Bangladesh win Twenty20 match to register first victory in New Zealand

Bangladesh win Twenty20 match to register first victory in New Zealand

23 December 2007

Bangladesh won its first match in New Zealand soil when they beat a New Zealand XI by four wickets in a charity Twenty20 game at Seddon Park in Hamilton today.

Young all-rounder Farhad Reza scored a match wining blitzkrieg 31 from 17 balls and shared a 48-run fifth wicket partnership with Mehrab Hossain to guide Bangladesh to 134-6 in reply to New Zealand XI's 133-7 and victory with t3 overs to spare. Mehrab remained unbeaten on 21 from 26 deliveries.

The win would boost confidence ahead of Bangladesh's three-match National Bank limited overs series against New Zealand from Boxing Day.

Previously on this tour, Bangladesh had lost to a Northern Districts and Auckland team in limited overs matches. The only match in which Bangladesh averted defeat was washed out due to inclement weather.

A 17 ball 31 from Farhad Reza helped Bangladesh to secure victory against New Zealand XI © AFP

New Zealand fielded a strong XI for the charity match that contained the nucleus of the New Zealand team they will play in the upcoming limited overs series. None of the current New Zealand players except Scott Styris who made 29 from 22 balls, made a significant contribution with the bat.

Two early strikes from Bangladesh opening bowlers Shahadat Hossain and Sajidul Islam pushed New Zealand XI on the back foot after Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful won the toss and opted to field first.

For New Zealand, opener Jamie How was out for 10, Peter Fulton for 3, Ross Taylor for 15 and Gareth Taylor for 12, leaving the New Zealanders with more concerns than the tourists as the first one-day match approaches in two days time. In form, Northern Districts captain, James Marshall who dominated Bangladesh in the warm up match remained unbeaten on 33.

A disciplined bowling effort supported by some electrifying fielding set up Bangladesh's victory in front of a packed crowd. Lanky paceman Shahadat Hossain took 3-15 from four overs and captain Mohammad Ashraful took 2-28 with his leg spin.

Bangladesh lost their first wicket with no run on the board as the batsmen initially showed vulnerability against the Kiwi seam bowlers but a counter attack by Aftab Ahmed and Mohammad Ashraful set the platform for a well-planned run chase. Ashraful scored 20 from 10 balls — hitting a four and six from the first two balls he faced — and Aftad Ahmed contributed 20 from 15 balls.

After their departure Saqibul Hasan (22 from 19) maintained the run flow and the 47 run 6th wicket partnership between Farhad Reza and Mehrab Hossain sealed the victory for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh will play the first of three one-day internationals against New Zealand in Auckland on December 26.

The one-day series is followed by two tests, the first starting in Dunedin on Jan. 4. The second begins Jan. 12 in Wellington.

Bangladesh lose by 7 wickets despite Tamim heroics

Bangladesh lose by 7 wickets despite Tamim heroics

21 December 2007

Auckland made light work to see off Bangladesh in the third and final warm-up match before the three match one day international series against the Black Caps and handed the Bangladeshis their second defeat in three matches on their tour of New Zealand so far. The only match in which Bangladesh averted defeat was washed out due to inclement weather.

Auckland breezed past Bangladesh's total of 242 with 7 wickets in hand and 4 overs to spare. Former international and Auckland skipper Richard

Bangladesh lose by 7 wickets despite Tamim heroics

Jones made 85 not out while another former New Zealand representative, Paul Hitchcock, made 35.

Earlier Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first. A 122 ball 104 from young opener Tamim Iqbal failed to inspire rest of the Bangladeshi batting as Bangladesh slumped to 242 all out in 48.5 over.

Left handed Tamim, who was struggling with his recent batting form, hammered 10 boundaries and 4 huge 6's in his finely constructed innings. His departure right after the century mark initiated the collapse and Bangladesh failed to utilize the platform to post a challenging total at Seddon Park in Hamilton .

At one point Bangladesh were heading to a 275+ total with Tamim and Ashraful flaying Auckland attack with some fine stroke play. After receiving the initial brunt, Auckland bowlers came back strongly and once Morgan broke the 55 runs partnership, rest of the Bangladeshi batsmen offered little resistance against the spirited bowling attack.

Bangladesh lost 5 quick wickets in a space of 30 runs and were eventually bundled out by some inspired bowling from the Auckland Aces. 6 of the Bangladeshi batsmen including in-form opener Zunaed Siddique failed to reach the double figure and short cameos from top order mainstream Aftab and Ashraful weren't enough to steer Bangladesh to a winning position.

GJ Morgan was the pick of the bowlers for Auckland and bagged 3 wickets for 33 runs while Mackay, Hitchcok and Hira grabbed two wickets each.

Bangladesh will play the first of three one-day internationals against New Zealand in Auckland on December 26.

The one-day series is followed by two tests, the first starting in Dunedin on Jan. 4. The second begins Jan. 12 in Wellington.

Sajidul replaces injured Rasel

Sajidul replaces injured Rasel

17 December

Bangladesh's hope to secure victory in the one dayers against New Zealand received a severe blow as their premium seam bowler Syed Rasel has been ruled out of the entire tour due to a collarbone injury. Rasel sustained the injury in the warm-up match against Northern Districts in which Tigers succumbed to a 7 wicket loss.

Bangladesh will miss the service of Syed Rasel against the Kiwis

Young left arm seamer Sajidul Islam (19), who is enjoying a fine form in the domestic cricket, has been named as the replacement of Rasel. Sajidul will fly to New Zealand on Tuesday to join the rest of the squad members.

According to tigercricket.com, the official website of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Rasel was examined by an orthopaedic surgeon in Hamilton Monday and the report is expected by Tuesday morning. He will undergo further investigation and treatment before a final assessment on his condition is made.

Meanwhile chief selector Rafiqul Alam expressed his optimism about young Sajidul who is currently the leading wicket taker in the domestic first class competition.

"Sajidul is a bowler identical to Rasel and is in the peak of form in the ongoing National Cricket League. So the selection committee unanimously picked him as the replacement of Rasel," said Rafiqul.

Bangladesh plays another warm-up one-dayer against Northern Districts in Hamilton tomorrow, ahead of a one-day game against Auckland on Friday.

They play the first of three one-day internationals against New Zealand in Auckland on December 26.

The one-day series is followed by two tests, the first starting in Dunedin on Jan. 4. The second begins Jan. 12 in Wellington.

Bangladesh lose the tour opener warm-up

16 December 2007

Left-handed batsman Nick Horsley scored a career-best 92 in Hamilton, New Zealand, on Sunday as Northern Districts beat Bangladesh by seven wickets in a one-day match in the visitors' tour opener.

