Miami Triumphs with Suárez's Goal and Messi's Assist
In Inter Miami’s latest match, Lionel Messi did not score, despite recently netting a hat-trick. However, the Argentine superstar provided an assist for teammate Jordi Alba. Another goal came from Messi's longtime friend and former Barcelona teammate, Luis Suárez, securing a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United.
The Major League Soccer (MLS) match took place early on Saturday, October 26, with Saba Lobzhanidze scoring the only goal for Atlanta United.
With this win, Miami continues its dominance in the Eastern Conference standings. The team now has 74 points from 34 matches, boasting 22 wins, 8 draws, and just 4 losses. They maintain an 8-point lead over their closest rivals, the Columbus Crew.
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Shakib Takes Test to Clear Bowling Action Doubts
Nearly two decades after his debut in international cricket, Shakib Al Hasan played in the English County Championship to prepare for the Test series against India. The world's top all-rounder showcased brilliant performances with the ball during his county stint.
However, shortly afterward, umpires raised concerns about his bowling action, asking him to undergo a test. In response, Shakib took the test to prove his action was flawless.
On Monday, December 2, Shakib underwent a bowling action assessment at the medical department of Loughborough University in Birmingham. Under the supervision of specialists, he bowled a total of four overs. Reports indicate that he bowled the first three overs at a relatively higher pace, reducing his speed in the final over.
The results of the test are expected within seven days. Shakib remains optimistic that no irregularities will be found in his bowling action.
In September, Shakib played a match for Surrey in the County Championship, delivering an impressive performance with the ball. He bowled 63 overs across two innings and claimed nine wickets. However, his bowling action in that match sparked scrutiny.
Notably, since starting his international career in 2006, Shakib has played 447 international matches and taken 712 wickets, without ever facing questions about his bowling action. If he clears this test, Shakib will have no restrictions on playing any level of cricket in England.
Bangladesh Ends 15-Year Drought with Test Win in West Indies
Bangladesh started their two-match Test series against the West Indies with a defeat. However, thanks to Taijul Islam's brilliant spin bowling, they achieved a historic Test win in the Caribbean after 15 years.
On Tuesday (December 3), Bangladesh clinched a commanding 101-run victory in the second Test at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica. With this win, the Tigers ended the series in a 1-1 draw.
Match Highlights:
After suffering a heavy defeat in the first Test, Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz opted to bat first in the second and final Test. In their first innings, Bangladesh was bowled out for 164 runs, with opener Shadman Islam scoring the highest, 64 runs.
In response, the West Indies were bundled out for 146 runs, thanks to Nahid Rana's five-wicket haul, giving Bangladesh an 18-run lead.
In their second innings, Bangladesh managed 268 runs, largely due to a valiant effort from Zakir Ali, who missed his century by just 9 runs. He scored a remarkable 91 runs, which included five sixes and eight fours. Shadman contributed 46 runs, while Mehidy added 42. This set the West Indies a challenging target of 287 runs.
Defending the target, Taijul Islam and Taskin Ahmed gave Bangladesh an early advantage by taking two quick wickets, leaving the hosts at 57 for 2. Although West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite (43) and Keacy Carty (14) showed some resistance, Taijul dismissed them to bring Bangladesh back into the game. Another notable performance came from Kevam Hodge, who scored 55, but his efforts were in vain.
The rest of the West Indies lineup collapsed under pressure, with Taijul taking a five-wicket haul. The Caribbean team was bowled out for 185 runs in 50 overs. Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud contributed with two wickets each.
Bangladesh’s Achievements:
This victory surpasses Bangladesh's success in 2009 when they won two Test matches on West Indies soil. It also marks their third Test win of the year, including a historic whitewash of Pakistan in their own backyard. This has been Bangladesh's best performance in any ICC Test Championship cycle so far.
Brief Scores:
Bangladesh 1st Innings: 164
West Indies 1st Innings: 146
Bangladesh 2nd Innings: 268
West Indies 2nd Innings (Target 287): 185 all out (50 overs)
Key Performers:
Bangladesh: Taijul Islam (5/50), Zakir Ali (91), Nahid Rana (5/32).
West Indies: Kevam Hodge (55), Kraigg Brathwaite (43).
This victory symbolizes a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s cricketing journey and highlights their growing stature in Test cricket.
Rangpur Riders in Global Super League Final
Rangpur Riders secured their second consecutive win in the Global Super League, earning a spot in the final with a 23-run victory over Lahore Qalandars in a rain-affected match.
Batting storms from Soumya Sarkar and Saif Hassan, followed by a spin masterclass from Mehedi Hasan, helped propel Rangpur to victory under the DLS method.
After losing the first two matches of the tournament, Rangpur bounced back with two straight wins, climbing to second place in the standings. This earned them a place in the final, where they will face table-toppers Victoria Cricket.
Due to multiple rain delays, the match between Rangpur Riders and Lahore Qalandars was reduced to just 9 overs. Batting first, Rangpur got off to a flying start thanks to their openers. However, the opening partnership was broken when Soumya Sarkar was dismissed for 22 runs from 13 balls, including 3 fours and 1 six.
