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Afghanistan Overtakes Bangladesh in ICC ODI Rankings
Rtv News
12 Nov 2024, 18:03
Photo: Collected
Afghanistan has made significant strides in the ICC Men's ODI rankings, overtaking Bangladesh to move into 8th place after winning the three-match series 2-1 in Sharjah. This marks Afghanistan's third consecutive ODI series win, having previously defeated Ireland and South Africa in recent months.
In the final match of the series last night, Afghanistan successfully chased down Bangladesh's target of 244 runs, securing a 5-wicket victory with 10 balls to spare. The series win was sealed with a six from Omarzai, leading Afghanistan to a commanding position in the rankings.
As a result of this victory, Afghanistan's points have increased to 85, allowing them to surpass Bangladesh, who now find themselves ranked 9th, despite having the same number of rating points—85. However, Bangladesh's position is slightly behind Afghanistan due to the decimal point in the rankings calculation.
Before the series began, Bangladesh had 86 rating points and was ranked 8th, while Afghanistan had 84 points and was ranked 9th. With two wins in the series, Afghanistan's rating improved, and they moved up to 8th, while Bangladesh, after losing the series, slipped to 9th.
Afghanistan's consistent performances in recent series have contributed to their rise in the rankings. With three consecutive series victories, including the 2-1 win over Bangladesh, Afghanistan has shown significant improvement in their ODI standing.
The rankings are now a reflection of this strong run of form, with Afghanistan's ascendancy further underlining their growing stature in world cricket.
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Finally, Hathurusingha Sacked
Since the conclusion of the recent ODI World Cup, Bangladesh’s head coach Chandika Hathurusingha has been a hot topic of discussion. After the failure at the T20 World Cup, many questioned why he was retained. Under Hathurusingha, Bangladesh was whitewashed in both the Test and T20 series against India.
Now, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to part ways with the Sri Lankan head coach.
On Tuesday (October 15), BCB President Faruq Ahmed confirmed Hathurusingha’s dismissal in a press conference held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
Just five days before the series against South Africa, the BCB relieved him of his duties as the head coach of the national team.
Hathurusingha barely survived after Bangladesh's impressive performance against Pakistan, but the humiliating whitewash against India brought the criticism back to him. Today, his chapter in Bangladesh cricket has officially come to an end.
This was Hathurusingha’s second stint as Bangladesh's head coach. His first term lasted from May 2014 to October 2017. Back then, he resigned mid-tour via email during Bangladesh’s tour of South Africa, even though his contract was valid until the 2019 World Cup. Shortly after leaving Bangladesh, he joined Sri Lanka's national team as head coach.
In his second tenure, Hathurusingha returned to Bangladesh in 2023 under a contract worth $35,000 per month, which was set to run until February 2025. However, once again, his tenure was cut short.
During his second stint, Bangladesh played 10 Tests, 35 ODIs, and 35 T20Is under Hathurusingha’s guidance. In Tests, the results were evenly split with 5 wins and 5 losses. However, the ODI performance was disappointing: 13 wins, 19 losses, and 3 matches without a result. In T20Is, Bangladesh won 19 out of 35 matches, lost 15, and 1 ended without a result.
World Cup Qualifiers: / Messi Hat-Trick Leads Argentina's 6-0 Rout of Bolivia
Argentina returned to winning form in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, thrashing Bolivia 6-0 at home on Wednesday (October 16). Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick, with Julián Álvarez, Almada, and Lautaro Martínez each adding a goal.
The Albiceleste dominated the first half, scoring three goals. Messi opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a clinical left-footed finish from a Martínez pass. In the 43rd minute, the duo combined again, but this time Martínez found the net from Messi’s pass, doubling Argentina’s lead.
In added time (48th minute), Argentina earned a free kick. Messi’s precise cross found Julián Álvarez, who controlled it with his chest and scored, giving Argentina a 3-0 lead at halftime.
Argentina continued to dominate in the second half. Almada, who came on as a substitute for Álvarez in the 65th minute, scored in the 70th, converting a low cross from Molina with a one-touch finish.
The rest of the match turned into a Messi showcase. The Argentine captain netted twice in two minutes to complete his hat-trick. In the 84th minute, he dribbled past two Bolivian players and scored from a Palacios pass. Just two minutes later, he struck again from Nico Paz’s back pass, sealing his hat-trick.
With the emphatic 6-0 victory, Argentina consolidated their top spot in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, sitting comfortably with 22 points from 10 matches.
World Cup Qualifiers: / Brazil Cruise Past Peru with 4-0 Win
Brazil secured an easy 4-0 victory over Peru in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday (October 16) at Estadio Nacional Mané Garrincha. Raphinha scored twice from penalties, while Andreas Pereira and Luiz Henrique each added a goal.
Following their narrow win over Chile in their last qualifier, Brazil dominated this match from the start, even without their star player, Vinícius Jr. Barcelona winger Raphinha, in excellent form, led the attack and converted the first penalty in the first half.
In the second half, Brazil added three more goals. Raphinha netted his second penalty in the 54th minute. Substitute Andreas Pereira scored just two minutes after coming on in the 69th minute, assisted by fellow substitute Henrique. Henrique sealed the 4-0 win with a goal in the 74th minute from an Igor Jesus pass.