Northern Districts made 228 for three in reply to Bangladesh's 222 for eight at Seddon Park.

Bangladesh's innings was built around opener Zunaed Siddique, who scored 73 off 114 balls. The tourists were well positioned at 121 for two in the 32nd over before they collapsed to lose five for 56.

Bangladesh plays another one-dayer against Northern Districts in Hamilton on Tuesday, ahead of a one-day game against Auckland on Friday.

They play the first of three one-day internationals against New Zealand in Auckland on December 26.

The one-day series is followed by two tests, the first starting in Dunedin on Jan. 4. The second begins Jan. 12 in Wellington.

Explosive Bangladesh storm into the second round

An astounding display of power hitting by Bangladesh skipper Mohammad Ashraful and dashing Aftab Ahmed secured a comprehensive 6 wicket win over West Indies with 2 overs to spare at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg today.

Chasing a victory target of 164 in 20 overs, Bangladesh did not get the desired start as they lost reliable Nazimuddin in the second over of the match with only 2 runs on the board.

Explosive Bangladesh storm into the second round © Cricinfo

Tamim Iqbal soon departed while trying to clear Rampaul out of the ground finding Chanderpaul at mid off. Bangladesh were in a spot of bother and the spotlight was on Bangladesh skipper Mohammad Ashraful to produce an extra-ordinary innings similar to one in Guayana which denied South Africa in the last world cup.

Ashraful responded to the situation brilliantly and shared a 109 run partnership with Aftab Ahmed in just 10.2 overs with blistering display of cricket shots to send West Indies packing without a win in the inaugural Twenty20 world cup.

Ashraful tore West Indies attack apart in his 27 ball 61 and registered fastest fifty in the history of Twenty20 International, off just 20 balls. At the other end Aftab played his innings of life to guide Bangladesh home after the departure of skipper Ashraful and remained unbeaten on 62.

Ashraful nonchalantly clouted boundaries after boundaries and Aftab Ahmed aptly joined the party as West Indian attack imploded at Wanderers. Ashraful smacked 7 fours and 3 sixes in his blitzkrieg innings and Aftab walloped 8 boundaries and one six which sailed over the fine leg to the stand.

Earlier, Bangladesh won the crucial toss and decided to field first after an unscheduled one hour delay due to damp pitch caused by over watering by groundstaff. Syed Rasel removed the danger man Chris Gayle with a gem of delivery in the very first over and set the tone of the match for Bangladesh. While run leaked from the other end, Rasel kept everything tight and conceded only 10 runs which is the most economical spell in Twenty20 history.

A second-wicket 95 run stand between Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Devon Smith helped West Indies to recover from the shoddy start, and West Indies were well on course for yet another big score after their mammoth 205 in the first match of the tournament.

Introduction of spin pegged West Indies back and Bangladesh were well on top until 16th over of the innings. The West Indian innings gathered a dramatic momentum in the last 4 overs as Bangladesh skipper continued with his leg spin, and Marlon Samuels and Dwayne Smith clobbered Ashraful for flurry of fours and sixes. Ashraful conceded 44 runs in his last 2 overs and West Indies posted a challenging 164 in the must win game.

Shakib Al Hasan was the most successful Bangladesh bowler and pouched 3 wickets in the last over of the match to raise his match tally to 4 for 34. Abdur Razzak grabbed 2 wickets in his impressive spell conceding 25 runs.

Bangladesh is now leading the points table of Group A, also involving South Africa, and progressed into the second round with one match remaining.

Bangladesh will play their last group match against host South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday. The day night affair will be Bangladesh's first appearance under light in Twenty20 cricket.

Bangladesh canter to 5-wicket win against Kenya

Bangladesh have comfortably won their first match against Kenya by 5 wickets in the Twenty20 Quadrangular tournament at Nairobi Gymkhana Ground in Kenya today (Saturday).

Chasing a modest victory target of 139 set by Kenya, Bangladesh effected a well-constructed all-round display and reached the target with 14 balls remaining.

Ashraful tasted first win as International captain in todays 5 wicket victory against Kenya © Cricinfo

Bangladesh was well on the top right from the beginning of the run chase and never looked in trouble as Kenya bowlers failed to restrict the run flow in the first 10 overs.

Bangladesh opener Nazimuddin struck a flamboyant 43 off 36 balls and Aftab Ahmed struck a blitzkrieg 17 off 6 balls to set the tone of the Bangladesh run chase. Nazimuddin was adjudged man of the man for his debut innings in international cricket which included three 4’s and two 6’s.

Despite some quick fall of wicket, Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful steadied the Bangladesh innings along with all-rounder Alok Kapali to ensure an easy Bangladesh win. Ashraful hammered 36 off 20 deliveries including four boundaries and one six while Alok Kapali took a more patient approach and remained unbeaten on 17 off 19 balls to guide Bangladesh home.

P J Ongondo was the most successful Kenya bowler and grabbed 2 wickets for 21 runs while Odoyo, Kamande and Onyango picked 1 wicket each.

Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field first on a sunny afternoon in Nairobi. A double strike from Bangladesh pace spearhead Mashrafe Mortaza in early on left Kenya rebuilding their innings for most part of their innings.

Left arm seamer Syed Rasel and spinner Abdur Razzak kept the pressure on and Kenya found it difficult to post a big total in front of the home crowd. Tanmay Mishra top scored with 38 runs off 41 deliveries and Steve Tikolo chipped in with a useful 24 runs off 21 deliveries.

Some late strike from Thomas Odoyo (22 off 13) and Collins Obuya (14 off 10) helped Kenya to post a respectable 138/7 in the stipulated 20 overs, but at the end it was proved inadequate to restrict the victory charge by young Bangladesh line-up.

Mashrafe Mortaza, Abdur Razzak and Farhad Reza bagged 2 wickets each for Bangladesh while skipper Mohammad Ashraful grabbed 1 wicket in his debut Twenty20 international.

Bangladesh face Pakistan while Kenya meet Uganda in the same ground on Sunday.

Shakib ruled out of Twenty20 Quadrangular due to finger injury

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib-Al-Hasan is ruled out of the Twenty20 quadrangular tournament due to an injury in his right index finger. The news came as a severe blow to the Bangladesh team who will be facing Kenya in their first match of the Quadrangular tournament today (1 September).

"Shakib has an impact fracture on his right index finger," said team physio Azmal Ahmed. The 20-year-old sustained the injury while playing a Twenty20 match in practice on Thursday.

Shakib will be monitored for the next few days and is expected to play a part in the Twenty20 World Cup to be held in South Africa.

Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful remains hopeful about the prospect of his team in the tournament and also in the Twenty20 World Cup.

"It will be an ideal build-up for the Twenty20 World Championship. The conditions here are pretty similar to South Africa and we have good sides to play against. Kenya will be especially tough at home while Pakistan are a world-class team," said Ashraful at the pre-tournament media briefing.

Bangladesh Academy made a winning start in the Institute Challenege Tournament

BD Academy Vs Western Australia
BD Academy 219/5 Over -40; Rokibul 59 (59), Nasiruddin 47 (97), Mehrab 34* (23), Imrul 31 (44)
Western Australia 209/8 Over -40; Scott 39, Mick 60, Wes 42, Tim 24; Nazmul1/34, Talha 1/37, Mosharraf 2/17, Dollar 1/23, Naim 1/39
Grameenphone-BCB National Cricket Academy won by 10 runs (Date-27/08-2007; Toss-BD Academy)

Kenya confirm itinerary of four nation Twenty20 tournament

Bangladesh are going to experience some vital Twenty20 match practices in Kenyan capital Nairobi in the four nation Twenty20 tournament to boost their morale ahead of Twenty20 world cup to be held in South Africa in September.

The Kenyan Cricket Association have confirmed the itinerary of the preparatory tournament which kicks off at Kenyan capital Nairobi on September 1. In the highly anticipated match of the tournament, Bangladesh are going face their sub-continent rivals Pakistan on September 2.

Kenya and Uganda are other two teams in the tournament, but attractions will centre over the participation of the two Test playing nations from the sub-continent who are famous for their explosive nature of batting.

Bangladesh will start their campaign on 1 September with the match against arch rival Kenya in the tournament opener and will face Uganda on September 4 before flying to Johannesburg to participate in the first ever Twenty20 World Cup on September 6.

Itinerary

September 1 : Match 1 - Bangladesh Vs Kenya, Match 2 – Pakistan Vs Uganda

September 2 : Match 3 – Kenya Vs Uganda, Match 4 - Bangladesh Vs Pakistan

September 4 : Match 5 – Bangladesh Vs Uganda, Match 6 – Pakistan Vs Kenya

Training camp of Tigers starts on Monday

After the exhilarating boot camp experience, Bangladesh are starting their official preparation for the Twenty20 World Cup to be held in South Africa in next month from Monday.

Interim coach Shaun Williams, who returned from USA yesterday, will conduct the week long training camp which features six

Shaun Williams and Mohammad Ashraful, time to redeem Bangladesh Cricket © Cricinfo

practice matches against various oppositions.

The national team will play two Twenty20 matches against Australia bound Academy team on Tuesday and Wednesday, opponents of other practice matches are yet to be announced.

Tigers are due to leave for Nairobi on 29th August to participate in the 4 nation Twenty20 tournament as past of their preparation for the Twenty20 world cup. Pakistan, Kenya and Uganda are the other teams in the six day competition.

Bangladesh management are a bit concerned with the minor niggling injuries of Mushfiqur Rahim, Abdur Razzak, Tamim Iqbal and Alok Kapali, sustained during the week long commando training, although none of them are threatening enough to keep themselves out of action for long.

Bangladesh are placed along with host South Africa and West Indies in group A and will face West Indies in their first match on September 13.

"Boot camp experience will help us in International cricket" – Ashraful

Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful expressed his satisfaction over the week long commando style boot camp and believes the experience will help the young Tigers to adjust with the pressures of international cricket.

The camp, organized at Bangladesh Army's School of Infantry and Tactics in Sylhet, ended yesterday and was an important part of the team's preparation for next month's ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa.

Tigers enjoyed the first ever boot camp; Syed Rasel in action © Cricinfo

Despite suffering some minor injuries, most of the players enjoyed the action packed training program and are willing to undergo similar programs in future.

In the post-camp briefing Bangladesh captain was high vocal about the positives of the commando effort. "Each and every player in the camp firmly believes that this hard training will make them tough both mentally and physically.

"Honestly speaking, initially we were a bit shaky with a kind of training we had never attended before but ultimately we started to enjoy everything about the new adventure. "Definitely we would have missed something if we had not taken part in this kind of training."

The players were thoroughly overwhelmed by the self-counseling part of the program in which they had to discuss each others strengths and weaknesses.

"It's really an amazing experience the way we talked openly in this session. Everybody sometimes admitted their faults or defended their position.

"We criticized each other. I must say it is the best part of this training. We have had discussion in our team meetings but never spoke as openly as we did in this session," Ashraful added.

This was the first ever boot camp for Bangladeshi cricketers and only members of South Africa bound Twenty20 squad participated in the program, but Bangladesh Cricket Board want to arrange similar program for A team, Academy team and age group teams in near future.

Bangladesh name three uncapped players in the Twenty20 Squad

Bangladesh selectors have named a youthful 15 member squad for the upcoming Twenty20 world cup to be held in South Africa in September 2007.

The squad led by Mohammad Ashraful includes three uncapped players Junaed Siddique Imroz, Nazim Uddin and Ziaur Rahman, the first two are known for their big hitting abilities while the

Rafique Alok Kapali recalled for Twenty20 World Cup © Cricinfo

last one is a fresh face in the pace bowling department.

Lanky paceman Shahadat Hossain is the only notable omission from the 30 man provisional squad and left arm spinner Mohammad Rafiq opted out due to a minor fracture in his left rib.

Alok Kapali, who was out of contention for the last two years has been handed another opportunity to prove his worth largely due to his outstanding form in last domestic season.

Bangladesh Squad

Mohammad Ashraful (Captain), Masrafe Bin Mortaza (Vice-Captain), Alok Kapali, Abdur Razzak, Aftab Ahmed Chowdhury, Syed Rasel, Forhad Reza, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (Wicketkeeper), Tamim Iqbal Khan, Mahmud Ullah Riyad, Junaed Siddique Imroz, Nazim Uddin, Nadif Chowdhury, Ziaur Rahman.

Boot camp for Tigers ahead of Twenty20 World Cup

Bangladeshi cricketers will go through an "Australian style boot camp" next week in the north-eastern Sylhet division under a special military unit as part of their warm up campaign for the Twenty20 World Cup.

The boot camp will last for six days and will be supervised by the "Special warfare unit" of the Bangladesh army. The camp will start on 11 August and will only include players selected for the Twenty20 World Cup to be held in South Africa in September 2007. National selectors will announce the 15 member squad from the provisional squad of thirty on 9 August.

Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu, former Bangladesh captain and now chairman of the cricket operations committee of BCB's new ad hoc committee is hoping to bring out the best inn the players through intensive training programmes.

"This training is for gaining fitness and getting harder as quickly as possible as they will go through a strenuous routine during the camp. An Army unit will be in charge of the players," he said.

Pace spearhead Masharfe Mortaza is spared from the camp due to a minor ankle injury and to attend his ailing wife.

Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful, who went through a similar camp under Gordon Greenidge, believes the camp will help in building mental toughness of the players:

"We once did it in Cox's Bazar with Gordon Greenidge. I don't remember much but I still recall that doing our regular workouts on sand was tougher. We need this type of exercises because it will naturally make us stronger mentally and physically, "said Ashraful.

Shaun Williams to remain in charge of Bangladesh for twenty20 World Cup.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), still struggling to find out the successor of Dave Whatmore, have appointed Shaun Williams, BCB game development manager, as interim Bangladesh coach for the up-coming twenty20 World Cup to be held in South Africa.

Williams acted as the interim coach in the recently concluded Sri Lanka tour in which Bangladesh were whitewashed in both Test and ODI series. Sarwar Imarn, who acted as the deputy of Williams for the Sri Lanka tour will also remain in charge.

The decision was taken in the first meeting of the newly formed committee at Navana Tower office of BCB on Wednesday afternoon. Ahmed Sazzadul Alam, member of the BCB executive committee, made the decision public in a news conference after the meeting.

Bangladesh are placed in group A along with host South Africa and West Indies, and will start their campaign against West Indies on 13 September in Johannesburg.

Bangladesh make changes to avoid whitewash in the ODI series

Bangladesh think tank has opted for couple of changes in the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka in a desperate bid to avoid whitewash. Sri Lanka have already gained an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three match Laqshya series by defeating Bangladesh comfortably in the first two ODIs.

Mahmudullah Riyad, can a new face help saving blushes? © Cricinfo

To bring solidity to the top order batting, Bangladesh have picked veteran opener Javed Omar in place of struggling Shahriar Nafees and Tushar Imran, who made a duck and 9 in last two matches, is also dropped in favour of uncapped off-spinning all-rounder Mahmudullah Riyad.

Bangladesh have shown some improved performances in the bowling and fielding departments in the ODI series, but top order batting has let them down throughout the tour.

Bangladesh pace spearhead Mashrafe Mortaza failed to recover from his sprained right ankle and is ruled out of the third ODI. The match will be played tomorrow (Wednesday) at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Squads

Bangladesh: Mohammad Ashraful (Captain), Tamim Iqbal, Javed Omer Belim, Mushfiqur Rahim, Aftab Ahmed, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad, Farhad Reza, Abdur Razzak, Shahadat Hossain Rajib, Syed Rasel.

Sri Lanka (From) : Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Chamara Silva, Tilakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Kapugedera, Jehan Mubarak, Farveez Maharoof, Dilhara Fernando, Lasith Malinga, Malinga Bandara, Nuwan Kulasekera, Upul Chandana

Jayasuriya stars in Sri Lanka win

Sri Lanka trounced Bangladesh by 5 wickets inside 32 overs in the second ODI to obtain an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Laqshya series at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo today.

Bangladesh top order displayed their familiar collapse after Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene won the toss and sent Bangladesh in. After losing 4 wickets for a mere 26 runs, Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful and middle order batsman Aftab Ahmed tried to steady Bangladesh innings and formed a 61 run partnership in the fifth wicket.

Bangladesh lost their captain at the score of 87 when Ashraful unnecessarily poked at a Jayasuriya delivery and could only manage to guide the ball to waiting gloves of Sangakkara. Bangladesh again lost their way and finally were bundled out for a meager 137 in 46.5 overs.

Aftab Ahmed top scored for Bangladesh with 47 runs while 7 Bangladeshi batsmen returned to the pavilion with single digit score. Sanath Jayasuriya was the pick of the Sri Lanka attack and grabbed 4 wickets for 31 runs to complete 300 wickets in one day international. Lasith Malinga produced an impressive opening spell and bagged 3 wickets for 22 runs.

Bangladesh bowlers bowled to their heart out to create some sort of competitiveness but 137 runs were too little to resist experienced Sri Lanka batting line up. After reducing Sri Lanka to 79-4, Bangladesh failed to press on and Sri Lanka finally reached home comfortably losing 5 wickets in 31.1 overs.

Syed Rasel was the most successful Bangladeshi bowler and bagged 2 wickets for 39 runs while Shadadat, Razzak and Ashraful grabbed one wicket each.

Bangladesh will play the 3rd and final ODI on 25th July at the same venue.

Mahmudul Guides Bangladesh U-19 Home Over Sri Lanka

A brilliant all-round performance from captain Mahmudul Hasan ensured Bangladesh U-19 recorded a 43 run win host Sri Lanka U-19 in the Tri-Nation Under-19 tournament at P Saravanamattu Stadium in Colombo today (Monday).

Winning the toss Bangladesh captain Mahmudul opted to bat first under overcast conditions. Sri Lanka U-19 new ball pair Tissara Perera and Charith Jayampathi struck early blows to remove both Bangladeshi openers with the score on 23.

Mithun Ali and Ashraful Aziz steadied the Bangladesh innings and once medium pacer Ishara Jayaratne removed both of them, Mahmudul took charge of the innings with some patient stroke play. Some late hitting from Taposh Ghosh helped Bangladesh to post a competitive total of 204 before being bowled out in 48.4 overs. Taposh made a quick fire 27 off 20 balls with 2 boundaries and 1 six.

Ashraful Aziz top scored for Bangladesh with 35 runs while Mahmudul Hasan and Mithun Ali added 32 and 27 respectively. Tissara Perera was the most successful Sri Lanka bowler and bagged 3 wickets for 38 runs.

Chasing a victory target of 205 runs in 50 overs, Sri Lanka received a double blow from fast bowler Rubel Hossain and were reduced to 20 for 2. Opener Dinesh Chandimal (36 off 62) and middle order batsman Lahiru Thirimanna (31 off 44) tried to repair the Sri Lanka innings but were undone by the Bangladesh spin trio Mahmudul Hasan, Taposh Ghosh and Nasir Hossain.

Sri Lanka U-19 kept losing wickets regularly and were finally bundled out for 161 runs in 45.2 overs. Bangladesh spinners shared 7 wickets between them conceding only 67 runs. Mahmudul Hasan was the pick of Bangladeshi bowlers and grabbed 3 wickets for 20 runs while Rubel Hossain, Taposh Ghosh and Nasir Hossain bagged 2 wickets each.

India U-19 is the third team of the tournament. Bangladesh will play their next match against India–U 19 on 26 July.

Bangladesh prevail in tense finish against Sri Lanka Invitation XI

A match winning 92 not out by Aftab Ahmed ensured a 3 wicket Bangladesh win over Sri Lanka invitation XI in the only practice match of the three match ODI series at Police Park Ground in Colombo today.

Winning toss Sri Lanka XI decided to bat first and posted a competitive 241 for 5 in the stipulated 50 overs. Sri Lanka Academy Team opener NT Paranavitana

Aftab guides Bangladesh to victory © Cricinfo

top scored with an unbeaten 63 while Sri Lanka Academy team captain Ian Daniel struck a fine 57. Syed Rasel and Sakib Al Hasan grabbed two wickets each for 37 and 41 runs respectively.

In reply to a victory target of 242, Bangladesh chase was initially thwarted by Sri Lankan new ball bowlers as Shahriar Nafees, Captain Mohammad Ashraful and Tushar Imran failed to reach double figures. After losing opener Tamim Iqbal for 45 runs, Bangladesh were in a spot of bother on 112-5 at the end of 29 overs.

Aftab Ahmed and young wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim steadied Bangladesh innings and after the departure of Mushfiq, Aftab found a partner in Farhad Reza to carry Bangladesh towards victory. Mushfiqur Rahim scored 25 runs while Farhad Reza added 26 runs to Bangladesh total.

The first match of the three match ODI series will be played on 20th July at P Sara Stadium in Colombo.

Bangladesh emerge as Champion in ACC Women's Tournament

Bangladesh women cricket team made a dream debut in the international circuit by winning the inaugural ACC Women's Championship in Johor Bahru, Malaysia today. They outperformed Nepal by 8 wickets in the rain affected final to become the unbeaten champion of the eight nation tournament.

Bangladesh dominated throughout the tournament and the one sided final only reaffirmed the gulf of differences between Bangladesh and other associate nations participated in the tournament.

Winning toss Nepal opted to bat first under overcast conditions, but failed to stand firm against the fearsome Bangladesh bowling line up. Midday rain curtailed the match to 18 overs a side and Nepal could only manage 26 runs for the loss of 8 wickets at the end proved too little to challenge Bangladesh.

Bangladesh pace trio Salma Khatun, Shamima Akhter, Tithi Rani Sarkar and left arm chinaman bowler Champak Chakma ripped through the Nepal innings and bagged 2 wickets each for only 21 runs.

Bangladesh needed only 9.2 overs to reach the winning target with the loss of two wickets to emerge as the superior team of the tournament.

Bangladesh all-rounder Panna Ghosh was adjudged player of the tournament while glove women Mina Khatun earned the best wicketkeeper of the tournament award.

Murali milestone sinks Bangladesh

A match winning 12-82 by Muttiah Muralitharan completed a 3-0 whitewash and Bangladesh lost the third match by an innings and 193 runs to end a forgettable series against Sri Lanka at Asgiriya Stadium in Kandy today.

Muralitharan required exactly 12 wickets to reach 700 Test wicket milestone after Aussie wizard Shane Warne, and he achieved the feat in style in front his home crowd in Candy today. Murali now needs only 9 wickets to supersede Warne to become the most successful bowler of the Test history.

Bangladesh could only manage 176 runs in the second innings in reply to Sri Lanka's 500-4d and got bundled out within the second session of 4th day. Shahriar Nafees top scored with 64 runs while all other batsmen refused to learn from their previous mistake and got out cheaply playing flashy shots.

Bangladesh will now play a 3 match ODI series against the Islanders which starts from July 20 at P Sara Stadium in Colombo.

Bangladesh continue their first day blue amid showers

Bangladesh failed to capitalize on the solid start on the stop-start rain affected first day of the third and final Test and were struggling at 72-4 at close an Asgiriya Stadium in Kandy today.

Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful could not pick the right side of the coin and his counterpart Mahela Jayawardene made no hesitation to send Bangladesh in under gloomy

Muralitharan picked two quick wickets to convert Bangladesh’s steady start into struggle © Cricinfo

overcast conditions. Sri Lankan pace sensation Lasith Malinga picked a leaden-footed Javed Omar in his 2nd over to reduce Bangladesh to 10-1.

Former Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar in a bid to rediscover his form promoted him up the order, and formed a useful 38 run partnership with Shahriar Nafees to steady the Bangladesh innings. Bangladesh went to an early rain forced lunch without losing any further wicket.

After a rain break of 117 minutes, play finally resumed but this time Bashar was undone by the very first delivery he faced from Farveez Maharoof after the break. The ball jagged back sharply from the good length and may have kissed Bashar's glove faintly on the way to the wicketkeeper. The replay was inconclusive and Bashar might consider him unlucky for the dismissal.

After the departure of Bashar, spin wizard Muralitharan plucked two quick wickets to convert Bangladesh's steady start into struggle. Rajin Saleh was first to go for a painstaking 29 ball duck and a restless Shahriar Nafees soon followed him gifting his wicket away for the third consecutive time in the series. Nafees scored 29 from 77 deliveries and appeared set to produce a big score before the rush of blood again thwarted his progress.

After another couple of rain induced stop-start, play was finally called off due to bad light, and Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful have to perform another rescue act tomorrow with flown in Tushar Imran to save Bangladesh’s face in the Test match.

Bangladesh aim to restore pride in the dead rubber

Bangladesh, mauled by the Lankan Lions in the first two Test, are desperately looking for some rescue act by top order batsman to restore some pride in the thirst and final Test match of the Laqshya series due to start tomorrow in Kandy Asgiriya Stadium.

Bangladesh have flown in A team captain Tushar Imran to stabilise the fragile middle order who had an excellent Sri Lanka tour

Tushar Imran is flown in to perform rescue act © Cricinfo

with Bangladesh A team in early this year. Mehrab Hossain Jr. who made his debut in the second Test lost his place to make way for Tushar.

Bangladesh is approaching the match with three pacers and left arm paceman Syed Rasel finally received the nod of the team management ahead of out-of-sort Mohammad Sharif who played in the first two Tests without any success.

Traditionally the wicket of Kandy is pacer friendly and offers movement in early hours. Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful is expecting to win first toss as Captain to exploit the condition. Bangladesh lost the toss on previous occasions and were blown away in their first innings in both Tests played in Colombo.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka are aiming the whitewash to keep the momentum going. Sri Lanka have brought in all-rounder Farveez Maharoof in place of Chaminda Vaas who was released after the second Test for his county duty with Middlesex.

Upul Tharanga, who suffered a hairline fracture on the left foot during a practice session, is set to start in the third Test and Sujeewa De Silva might get the chance to impress as Sri Lankan management wants to explore the reserves in the dead rubber match.

Teams:

Bangladesh from: Javed Omar, Nafees Ahmed, Rajin Saleh, Habibul Bashar, Mohammad Ashraful (capt), Tushar Imran, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Syed Rasel, Mashrafe Mortaza, Mohammad Rafique, Shahadat Hossain.

Sri Lanka from: Upul Tharanga, Michael Vandort, Malinda Warnapura, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Chamara Silva, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Prasanna Jayawardene (wk), Farveez Maharoof, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Muttiah Muralitharan, Sujeewa de Silva

Resolute Bangladesh extend Colombo Test

Bangladeshi batsmen have put a gritty effort to extend first Test beyond third day at SSC ground in Colombo today. Bangladesh ended the day at 233-5 and still trailing by 255 runs with 5 wickets remaining in the second innings.

After fighting hard throughout the day, Bangladesh have blown the advantage away when some lapse of concentration resulted in the downfall of Saleh and Ashraful, and Bangladesh slumped to 231-5 from a commanding 227-3.

Javed Omar led Bangladesh's resistance in Colombo © Cricinfo

All Bangladeshi batsmen got start but none of them were able to capitalize on it to produce a much needed big score. Veteran opener Javed Omar and stocky Rajin Saleh showed promise to play a long innings but could only manage half-centuries before returning to the pavilion. Javed was undone by a reverse swing toe crusher from slingy Lasith Malinga while Rajin offered a slip catching practice off Tilakaratne Dilshan.

Javed Omar was the top scorer for Bangladesh with 62 runs while Rajin Saleh struck a sedate 51 to deny Sri Lankans in the first two sessions of the day.

Mohammad Ashraful, Bangladesh’s newly appointed captain, again missed out the opportunity to stamp his authority by throwing his wicket away after making a determined 37. Muralitharan, who found wickets were far more precious to come by compared to first innings, gleefully accepted the gift from Ashraful in the penultimate over of the day.

Bangladesh have to bat extraordinarily well to avert the imminent innings defeat but weather might play its own part in deciding the fate of the Test match.

A no-contest in Colombo

A battered and bruised Bangladesh managed to see off the last 3 overs of the day but could not escape humiliation in day two of the first Test in Colombo today. An innings defeat is looming as Bangladesh are trailing by 485 runs with 10 wickets remaining in the second innings at stumps.

Vaas en route to his maiden Test century after 92 Tests © Cricinfo

Bangladesh managed to show some promise in the first session of the days play as they picked three wickets and reduced Sri Lanka from 304-3 to 354-6, but an unbroken 223 run partnership between Prasanna Jayawardane and Chaminda Vaas left Bangladesh bleeding in the Sri Lankan capital. Bangladesh skipper Mohammad Ashraful used eight bowlers to break the partnership which only saw a futile end.

Both Jayawardne and Vaas have registered their maiden Test century, and Sri Lanka eventually declared at 577 for 6 taking a mammoth 488 run lead in the first innings.

A dead track and a showery weather forecast won't be enough to prevent complete mortification in the Test match unless Bangladeshi batsmen learn the patience and grittiness displayed by their Sri Lankan counterpart.

Bangladeshi batsmen have to come out of their reputation to deny Sri Lankan bowlers who have got the ability to inject life on the comatose pitch of Sinhalese Sports Club Ground.

Sri Lanka toy with Bangladesh to stamp authority in Colombo

Bangladesh experienced yet another forgettable day of Test cricket in the first day of the first Test match against Sri Lanka at SSC ground in Colombo today.

After rattling Bangladesh to a paltry 89 within 33 overs, Sri Lanka finished the day with 227 for the loss of 3 wickets and are leading by 137 runs with 7 wickets remaining in the first innings.

Bangladesh had no answer to Murali magic © Cricinfo

Bangladesh, put into bat by Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardane, failed to show any kind of temperament or resistance against Lankan bowlers. Poor shot making, lack of footwork and poor technique all contributed to Bangladesh's misery and none of the batsmen showed enough guts to take the challenge to the opposition.

Spin wizard Muttiah Muraliatharan was the wrecker-in-chief for the Lankans and took 5 wickets for 15 runs to dismantle the fragile Bangladeshi batting line up. Dilhara Fernando joined the party and picked 3 wickets for 33 runs.

Bangladesh created some false sense of competitiveness in the Sri Lankan innings when Shahadat Hossain picked two quick wickets and reduced Sri Lanka to 14-2. Sri Lanka took no time to bounce back and finished the day with full authority over the Test match.

Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardane top scored with 93 before retiring due to a calf strain while opener Michael Vandort is 13 short of a well deserved century at the end of the first day.

Bangladesh opt for experience in Colombo Test

Bangladesh team management has kept their belief on struggling wicket keeper Khaled Mashud despite his poor show in the only practice match and named him in the playing XI for the first Test in Colombo. Bangladesh have left out Mehrab Hossain Jr., Syed Rasel, Mohammad Sharif and Mushfiqur Rahim from the 15 man squad.

Bangladesh pace spearhead Mashrafe Mortaza regained his

Ashraful's innings as Bangladesh Captain will start tomorrow in Colombo Test © Cricinfo

fitness ahead of the first Test which will start at Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo tomorrow. However concern remained over the fitness of opening batsman Javed Omar who is suffering from viral fever.

Bangladesh named Mehrab Hossain Jr. as his backup and he will make his Test debut if Javed fails to recover in time. "Javed has been suffering from fever since the last day of the three-day warm up game against Sri Lanka A. He did not train yesterday (Saturday) but is expected to practice today. We will decide whether he would play or not after the practice session," said the newly appointed selector Akram Khan who is in Colombo for the Test series.

"If Javed is unable to play then Mehrab would come in and open the batting," he added.

Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardane promised a professional display against the touring side in their first home Test in 12 months. Sri Lanka have named 12 man squad for leaving out Malinga Bandara and Sujeewa De Silva from the 14 member squad.

Bangladesh (from): Shahriar Nafees Ahmed, Javed Omer, Rajin Saleh, Habibul Bashar, Mohammad Ashraful (Captain), Shakib Al Hasan, Khaled Mashud (Wicketkeeper), Mohammed Rafique, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza (Vice-Captain), Abdur Razzak, Shahadat Hossain Rajib.12th man - Mehrab Hossain (Jr.)

Sri Lanka (from): Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Michael Vandort, Malinda Warnapura, Kumar Sangakkara, Chamara Silva, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Prasanna Jayawardene, Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralitharan, Dilhara Fernando, Farveez Maharoof

"Bangladesh will do better in Sri Lanka" - Ashraful

Bangladesh's newly appointed captain Mohammad Ashraful believes Bangladesh will start performing in the test arena from starting with the upcoming Sri Lanka series. According to Ashraful, Bangladesh will perform much better compared to their last outing in Sri Lanka in 2005, which was dubbed as the worst test series played by Bangladesh.