After Soumya's departure, Saif Hassan took charge, continuing the aggressive batting. At the end of their 9 overs, Rangpur had reached 85/1, with Saif remaining unbeaten on 27 from 14 balls. Steven Taylor supported him well, scoring 32 runs from 27 balls.
Although Rangpur finished with 85 runs in 9 overs, Lahore's target was revised to 111 runs under the DLS method. However, Lahore's chase collapsed in the very first over bowled by Mehedi Hasan. The Pakistani team lost 3 wickets in that over, and Mehedi struck again in his next over, claiming a fourth wicket. Lahore were reduced to 14/4.
Mehedi Hasan, who bowled two overs, finished with impressive figures of 3 wickets for 11 runs, destroying Lahore's middle order. In the end, Lahore Qalandars could only manage 87 runs for the loss of 7 wickets, giving Rangpur a 23-run victory and securing their place in the final.
Source: Cricket97
Rangpur Riders Clinch Historic Global Super League Title
Rangpur Riders had a rocky start to the Global Super League tournament, losing their first two matches in a row. However, they made a stunning comeback to reach the final. The team faced a setback when Soumya Sarkar and Rishad were called up to the national team for the ODI series against the West Indies, casting doubt over their participation in the final.
Overcoming those uncertainties, the Bashundhara Group-owned team excelled in the final. They clinched the tournament's maiden title by defeating Victoria by 56 runs.
In the final held on Saturday (December 7), Rangpur set a target of 179 runs after batting first. In response, Victoria was bowled out for 122 runs with 11 balls to spare, handing Bangladesh’s representatives a 56-run victory.
Harmeet Singh led the bowling attack for Rangpur Riders with 3 wickets, while Sheikh Mahedi and Saif Hasan picked up 2 wickets each. Additionally, Kamrul Hasan and Rishad Hossain took one wicket apiece.
Earlier, Rangpur got off to a flying start after winning the toss and electing to bat. Soumya Sarkar and Steven Taylor laid a strong foundation with a partnership that produced 124 runs. Soumya reached his fifty in just 33 balls, while Taylor took 44 balls to achieve the same milestone.
Though Taylor was dismissed for 68 runs off 49 balls, Soumya continued his aggressive batting. Saif Hasan and Madsen contributed 6 and 10 runs, respectively, before getting out. Ultimately, Soumya’s unbeaten 86-run knock powered the Bangladeshi representatives to a formidable total of 178 runs.
Rangpur Riders Dedicates GSL Title to Martyrs of July Uprising
The inaugural edition of the Global Super League began on November 26 in Guyana, West Indies, and concluded today (Saturday) with the final match between Rangpur Riders and Victoria. Demonstrating outstanding performance, Rangpur Riders emerged as champions.
Following the victory, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchise dedicated their achievement to the martyrs of the anti-discrimination movement that took place in July and August. Rangpur Riders captain Nurul Hasan Sohan announced this heartfelt gesture after the match.
He stated, "Many innocent people lost their lives in our country during the July-August Movement. I want to dedicate this victory to them."
In the match, Rangpur Riders set a target of 179 runs for Victoria. In response, Victoria was bowled out for 122 runs with 11 balls remaining, securing a 56-run win for the Bangladeshi representatives.
This tournament was organized in the West Indies with champion teams from five different franchise leagues around the world. Instead of the current BPL champion Barishal, Rangpur Riders represented Bangladesh in this tournament.
Tarique Rahman Congratulates Bangladesh U-19 Cricket Team
Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) congratulated Bangladesh U-19 cricket team for their deserving victory in the final of the U19 Asia Cup against India.
Tarique Rahman wrote these words in a status on social media (X and Facebook) on Sunday (December 8).
Heartfelt congratulations to the Bangladesh U-19 cricket team for their deserving victory in the final of the U19 Asia Cup against India!Your hard work, determination, and teamwork have made the nation proud. This victory is a testament to the bright future of Bangladesh… pic.twitter.com/XhGHHnFbeP— Tarique Rahman (@trahmanbnp) December 8, 2024
He wrote, "Heartfelt congratulations to the Bangladesh U-19 cricket team for their deserving victory in the final of the U19 Asia Cup against India!
Your hard work, determination, and teamwork have made the nation proud. This victory is a testament to the bright future of Bangladesh cricket."
Bangladesh vs West Indies / First Match of 3-Match ODI Series Starts Today
After completing the two-match Test series against the West Indies, Bangladesh is now set to embark on a three-match ODI series. The two teams are facing off in the first match today.
Bangladesh skipper Mehedi Hasan Miraz won the toss and chose to bat first in the opener of the three-match ODI series against the West Indies at Warner Park in St Kitts on Sunday (December 08).
Playing XI
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahmadullah, Mehedi Hasan Miraz (c), Jaker Ali (wk), Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana
West Indies: Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (c, wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph