauguration ceremony of new Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

    Answering another question, she said Pakistan rejects statements of former Indian law enforcement officials blaming Pakistan for increase in attacks in Indian Illegally Jammu and Kashmir.

    The Spokesperson said the Indian authorities and their media have a habit of blaming Pakistan for anything negative that happens under their watch.

    She said we urge them to understand the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and take action in implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions to determine the future of the people of Jammu and Kashmir through an impartial plebiscite.

    Responding to another question, the Spokesperson categorically rejected and termed as patently false a report carried by Israeli paper Jerusalem Post, alleging that Pakistan plans to supply Iran with Shaheen-III ballistic missiles if the conflict between Iran and Israel escalates.

    The Spokesperson said this is a critical time in the Middle East and we urge all parties, including the media, not to indulge in peddling of fake news.

  • Match officials announced for Test series against Bangladesh

    Match officials announced for Test series against Bangladesh

    Sri Lanka’s Ranjan Madugalle, who is a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, will lead the playing control teams for the two ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 fixtures between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

    Both teams are scheduled to play first Test match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi from 21 to 25 August. The second Test match between the two sides will be played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi from 30 August to 3 September.

    For the Test series, three umpires will be from the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires and two umpires are from the ICC International Panel of Umpires.

    For the Rawalpindi Test, England’s Richard Kettleborough will be the on-field umpire alongside South Africa’s Adrian Holdstock. England’s Michael Gough will be the third umpire, while Rashid Riaz of Pakistan will act as a fourth umpire.

    In Karachi, Michael Gough and Adrian Holdstock will perform the duties of an on-field umpires, while Richard Kettleborough will serve as a third umpire. Asif Yaqoob from Pakistan will be available as fourth umpire in the Test match.

  • Govt endeavouring to provide relief to masses: Musadik

    Govt endeavouring to provide relief to masses: Musadik

    Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik says government is making concrete efforts for the provision of relief to the people.

    Addressing a news conference in Islamabad today, he said special measures are being taken to bring down electricity prices and socio-economic uplift of marginalized section of society.

    The Minister said five committees have been constituted to chalk-out a plan to provide respite to electricity consumers. Similarly, six hundred billion rupees have been earmarked to help the needy and deserving people under the Benazir Income Support Program.

    The Minister categorically stated that country’s circumstances are entirely different as compare to Bangladesh and anarchist elements will not be successful in their sordid designs.

    Highlighting the socio economic progress in country, Musadik Malik said growth rate witnessed 6.5 percent increase in rural areas and overall inflation reduced to 11 percent from 38 percent. He said tax collection has also been increased to thirty percent.

    Criticizing the opposition, he recalled that Prime Minister invited them to form a government after the last General Election, but they rejected the offer because their agenda was not to serve the masses but creating anarchy in the country.

    The Minister urged the opposition to talk about the employment generation opportunities for youth, up gradation of education and health infrastructure instead of adopting the course of agitation.

  • Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina steps down, flees to India

    Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina steps down, flees to India

    Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday and fled the country, as more people were killed in some of the worst violence since the birth of the South Asian nation more than five decades ago.

    Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced Hasina’s resignation in a televised address to the nation and said an interim government would be formed.

    Media reports said Hasina, 76, was flown in a military helicopter with her sister and was headed to India. The CNN News 18 television channel said she had landed in Agartala, the capital of India’s northeastern state of Tripura, across the eastern border of Bangladesh.

    Reuters could not immediately verify the reports.

    Bangladesh has been engulfed by protests and violence after student protests last month against reservation quotas in government jobs escalated into a campaign for the ouster of Hasina, who won a fourth straight term in January in an election boycotted by the opposition.

    About 250 people have been killed and thousands injured in the violence.

    Army chief Zaman said he had held “fruitful” talks with leaders of all major political parties he had “invited” and would soon meet President Mohammed Shahabuddin to discuss the way ahead.

    “The country is going through a revolutionary period,” said Zaman, 58, who took over as army chief only on June 23.

    “I promise you all, we will bring justice to all the murders and injustice. We request you to have faith in the army of the country. I take full responsibility and I assure you to not get disheartened,” he said.

    “I request you all to be a little patient, give us some time and together we will be able to solve all the problems,” Zaman said. “Please don’t go back to the path of violence and please return to non-violent and peaceful ways.”

    Television visuals showed thousands of people pouring into the streets of the capital Dhaka in jubilation and shouting slogans. Thousands also stormed Hasina’s official residence ‘Ganabhaban’, shouting slogans, pumping fists and showing victory signs.

    Crowds thronged the drawing rooms of the residence, and some people could be seen carrying away televisions, chairs and tables from what was one of the most protected buildings in the country.

    “She has fled the country, fled the country,” some shouted.

    Protesters in Dhaka also climbed atop a large statue of independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina’s father, and began chiselling away at the head with an axe, the visuals showed.

  • U-19 Asia Cup 2023, Semi-Finals: Pakistan to face UAE, India takes on Bangladesh today

    U-19 Asia Cup 2023, Semi-Finals: Pakistan to face UAE, India takes on Bangladesh today

    In the first semi-final of Under-19 Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan will face United Arab Emirates at Dubai today (Friday).

    The play will start at 10:30 in the morning.

    Second semi-final will also be played tomorrow between Bangladesh and India.

  • Asian Game Cricket : Bangladesh beat Pakistan to win Bronze medal

    Asian Game Cricket : Bangladesh beat Pakistan to win Bronze medal

    Bangladesh beat Pakistan by six wickets on DLS to secure the bronze medal in the 19th Asian Games men’s cricket event at the Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field in Hangzhou on Saturday morning.

    The match had a delayed start due to rain and was shortened to 13 overs a side after Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field first. Pakistan managed to score 48 for one in five overs when rain interrupted play. Mirza Baig top-scored for his side, returning undefeated on 32 off 18 balls, which included four fours and two sixes.

    As no further play was possible during Pakistan’s innings, Bangladesh were given a revised target of 65 to win from five overs. In the run-chase, Bangladesh got off to a flying start and were in course to achieve the target with ease, needing 25 runs from two overs. However, Arshad Iqbal, Pakistan’s most successful bowler, conceded only five runs in the penultimate over and dismissed Afif Hossain (20, 11b, 3x4s, 1×6) leaving Bangladesh requiring 20 runs in the final over.

    Left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem bowling the final over, went for 16 runs in the first four deliveries, but came back stronger to dismiss Yasir Ali (38, 16b, 4x4s, 2x6s) the top run-getter for Bangladesh the next ball. With four runs required on the final ball, Rakibul Hasan struck a boundary to help his side win the bronze medal.

    For Pakistan, Arshad was the most successful bowler with three for 14 runs from two overs.

    Scores in brief:

    Bangladesh beat Pakistan by six wickets (DLS)

    Pakistan 48-1, 5 overs (Mirza Baig 32 not out)

    Bangladesh 65-4, 5 overs (Yasir Ali 34, Afif Hossain 20; Arshad Iqbal 3-14)

  • President calls for increasing cooperation with Bangladesh

    President calls for increasing cooperation with Bangladesh

    President Dr. Arif Alvi has emphasized the need for increasing cooperation with Bangladesh in the fields of economy, trade and culture.

    Talking to Pakistan’s High Commissioner designate to Bangladesh Syed Ahmad Maroof in Islamabad on Wednesday, he said there is vast potential for increasing trade between the two countries.

    He said the two countries share common religion and history and the high commissioner designate should strive to foster even closer ties between the two brotherly nations.

  • Hamza, Shahzaib half-centuries give Pakistan U19 80-run win

    Hamza, Shahzaib half-centuries give Pakistan U19 80-run win

    Half-centuries from Hamza Nawaz and Shahzaib Khan and three-fers by Ali Asfand and Arafat Minhas helped Pakistan U19 beat Bangladesh U19 by 80 runs in the fifth one-day at the Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi on Monday.

    The win ended the five-match series by 4-1 in tourists’ favour.

    Chasing 245 to win, Bangladesh were dismissed for 164 in the 37th over. Bangladesh’s Mohammad Shihab James (56, 79b, 9x4s) and captain Ahrar Amin (53, 58b, 8x4s, 1×6) struck half-centuries in the losing cause.

    For Pakistan, left-arm spinners Ali and Arafat took three wickets apiece and Sajjad Ali bagged two wickets.

    Earlier, after being put into bat, Pakistan managed to score 244 for eight in 50 overs. Player of the match Hamza top-scored with a 76-ball 72, hitting six fours and three sixes. Opening batter Shahzaib, who was named player of the tournament (264 runs, 1×100, 2x50s), scored 67 off 93 deliveries, smashing eight fours and one six.

    Azan Awais (41, 61b, 5x4s) and Arafat (40, 42b, 5x4s, 1×6) were other notable contributors with the bat.

    For Bangladesh, Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby took four wickets.

    The two teams will compete in a solitary T20 match at the same venue on 17 May.

    Scores in brief

    Pakistan U19 beat Bangladesh U19 by 80 runs

    Pakistan U19 244-8, 50 overs (Hamza Nawaz 72, Shahzaib Khan 67, Azan Awais 41, Arafat Minhas 40; Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby 4-42, Akanto Sheikh 2-47)

    Bangladesh U19 164 all out, 36.3 overs (Shihab James 56, Ahran Amin 53; Arafat Minhas 3-20, Ali Asfand 3-24, Sajjid Ali 2-34)

    Player of the match – Hamza Nawaz (Pakistan U19)

    Player of the series – Shahzaib Khan (Pakistan U19)

  • Pakistan reaffirms its sincere desire for fraternal ties with Bangladesh

    Pakistan reaffirms its sincere desire for fraternal ties with Bangladesh

    Pakistan has reaffirmed its sincere desire for close and fraternal relations with Bangladesh.

    In response to media queries regarding a photo exhibition held in New York by Bangladesh’s mission there, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said the so-called exhibition was a failed attempt to peddle one sided and controversial narrative on the 1971 events.       

    The spokesperson said issues related to the events of 1971 have been resolved through an agreement concluded by the then leadership of Pakistan and Bangladesh in 1974.

    She appreciated the United Nations’ swift action in taking down the exhibition after Pakistan pointed it out due to its misrepresentation of history and non-compliance with relevant UN rules. 

  • BCCI, ICC reject staging Pakistan’s World Cup matches in Bangladesh

    BCCI, ICC reject staging Pakistan’s World Cup matches in Bangladesh

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have rejected the idea of Pakistan playing its ICC World Cup 2023 matches in Bangladesh.

    Earlier, it was reported Pakistan won’t play in India during the mega event since the Indian board had decided against sending their team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup this year.

    “Bangladesh was not discussed at all at the Board meeting and full backing for the event in India was given by the Board. We’re focused on that,” an ICC official told Cricbuzz on Wednesday evening.

    ICC General Manager Wasim Khan had also hinted at the possibility of Pakistan playing at a neutral venue during the World Cup.

    “I don’t know if it would take place here in a different country but a neutral venue is highly likely,” Wasim, a former CEO of the PCB had said.

    “I don’t think that Pakistan will play their matches in India. I think their matches will also be held at a neutral venue just like India’s Asia Cup matches.”

    However, a BCCI official strongly reacted to Wasim’s statement on the matter.

    “Wasim Khan has no business talking about the neutral venue, he should stop behaving like a PCB CEO,” said a top BCCI official.

    It must be noted that in October last year, Pakistani cricket authorities hinted they may pull out of this year’s World Cup in India, a day after officials there said they would not send a team to the 2023 Asia Cup in Pakistan.

    Indian cricket board secretary Jay Shah had said that India “can’t” send a team to Pakistan, adding the tournament would be moved to a neutral venue.

    His announcement caught Pakistan by surprise, with officials warning it could “split” the international cricket community.

    The PCB said Shah’s comments “can impact Pakistan’s visit to India for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and future ICC Events in India in the 2024-2031 cycle”.

    The Pakistan board said it has not received any official communication from the ACC, and noted that hosting rights for the 2023 Asia Cup had been given to Pakistan under Shah’s leadership.

    Despite being considered one of the sport’s greatest rivalries, India and Pakistan have not met on home soil in any version of the game since 2012, and only play each other in multinational tournaments on neutral grounds.

  • Bus crash in Bangladesh kills at least 19

    Bus crash in Bangladesh kills at least 19

    A speeding bus veered off a major expressway in central Bangladesh and plunged into a ditch, killing at least 19 people and injuring dozens, police said.

    The death toll could rise further as some of the injured passengers are in critical condition, said Anowar Hossain, a police official of Shibchar, where the crash occurred. The city is 80 km away from the capital Dhaka.

    The bus, carrying more than 40 passengers, fell about 9 metres (30 feet) into a roadside ditch after breaking through the railing of the newly-built Padma river bridge expressway, Hossain said.

    The driver, who was killed, appeared to have lost control of the vehicle after the tyre of the bus burst, he said, adding that the cause of the accident was under investigation.

    Road accidents are common in Bangladesh, often blamed on reckless driving, old vehicles and poor safety rules, and killing thousands each year.

    In 2018, a series of massive student protests, sparked by the death of two teenagers, forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government to approve raising the maximum prison time to five years from three for causing death by rash driving.

  • Saad Baig named U19 captain, Imran Butt to captain Shaheens

    Saad Baig named U19 captain, Imran Butt to captain Shaheens

    The Pakistan Cricket Board has appointed Saad Baig and Imran Butt as Pakistan U19 and Pakistan Shaheens captains for the upcoming tours of Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, respectively.

    Karachi-born Saad had captained Pakistan U19 last year against Bangladesh U19 in Multan. In that series, Saad had scored 117 runs in the four-dayer, 30 runs in the one-day matches and 107 runs in the T20s. In the National U19 three-day Championship 2022-23, the left-hander had scored 200 runs, while in the National U19 one-day Cup 2022-23, he scored 299 runs in four matches.

    Ali Asfand of Faisalabad had also featured against Bangladesh in the U19 series last year. He scored 45 runs and took two wickets with his left-arm spinner in the four-dayer, contributed 26 runs and took two wickets in the one-dayers and claimed three wickets in the only T20. In the National U19 three-day Championship 2022-23, Ali scored 73 runs and took 18 wickets, while in the National U19 one-day Cup 2022-23, he scored 77 runs and took 11 wickets.

    Players born on or after 1 September 2004 were eligible for selection in the Bangladesh-bound squad.

    Pakistan Shaheens for the tour of Zimbabwe comprise seven players who have represented Pakistan in international cricket. Imran Butt, who has been named as captain, has featured in six Tests, while the others are: Hussain Talat (one ODI, 18 T20Is), Aamir Jamal (tw0 T20Is), Kamran Ghulam (one ODI), Mir Hamza (three Tests), Sahibzada Farhan (three T20Is) and Shahnawaz Dahani (two ODIs and 11 T20Is).

    For the first time, two players from Quetta have been selected in a national squad. They are Abdul Wahid Bangalzai and Haseebullah, while players who have graduated from the U19 pathways cricket and are in the side are Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Huraira, Mubasir Khan, Qasim Akram and Rohail Nazir.

    Details of the training camps will be announced in due course.

    Pakistan U19: Saad Baig (captain) (Karachi), Ali Asfand (vice-captain) (Faisalabad), Ahmed Hussain (Peshawar), Aimal Khan (Peshawar), Amir Hussain (Rawalpindi), Arafat Minhas (Multan), Azan Awais (Sialkot), Hamza Nawaz (Lahore), Mohammad Ibtisam (Sargodha), Mohammad Ismail (Sahiwal), Mohammad Tahir (Fata), Mohammad Tayyab Arif (Sialkot), Obaid Shahid (Lahore), Sajjad Ali (Lahore), Shahzaib Khan (Mansehra), Shamyl Hussain (Islamabad) and Wahaj Riaz (Karachi). Abidullah (Islamabad), Ikramullah Tareen (Quetta) and Muhammad Zulkifal (Charsadda) (all reserves)

    Tour Schedule:

    30 April- 3 May – Four-day match; ZACS, Chattogram
    6 May – 1st 50-over match; ZACS, Chattogram
    8 May – 2nd 50-over match; ZACS, Chattogram
    11 May – 3rd 50-over match; SKS, Rajshahi
    13 May – 4th 50-over match; SKS, Rajshahi
    15 May – 5th 50-over match; SKS, Rajshahi
    17 May – Only T20 match; SKS, Rajshahi

    Pakistan Shaheens: Imran Butt (captain) (Lahore), Hussain Talat (vice-captain) (Lahore), Aamir Jamal (Islamabad), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Quetta), Haseebullah (Quetta), Kamran Ghulam (Peshawar), Mehran Mumtaz (Rawalpindi), Mir Hamza (Karachi), Mohammad Huraira (Sialkot), Mubasir Khan (Islamabad), Muhammad Umar (Karachi), Omair Bin Yousuf (Karachi), Qasim Akram (Lahore), Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper) (Islamabad), Sahibzada Farhan (Peshawar) and Shahnawaz Dahani (Larkana). Asif Mehmood (Hyderabad), Athar Mehmood (Gujranwala), Saad Khan (Hyderabad) and Waqar Ahmad (Peshawar) (all reserves)