After returning to the test arena after a 13 months break, Bangladesh managed to draw one test and lost the other in the recently concluded two match test series against India.

Bangladesh enter into Ashraful era through Sri Lanka tour © Cricinfo

Ashraful, in his first assignment as a captain, wants to work hard to extend each test match to five days with some good batting display.

"My personal team target is to play throughout the five days in all the three tests. We have emphasized on our batting in the practice sessions. All of us have batted for a long time in the nets and the centre wicket. We have been playing good cricket in the ODIs for the last 12-13 months. That is why there is more confidence is the team," said a confident looking Ashraful during the final press briefing before leaving for Colombo.

Despite suffering heavy defeats against the islanders on all previous occasions, the Bangladesh captain is confident of putting up a good fight against Sri Lanka in the away series.

Most teams have struggled there in recent times. We toured Sri Lanka four times but could not play well. But this time I see more self-confidence in every player. Also we have plenty of international experience. That gives me reasons to feel optimistic about this series," said Ashraful.

Ashraful was critical about the form of the top order batsmen in recent times, but remains hopeful that they will learn from their mistakes.

"We did not play well against India in the tests. But after that we practiced a lot in the nets. Our batsmen have a problem with ball selection. We have been working on this for the last seven days. We hope that we will not repeat the same mistakes in the upcoming series."

He was also keen to utilise the three-day warm up match before the test series to acclimatize to Sri Lankan conditions.

"We have a three-day match prior to the test series. We will try to gain more confidence by putting up a good show in that match. We will probably go into that game with the best squad we have."

Most of the Bangladesh?s current crop of players came through age-group cricket and Ashraful, the youngest test captain of Bangladesh, is optimistic that the team spirit of the young Tigers will help each other to lift their game.

"There are a number of players in our team who have been playing together from the under-13, 17, 19 levels. We have also played with the senior players for the last five-six years in the national team. So there is a very good understanding between us. I think it is a plus point for our team".

Bangladesh leave for Sri Lanka on June 17, and the three match test series will kick off on June 25 with first test to be played in Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Sri Lanka announce Test and ODI squads

Cricket Sri Lanka have declared the squads for the three match Test and ODI series against Bangladesh later this month. Left handed opening batsman Malinda Warnapura, who had a successful stint with Sri Lanka A team, is the only new face in the Test squad.

Sri Lankan selectors rested ace opening batsman Sanath Jayasuriya for the series and recalled former captain Marvan Atapattu and leg spinner Upul Chandana after almost two years.

Marvan Atapattu recalled in the Test squad after a break of 18 months © Cricinfo

Left arm seamer Sujeewa De Silva, who had a very successful series against Bangladesh in 2002, has been recalled to the Test squad.

Sri Lanka A team captain Jehan Mubarak is named in the ODI squad along with Chamara Kapugedera who missed out his place in the Test squad.

Mahela Jayawardane, who recently led Asia XI in the Afro-Asia cup, will lead both the sides and Kumar Sangakkara will act as his deputy.

Sri Lankan selectors have opted for a full strength team ending speculations about testing young and promising players in the home series against Bangladesh. The tour will kick off with a three day warm up match on 20th June at Colts Cricket Ground in Colombo. The first Test of the series will start on 25th June at Sinhalese Sports Club Ground also in the Sri Lankan capital.

Sri Lanka Test squad: Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Upul Tharanga, Marvan Atapattu, Kumar Sangakkara, Chamara Silva, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Prasanna Jayawardene (wk), Chaminda Vaas, Farveez Maharoof, Muttiah Muralitharan, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Malinga Bandara, Malinda Warnapura, Sujeewa de Silva.

Sri Lanka ODI squad: Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Upul Tharanga, Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Chamara Silva, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Jehan Mubarak, Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, Farveez Maharoof, Upul Chandana, Dilhara Fernando, Chamara Kapugedera, Malinga Bandara, Nuwan Kulasekera.

BCB Propose Major Reforms in National Cricket League

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have proposed some major reforms in the domestic first class competition to make it more competitive and effective to raise the standard of longer version cricket in Bangladesh.

According to new proposal, Bangladesh’s first class cricket is going to be open again for the foreign recruits after a break of 4 years. From next years National Cricket League (NCL), each first class team can register two foreign players with first class experience and can field one of them in a match.

To develop the skill of the Bangladeshi batsmen against pace bowlers, BCB will only allow pace bowlers with foreign origin to be registered as a test case for next years NCL.

Match fee for the players is another significant addition for the upcoming edition of the NCL, and BCB have decided to double the daily remuneration in a bid to provide financial security to the first class cricketers.

According to BCB sources, cricket board is trying to persuade some major banks and financial institutions to sponsor each divisional side in the competition.

Meanwhile, BCB arranged an award giving ceremony for the recently completed 8^th National Cricket League. National discard Alok Kapali bagged the prestigious best all-rounder prize and Rakibul Hasan, who scored a record triple century in his debut season, was awarded as the emerging player of the year.

Other awards,

First-Class champions: Dhaka

First-Class Runners up: Rajshahi

One-day champions: Dhaka

One-day Runners up: Rajshahi

Highest Wicket-taker (First Class): Shabbir Khan, Chittagong (54 wickets)

Highest Wicket-taker (One-day): Ariful Haq, Barisal (eight wickets)

Highest Run Scorer (First Class): Gazi Salahuddin, Chittagong (791 runs)

Highest Run Scorer (One-day): Dhiman Ghosh, Chittagong (324 runs)

Best All-rounder: Alok Kapali, Sylhet (First Class: 744 runs & 44 wickets; One-day: 294 runs & 7 wickets)

Best Emerging Player: Rakibul Hasan, Barisal (First Class: 499 runs; One-day: 267 runs).

Tigers start training for Sri Lanka tour

Bangladesh, under new captain Mohammad Ashraful, are getting prepared for the upcoming Test and ODI series against Sri Lanka. The training camp of the Tigers are starting today (Thursday) at Mirpur Sher E Bangla Stadium with Shaun Williams as the interim coach for the tour.

Sarwar Imran, pace bowling coach of Bangladesh Cricket Academy, will act as the deputy of Shaun and Mohammad Salahuddin will remain in charge of the fielding department.

Mohammad Rafique and Mashrafe Mortaza, who are playing for the Asia XI in the Afro-Asia cup, are likely to miss the week long camp.

Bangladesh will leave Dhaka on 17th June for the Sri Lankan capital, and the only 3-day warm up match before the Test series will start on 20th June.