This victory marks Brazil’s fifth win in the qualifiers and their second consecutive triumph. Despite being level on 16 points with Uruguay, Brazil sit fourth in the CONMEBOL table due to goal difference.
Elsewhere in the qualifiers, Uruguay stumbled with a goalless draw against Ecuador at home, while Colombia cruised to a 4-0 win over Chile. Colombia now sit second in the table with 19 points, followed by Uruguay in third.
Proteas Arrive in Dhaka for Two-Test Series
The South African cricket team has landed in Dhaka to play a two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The Proteas arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport shortly before 9 AM on Wednesday, October 16.
Aiden Markram’s side will face Bangladesh in the first Test on October 21. The squad has been built with a focus on spin, featuring Keshav Maharaj along with spinners Senuran Muthusamy and Dane Piedt.
However, South Africa also boasts a strong pace attack, including Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, and Wiaan Mulder. Additionally, Matthew Breetzke, who has played eight T20Is, could make his Test debut in this series.
South Africa Test Squad
Aiden Markram (Captain), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne, Dewald Brevis, Lungi Ngidi.
Shakib's Homecoming on Hold: Test Farewell in Jeopardy
Former Bangladesh captain and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan’s return to Bangladesh is now in doubt after student protesters burned his effigy on Wednesday.
The South African cricket team has arrived in Dhaka, and Bangladesh's newly appointed head coach, Phil Simmons, has also joined the team. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the squad for the Mirpur Test, including Shakib Al Hasan, who had recently received clearance to return. However, a fresh complication arose late Wednesday night, forcing Shakib to pause in the UAE. His flight to Dhaka now depends on receiving further approval.
Shakib aims to conclude his illustrious international Test career on home soil with the Mirpur Test against South Africa, as he plans to focus exclusively on ODIs going forward. With no home matches scheduled for Bangladesh before the 2025 Champions Trophy, this Test represents his final opportunity to bid farewell to local fans.
Earlier, during Bangladesh’s recent tour to India, Shakib expressed his desire to play the final Test only if security measures were ensured amid Bangladesh's evolving political landscape. Though uncertainties persisted, he received a green light from the interim government and had made all travel arrangements to return on Thursday, October 17.
However, upon arriving in Dubai en route from the USA, Shakib was asked to wait instead of continuing to Dhaka. Reports suggest the ongoing protests near the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur, along with other complications, led to this delay.
The government is reportedly reevaluating his security arrangements given the recent unrest near the stadium. Shakib’s situation became even more delicate after he was implicated in a murder case in Dhaka’s Adabor area during the national team’s tour to Pakistan, which subjected him to harsh criticism on social media.
Although the BCB and government initially assured Shakib of sufficient security, the recent developments raise doubts about whether he will be able to participate in the Mirpur Test. For now, his return to the field remains in limbo, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcome of this unfolding situation.
Ronaldo’s Goal Secures Dramatic Win for Al Nassr
Al Nassr led until the 90th minute, but a late mistake allowed the opposition to score, putting their victory in doubt. Just when it seemed they would drop points, Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up and scored from the penalty spot to restore the lead.
However, the drama didn’t end there. Before the final whistle, the referee awarded another penalty—this time to Al Shabab. But Abderrazak Hamdallah missed the crucial spot-kick, allowing Al Nassr to escape with a 2-1 victory.
The Saudi Pro League match took place on Friday, October 18, with Al Nassr defeating Al Shabab to move into second place on the table. They now have 17 points from 7 matches, with 5 wins and 2 draws. Al Hilal remain at the top with a perfect 21 points from 7 matches.
In a thrilling encounter, Aymeric Laporte put Al Nassr ahead in the 69th minute. They held the lead until the final minute, when Ali Al-Hassan's own goal brought Al Shabab level.
But Ronaldo’s composure in extra time ensured his team’s victory. His penalty goal marked the 907th goal of his career, as he continues to chase the historic 1,000-goal milestone. This was Ronaldo’s 55th goal for Al Nassr, along with 15 assists for the club.
Bangladesh to Host Maldives for Two Friendlies in November
The Bangladesh national football team will play two international friendly matches against Maldives on November 13 and 16 at home during the final FIFA window of the year.
The news was confirmed on Saturday afternoon by Imran Hossain Tushar, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).
Initially, BFF had approached Malaysia and Thailand to arrange matches during the November window, but both teams were only interested in playing a single match. Eventually, BFF contacted Maldives, who agreed to play two matches, which BFF accepted considering the lower cost and additional match.
The matches are expected to be held at the Bashundhara Kings Arena, with BFF maintaining close coordination with the venue management.
Meanwhile, Bangladeshi-origin English footballer Hamza Dewan Choudhury recently received clearance from the English Football Association and obtained a Bangladesh passport. However, BFF’s request to FIFA’s Player Status Committee for his eligibility to represent Bangladesh is still pending, as FIFA requested more documentation, delaying his inclusion.
To make matters worse, Hamza is currently sidelined with an injury, making his participation in the Maldives matches uncertain.