    Tour schedule:

    3-6 May – 1st Four-day match; KSC, Kwekwe
    10- 13 May – 2nd Four-day match; MSC, Mutare
    17 May – 1st 50-over match; TSC, Harare
    19 May – 2nd 50-over match; HSC, Harare
    21 May – 3rd 50-over match; HSC, Harare
    23 May – 4th 50-over match; OH, Harare
    25 May – 5th 50-over match; HSC, Harare
    27 May – 6th 50-over match; HSC, Harare

  • England’s whitewash in Bangladesh an ‘eye-opener’, says coach Mott

    England’s whitewash in Bangladesh an ‘eye-opener’, says coach Mott

    England’s 3-0 defeat in their Twenty20 series in Bangladesh was a real “eye-opener” for the world champions, white-ball coach Matthew Mott said.

    Bangladesh secured a 16-run victory in Mirpur on Tuesday to complete the whitewash and Mott said England would have to learn from it.

    “We really wanted to finish well here. I think it’s been a fantastic tour in terms of what we’ve been up against, a very strong home team,” Mott said.

    “That one hurts. To finish the way we did will leave a bit of a sour taste in our mouths. It should act as a real eye-opener on where we need to improve.”

    England were short on batters for the series after Tom Abell and Will Jacks were forced to withdraw due to injuries, and Mott defended the decision to not call up replacements.

    “There was a realisation that we were probably better off investing in some batters here and putting them under pressure in these games. You only learn from your mistakes,” Mott added.

    “The opportunities they were given here will give them time to reflect and when we get into pressure situations in World Cups, I am confident that it will have been the right decision.”

    However, former England captain Nasser Hussain suggested they were looking too far ahead to the 50-overs Cricket World Cup, which will take place in India in October and November.

    “I see what they’re trying to do, but the short-term view and the long-term view, you’ve always got to balance that as a selector …,” Hussain told Sky Sports.

    “I just think not having the extra batter sends the wrong message … Pay attention to this game in front of you, and if you do that then the future will look after itself.”

  • Pakistan book spot in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

    Pakistan book spot in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

    Pakistan successfully booked their spot in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 on Tuesday after being the next highest-ranking team in the ICC Women’s T20I Team Rankings outside of the six direct qualifiers and the hosts.

    Australia, New Zealand and South Africa received direct qualification after being the top three teams of Group 1 in the league stage of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, while England, India and the West Indies similarly made it from Group 2.

    Bangladesh qualified as the host of the ninth edition of the tournament while Pakistan qualified after being the next highest-ranked team in the ICC Women’s T20I Team Rankings as of February 27, 2023.

    The remaining two spots will be filled through a Global Qualifier to be held in early 2024. The dates and venues of this tournament are yet to be announced.

    From the teams who played in this year’s tournament, Sri Lanka and Ireland are the teams failing to get direct qualification. Sri Lanka are currently ranked eighth in the rankings while Ireland are 10th.

    It must be noted that Australia won the Women’s T20 World Cup for the sixth time when they beat South Africa by 19 runs in the final at Newlands on Sunday.

  • Pakistan and Bangladesh up for T20 challenge

    Pakistan and Bangladesh up for T20 challenge

    Pakistan and Bangladesh U19 sides will compete in a two-match T20 series, starting tomorrow at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Both sides before the T20 series have featured in solitary four-day match and three-match One-Day series.

    The second T20 match will be played on 18 November. Both matches will start at 0930, while the toss will take place at 0900.

    The four-day match was played out a drawn, while 45-overs three-match series was won by the visitors 2-1. The hosts will be looking to bounce back and win the T20 series, while Ahrar Ameen-led Bangladesh will aim to take another white-ball trophy home.

    Saad Baig-led Pakistan U19 will be banking on Mohammad Tayyab Arif to continue to shine with the bat in the shortest format. The right-handed remained Pakistan’s top run getter in the one-day series. The 16-year old scored 181 from three outings at an average of 60.33. The left-handed Arafat Minhas was also amongst runs, scoring 171 from three matches at the strike rate of 123.02.

