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Tarique Rahman Hails Bangladesh's 3-0 T20 Sweep Over West Indies
Bangladesh Sweeps West Indies with an 80-Run Victory
Bangladesh Sweeps West Indies with an 80-Run Victory After the disappointment of being whitewashed by the West Indies in ODIs, the Tigers redeemed themselves in style, handing the hosts a T20 series whitewash on their own turf, bringing joy to their fans. On Friday (December 20), at the Arnos Vale Ground in St. Vincent, Bangladesh defeated the West Indies by a massive 80 runs in the third and final T20 match of the series. Batting first after winning the toss, Bangladesh set an imposing target of 190 runs. In response, the West Indies suffered an early setback when Brandon King was dismissed by Taskin Ahmed for a duck in the first over. After a brief rain interruption, Sheikh Mahedi struck in the very next over, further unsettling the hosts. Bangladesh had never won a T20 series on West Indies soil before. This time, after achieving that milestone, the Tigers made history by whitewashing the hosts for the first time. This marks the second time Bangladesh has whitewashed an opponent in an away series consisting of three or more matches. Overall, it’s the third time Bangladesh has achieved a T20 series whitewash, with the previous instances being against Ireland and England. In the mission to complete the whitewash, Bangladesh set a challenging target of 190 runs for the West Indies. The hosts stumbled right at the start, losing two wickets within just seven runs. Taskin Ahmed trapped Brandon King LBW for a duck on the second ball of the innings, and Sheikh Mahedi removed Justin Greaves (6 off 5) in the next over. Nicholas Pooran and Johnson Charles then built a 38-run partnership off 24 balls. However, Mahedi broke the stand by bowling Pooran (15 off 10) in the sixth over. In the following over, Hasan Mahmud dismissed Roston Chase for a duck, while Charles (23 off 18) fell to a direct hit from Rishad Hossain at midwicket. Three wickets fell for just one run, pushing the West Indies out of contention. Captain Rovman Powell also failed to deliver, edging a delivery from Rishad Hossain to Liton Das. He managed only 2 runs off 12 balls. With the West Indies struggling at 60 for 6, Romario Shepherd tried to steady the innings with the lower order. However, Rishad struck twice in the 15th over, dismissing Gudakesh Motie and Alzarri Joseph in the space of four balls, effectively ending the fightback. Shepherd, realizing the battle was lost, gave away his wicket in the next over, caught off Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Shepherd top-scored for the West Indies with 33 off 27 balls, including one four and three sixes. The hosts were bowled out for 109 in 16.4 overs. Rishad Hossain was the standout bowler with figures of 3 wickets for 21 runs in 4 overs. Taskin Ahmed and Sheikh Mahedi each claimed 2 wickets, conceding 30 and 13 runs, respectively. Earlier, Bangladesh posted a formidable total of 189 for 7, thanks to a blistering innings from Zakir Ali, who smashed six sixes. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh skipper Liton Das saw a strong start from Parvez Hossain Emon, who scored 39 off 21 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. However, Liton managed only 14 off 13, and Tanzid Tamim added 9 off 9. Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed 29 off 23 before Zakir stole the show. Zakir remained unbeaten with 72 off 41 balls, featuring 3 fours and 6 sixes, taking Bangladesh to 189. Tanzim Hasan Sakib chipped in with 17 off 12, hitting one boundary and one six.
Tigers Secure Historic Series Win on West Indies Soil
West Indies vs. Bangladesh 1st T20: / Tigers Gift Victory on Victory Day
West Indies End Decade-Long Wait, Beat Bangladesh in ODI Series
Australia Thrashes India by 10 Wickets in Day-Night Test
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.
Bangladesh Defeated by Ireland in First T20
The Irish women’s cricket team faced a whitewash in the ODI series against Bangladesh but entered the first T20 match determined to bounce back. Their efforts paid off as the visitors secured a 12-run victory over the hosts, narrowly edging out Bangladesh despite their strong performance early on. On Thursday, December 5, Ireland set a target of 170 runs after batting first. In response, Bangladesh managed 157 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted overs, falling just 12 runs short of the target. Chasing a challenging total, Bangladesh’s openers Dilara Akter and Shobhana Mostary gave the team a flying start. Their partnership surpassed the 100-run mark within 11 overs, giving the hosts a solid foundation. However, neither batter could convert their innings into a half-century. Mostary was dismissed for 46 runs off 35 balls, followed by skipper Nigar Sultana Jyoti, who added only four runs. Dilara, the other opener, scored 49 runs off 41 balls before returning to the pavilion. Tej Nahar tried to keep the momentum going with 18 runs off 14 balls but fell under pressure, leaving Bangladesh in a precarious position. Sharmin Akter fought valiantly, holding one end as wickets tumbled at the other. However, in the 19th over, Orla Prendergast delivered a maiden over, claiming two crucial wickets and derailing Bangladesh’s chase. With 18 runs needed off the final over, the task proved too daunting. Sharmin remained unbeaten on 23 off 13 balls, but the Tigresses couldn’t avoid defeat, finishing at 157 for seven. For Ireland, Orla Prendergast and Arlene Kelly claimed three wickets each, while Amy Maguire added one to the tally. Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to bat, Ireland had a shaky start. Opener Amy Hunter was dismissed for just 10 runs, and Prendergast couldn’t make an impact either, scoring 11 runs off 15 balls. By the time the score reached 46, Ireland had lost two wickets. However, captain Gaby Lewis, partnering with Leah Paul, steadied the innings. Lewis, who had struggled to score in the ODI series, found form and reached her fifty alongside Paul. Together, they added 153 runs to the scoreboard. Lewis departed for 60 off 42 balls in the 18th over, followed by Laura Delany (2) and Una Raymond-Hoey, who was dismissed for a duck. Leah Paul’s unbeaten 79 runs ensured Ireland posted a competitive total of 169 for five. This impressive comeback by Ireland in the first T20 promises an exciting series ahead.
Jay Shah Assumes ICC Leadership: Progress or Power Play?
The world of cricket stands at a crossroads as Jay Shah, the newly appointed Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), steps into a role that carries immense responsibility. At just 36, Shah becomes the youngest to ever hold the position, succeeding Greg Barclay, who served the past four years. While India’s influence on world cricket is undeniable, with Shah at the helm, many are wondering if this power will tilt even further in India’s favor. Outgoing Chairman Barclay, in his farewell address, emphasized that while Shah has a significant opportunity to elevate the game, it should not come at the cost of consolidating too much power in one nation. He warned that India’s overwhelming influence could undermine the sport's global expansion. Barclay also pointed out the growing complexity of international cricket, exacerbated by the rise of franchise-based T20 leagues. The packed schedules, driven by the interests of member countries, have made it increasingly difficult to keep track of global cricket events, further complicating the future of the sport. As Jay Shah takes charge, the world watches to see whether his leadership will unify or divide the cricketing world.
West Indies Duo Penalized for Aggressive Conduct Against Bangladesh
West Indies faced a defeat against Bangladesh in the Kingston Test, but the loss wasn’t the only setback for the hosts. Two players, Jayden Seales and Kevin Sinclair, have been penalized by the ICC for displaying aggressive behavior during the match. In Bangladesh's second innings, Seales dismissed Mahmudul Hasan in the first over and made unwarranted and overly aggressive gestures towards the visiting team’s dressing room. Substitute fielder Sinclair, meanwhile, ignored on-field umpires' warnings and used aggressive language toward Bangladeshi batters. His body language was notably hostile without cause, especially during Shadman Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz's partnership and when Litton Das arrived at the crease. As a result, both players have faced disciplinary action. Seales was fined 25% of his match fee and received one demerit point for violating Article 2.20 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. Sinclair was fined 15% of his match fee and received one demerit point for violating Article 2.24 of the same code by disobeying umpire instructions in an international match. Both players admitted their offenses and accepted the sanctions imposed by match referee Jeff Crowe, making a formal hearing unnecessary. The on-field umpires for the match, Kumar Dharmasena and Asif Yaqoob, along with third umpire Nitin Menon and fourth umpire Zahid Bassarath, reported the players’ breaches of Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. ICC Sanctions and Procedures Level 1 offenses carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum fine of 50% of the match fee, along with one or two demerit points. If a player accrues at least four demerit points within 24 months, they are converted into suspension points, leading to a ban. Two suspension points result in a player being barred from either one Test, two ODIs, or two T20Is, depending on the format of the next scheduled match. Performance and Match Details In the Kingston Test, Seales delivered an exceptional performance in Bangladesh's first innings, taking 4 wickets for just 5 runs in 15.5 overs, including 10 maiden overs. In the second innings, he took 1 wicket for 46 runs in 13 overs. Despite his efforts, Bangladesh secured a commanding 101-run victory.
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.
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.
Tigers Crumble to 164 in 1st Innings as West Indies Pacers Dominate
Another batting collapse, another low score. Opting to bat after winning the toss in the Jamaica Test, Bangladesh were bundled out for 164 in 71.5 overs in their first innings. The first day saw only 30 overs of play due to rain and a wet outfield, with Bangladesh ending the day at 69 for 2. On the second morning, the Tigers suffered a batting collapse, losing 6 wickets for just 98 runs. Within the first hour of play, 4 wickets had fallen. Test cricket demands patience, but overly defensive batting can backfire, as seen in Shahadat Hossain Dipu’s case. Despite facing 89 balls and hitting 2 boundaries for 22 runs at a strike rate of 24.71, Dipu couldn’t convert his innings. He was bowled while defending against Shamarh Joseph. Litton Das, a seasoned international cricketer of nine years, once again threw away his wicket in an ugly dismissal. Attempting a shot with no footwork, he edged to first slip and was dismissed for 1 off 6 balls. Young Zakir Ali also fell cheaply for 1. Facing Shamarh Joseph’s pace, he misplayed a rising delivery, resulting in a soft dismissal as the ball deflected off his bat and shoulder into the keeper’s gloves. Watching his teammates falter, Shadman Islam seemed to lose composure. Trying to fend off Shamarh Joseph, he edged to the keeper, ending his innings of 64 runs off 137 balls, which included 5 fours and 1 six. Bangladesh stumbled to 98 for 6. Mehidy Hasan Miraz then tried to steady the innings with Taijul Islam. Before lunch, they added 24 runs over 14 overs, building a 41-run partnership off 116 balls. However, Alzarri Joseph broke the stand, dismissing Taijul for 16 off 66 balls. With Taijul gone at 139, Miraz found little support from the tail. Taskin Ahmed managed 8 runs, while Miraz himself was caught at deep fine leg attempting a pull shot off Jayden Seales. The Bangladesh captain scored 36 runs off 75 balls, including 2 boundaries. West Indies pacer Jayden Seales was the star of the innings, claiming 4 wickets for just 5 runs. Shamarh Joseph took 3 wickets, further dismantling the Bangladeshi batting lineup.
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