    In the bowling unit, the home side will have the services of right-arm fast bowlers Mohammad Zeeshan and Ali Raza. Both have bagged six and four wickets, respectively in the one-day series.

  • Bangladesh edge Zimbabwe in last-ball thriller at T20 World Cup

    Bangladesh edge Zimbabwe in last-ball thriller at T20 World Cup

    Bangladesh got their Twenty20 World Cup back on track Sunday with a thrilling last-ball win over Zimbabwe, aided by opener Najmul Shanto’s maiden half-century and Taskin Ahmed’s three wickets.

    Shanto (71) helped steer Bangladesh to 150-7 at Brisbane’s Gabba ground in a match that went to the wire with Zimbabwe needing 16 off an incredible last over.

    It saw two wickets fall, a big six and the teams walking off thinking the match was over, only to be recalled.

    Bangladesh believed they had won when Blessing Muzarabani, needing five to win, was stumped trying to hit a six off the last ball with the fielding team celebrating as the players shook hands and left the field.

    But a review showed wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan’s gloves taking the ball in front of the stumps, which is illegal, and it was called a no-ball.

    The teams had to return to the field for a free hit with four needed to win, but Muzarabani swung and missed again leaving Zimbabwe short on 147-8.

    Victory pushed Bangladesh to four points in Group 2 with two games remaining level with India who face South Africa, who have three points, in Perth later Sunday.

    Pakistan meet the Netherlands in a must-win game, also in Perth, with neither side yet to score a point.

    Defeat left Zimbabwe, who stunned Pakistan by one run on Thursday, still in the hunt for a semi-final place with three points.

    The top two in each group advance to the last four.

    Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and chose to bat on a glorious day only to see opener Soumya Sarkar out in the second over without scoring, caught behind off pace bowler Muzarabani.

    Shanto smacked two early boundaries as he put on 22 with Liton Das before Das ballooned a catch to Tendai Chatara off a slower Muzarabani delivery.

    Despite some scratchy fielding, Zimbabwe bowled economically to keep the score down to 63-2 at the halfway stage.

    But once past that mark, Bangladesh became more aggressive and rotated the strike well with Shanto reaching his first T20 50 off 45 balls — Bangladesh’s first half-century of the tournament.

    Al Hasan, who has played in every T20 World Cup since its inception in 2007, survived a run-out chance on 23 at the other end but fell five balls later, caught brilliantly by Muzarabani from spinner Sean Williams, snapping a 54-run partnership.

    Shanto kept going alongside Hossain then holed out to Craig Ervine before Bangladesh took 47 from the last five overs.

    Zimbabwe were on the back foot immediately in reply, with Wessly Madhevere out on just the third ball, top-edging Ahmed to Mustafizur Rahman in the deep.

    It got worse when skipper Craig Ervine followed him back to the pavilion two overs later, edging to wicketkeeper Hasan with Ahmed taking his second.

    Mustafizur Rahman was brought into the attack and took Milton Shumba on his second ball then danger man Sikandar Raza was out in the same over to leave Zimbabwe on 35-4.

    Sean Williams (64) and Regis Chakabva pushed them to 64-4 after 10 overs, but a bowling change broke the partnership with Ahmed returning to remove Chakabva (15).

    They needed 56 from the last five overs and when Williams was run out with eight balls left their hopes appeared to end before the dramatic last over.

  • Rilee Rossouw scored the first century of the Twenty20 World Cup as SA beat Bangladesh

    Rilee Rossouw scored the first century of the Twenty20 World Cup as SA beat Bangladesh

    Rilee Rossouw scored the first century of the Twenty20 World Cup and built a partnership of 163 with Quinton de Kock to drive South Africa to a thumping 104-run victory over Bangladesh on Thursday.

    Muscular lefthander Rossouw pummelled eight sixes and seven fours around the Sydney Cricket Ground for his 109, while de Kock pitched in with 63 runs as the Proteas dodged the rain to rack up an imposing tally of 205 for five.

    Paceman Anrich Nortje (4-10) took up where the batsmen let off with three top-order wickets, including that of dangerman Shakib Al Hasan for one, and Bangladesh were 66-5 after 10 overs and all out for 101 after 16.3.

    “To score a hundred in a winning cause is fantastic,” said Rossouw.

    “Very chuffed with my performance today but more important is we got the two points.”

    Having been robbed of a likely victory in their abandoned Super 12 opener by the rain in Hobart on Monday, South Africa again contended with the elements after winning the toss and choosing to bat in their second Group 2 contest.

    After the early afternoon showers cleared, Bangladesh paceman Taskin Ahmed removed skipper Temba Bavuma in the first over but that only brought Rossouw and de Kock together to wreak their havoc.

    Taskin’s second over went for 21 runs and the South African pair had put on 60 by the time the rain returned to force a break just before the end of the powerplay.

    The innings stalled after De Kock holed out in the deep and Rossouw had a nervous moment when he was dropped on the boundary on 88 before reaching the century mark with a single off the 52nd delivery he faced.

    The South Africans finished poorly after the early fireworks and Shakib finally winkled out Rossouw when the batter looped a delivery to Litton Das in the covers. Bangladesh, roared on by the majority of the crowd, made a bright start to their innings but backing up their maiden win in the second round of the T20 World Cup on Monday always looked a big ask.

    Litton top-scored with 34 but South Africa spinner Tabraiz Shamsi took 3-20 to keep the wickets tumbling and Nortje returned to complete the rout by clean bowling Taskin.

  • New Zealand joined Pakistan in the final of the tri-series

    New Zealand joined Pakistan in the final of the tri-series

    New Zealand joined Pakistan in the final of the tri-series by beating Bangladesh by 48 runs in Christchurch. After Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips made quickfire sixties, Adam Milne and Michael Bracewell made early inroads to bowl the hosts to a comprehensive victory. Though Bangladesh looked competitive with the bat, they could not sustain the momentum in pursuit of a target of more than 200.

    Milne’s three wickets broke the chase, with his pace making a difference. Bracewell and stand-in captain Tim Southee finished with two wickets apiece. Shakib Al Hasan struck 70 off 44 balls with eight fours and a six, but there was no support from the middle and lower order.

    New Zealand, on the other hand, had plenty of strong batting performances after getting sent in to bat.

    Finn Allen started from where he left off against Pakistan in the previous game, going after Bangladesh’s bowlers from the first over. He struck Ebadot Hossain for two sixes in three balls in the third over and hit three boundaries to get New Zealand off to a strong start. But Shoriful Islam removed Allen in the fifth over, when Yasir Ali moved to his right at midwicket to catch the skier.

    Conway then converted his promising start into a big score. The left-hander dominated his 82-run stand with Martin Guptill for the second wicket, hitting five fours and three sixes in his 40-ball 64. Guptill also looked good towards the end of his 27-ball 34.

    New Zealand’s top three gave Phillips the perfect platform to take aim at Bangladesh in the last five overs. He struck Shakib for two sixes – both slog-swept – in the 16th over. Mohammad Saifuddin removed Conway and Mark Chapman in the space of four balls in the following over, but Phillips carried on, slamming Shoriful Islam and Saifuddin for consecutive sixes to reach a half-century off 19 balls. Phillips’ strike rate of 250 was the third highest by a New Zealand batter who has scored more than 60 runs in a T20I innings.

    Bangladesh, despite using a third opening pair in as many games, had their best powerplay of the tri-series. After Milne cleaned up Najmul Hossain Shanto in the fourth over, Litton Das and Soumya Sarkar attacked the bowlers. But they couldn’t convert their starts, with Litton holing out in the sixth over and Soumya ramping one to third man in the 10th over. Bangladesh could not keep up with the required run-rate but for the first time on this tour they looked more comfortable as a batting unit.

    Shakib showed his fluency from the get-go, charging down the wicket on the first ball he faced to loft Bracewell over mid-on for a four. He got an extra life while he was batting on 11 and he made sure to take advantage of that, racing to a half-century off 33 balls. With wickets falling regularly at the other end and the asking rate climbing, there wasn’t much Shakib could do. He brought out the big shots against the quicks too, but he fell with Bangladesh needing 56 off 11 balls.

    Milne bowled well on his comeback from a niggle, while Bracewell continued to impress after his frugal returns in the last two matches. After winning successive Player-of-the-Match awards in the previous matches, Bracewell took two wickets and also completed a difficult catch on the boundary. In the 12th of the Bangladesh innings, he bowled Afif Hossain and conceded just three runs. Later, he took a superb catch on the boundary line to dismiss Yasir Ali.