Bangladesh announce Test squad for Sri Lanka tour

The newly revised selection panel of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the 15 member Test squad for the upcoming 3 match Test series against Sri Lanka.

Selectors recalled Left arm spinner Abdur Razzak and young wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim to the squad.

Bangladesh recall Mushfiqur Rahim in Test squad © Cricinfo

Tushar Imran and Enamul Haque Jr., who played in the recently concluded series against India, have been left out.

Habibul Bashar, former skipper of Bangladesh, has retained his place as a batsman in the Test squad.

The three match Test series will kick off on 25th June in Colombo.

Test squad

Mohammad Ashraful (captain), Masharafe Mortaza (vice captain), Habibul Bashar, Javed Omar, Mehrab Hossain jnr, Shahriar Nafees, Rajin Saleh, Saqibul Hasan, Khaled Mashud, Shahadat Hossain, Syed Rasel, Mohammad Rafique, Abdur Razzak, Mohammad Sharif, Mushfiqur Rahim.

Aftab Ahmed, Tamim Iqbal, Tushar Imran, Farhad Reza and uncapped off spinner Mahmudullah Riyad will join the squad before the start of the one-day series.

However, the squad for the ODI series will be announced at the end of the Test series.

Mohammad Ashraful appointed as Bangladesh captain, Mortaza deputy

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have appointed Bangladesh middle order batsman Mohammad Ashraful as captain for both Test and ODI team till the end of the Twenty20 world cup in September. Pace spearhead Mashrafe Mortaza has been named as the deputy of Ashraful in both forms of the game.

With this appointment, Ashraful replaces Habibul Bashar, who recently stepped down as ODI captain, but was willing to continue as Test captain. Bashar was the most successful captain of Bangladesh history, and led Bangladesh in 29 ODI wins and the solitary Test win.

Ashraful in his instant reaction paid tribute to outgoing captain Bashar and promised to lead the team with examples.

"I must say Bashar was the most successful captain of the country. His ability to lead the team both on and off the field with calmness along with coach Dav Whatmore has set a standard for the team, so I have to continue it. It's a big challenge but I am ready for it," said Ashraful, who so far has played 35 Tests and 101 one-day internationals for Bangladesh.

Ashraful’s first assignment will be to lead the team in Sri Lanka, where he made his Test debut, for a three match Test series and equal number of ODIs.

Meanwhile Bangladesh have appointed Shaun Williams, current Bangladesh A team coach, as the interim coach for Sri Lanka tour. Former Bangladesh coach Sarwar Imran will act as the deputy of Williams for the test and ODI series.

India complete emphatic win in Dhaka

India won the second and final Test of two match GrameenPhone Test series by an emphatic margin of an innings and 239 runs inside three days. Through this win they secured the Test series 1-0. Zaheer Khan was adjudged Man of the Match for his 7 wicket haul in the match, while Sachin Tendulkar was chosen as man of the series for his back to back centuries.

India enforced the follow on after restricting Bangladesh for a meager 118 in the first innings. Couple of half centuries from Ashraful (67 off 41 deliveries) and Mashrafe (70 off 68 deliveries) lifted Bangladesh to 253 in the second innings, but could not prevent the inevitable.

The first Test between the two sides in Chittagong ended in a draw.

Defiant Mortaza rescues Bangladesh in Chittagong

A brilliant all-round performance by Mashrafe Mortaza saved the blushes of Bangladesh as they averted the follow-on on the fourth day of the first Test at Chittagong Divisional Stadium on Monday.

After taking 4 wickets with ball which is his premium duty, Mashrafe struck a brilliant 79 off 91 balls to lift Bangladesh from a tottering 122/7. Mashrafe found his new ball partner Shahadat Hossain as perfect company in his rescue act, and they shared an invaluable 77 run partnership in the 9th wicket to keep India at bay. Shahadat scored a career best 31 off 55 balls with 5 boundaries.

Defiant Mortaza rescues Bangladesh in Chittagong © Cricinfo

It was Mortaza, who started the fight back as Bangladesh top order batsmen hurried to the pavilion with rash shots and poor judgments. He forced Indian think-tank to change the game plan as he was equally aggressive against both spinners and pace bowlers. He started with a huge hit over mid-wicket for maximum and continued his breathtaking display of shots to guide Bangladesh towards safety. In his career best 79 which is also his maiden half century in test cricket, Mortaza hammered seven boundaries and three huge sixes.

Earlier, India decided to bat on as play resumed after a frustrating wash-out on the third day. India failed to capitalize on the decision, as Bangladesh picked two quick wickets which forced India to declare at 387/8, adding only 3 runs with their overnight score.

Anil Kumble was ill and didn?t turn up to bat, and Zaheer Khan perished in the third ball he faced nicking Shahadat Hossain to wicketkeeper Khaled Mashud without disturbing the scoreboard. Dhoni followed immediately, as he tried force on a delivery off Mashrafe Mortaza that pitched just outside the off stump and Javed Omar took a simple catch at point.

Bangladesh made a stuttering start as they lost two quick wickets early on in their innings. Javed Omar was first to go, as he was adjudged LBW to a delivery that clearly pitched outside the leg stump. RP Singh was the lucky bowler to get the nod from umpire Billy Doctrove.

Captain Habibul Bashar added further misery to his batting form, and played a reckless shot to get himself out for a duck in the third ball he faced. Sachin Tendulkar took a nice reflex catch in the first slip as Bashar edged an away delivery off Zaheer Khan without moving his feet. After the dismissal of Bashar, Bangladesh tried to repair the damage and Shahriar Nafees shared a 27 run partnership with Rajin Saleh with ease. Unfortunately for Bangladesh, when things were looking good, Shahriar Nafees lost his cool and edged one straight delivery of Zaheer Khan to Tendulkar at first slip. Nafees, who scored 32 with two boundaries, was again guilty of playing away from the body.

The misery continued after lunch, newly appointed Bangladesh vice-captain, Mohammad Ashraful played a nothing shot, as he glided a delivery to gully to the safe hands of Dinesh Karthik., leaving Bangladesh tottering at 58-4. Debutant Shakib Al Hasan paired with Rajin Saleh and started to repair the innings with some positive but cautious stroke play. The pair shared a useful 56 run partnership before Indian bowlers picked them up. Shakib was first to go, a rising delivery from VRV Singh clipped the inside edge of his bat on to the stumps and Bangladesh middle order collapsed in a space of 7 overs. Saleh followed him almost immediately after making a polished 41, when he tried to cut a Ramesh Powar delivery against the spin, only finding Sourav Ganguly at point.

Bangladesh collapsed to 122/7 from 114/4, and follow on looked inevitable, as Khaled Mashud was unlucky to be given LBW to a delivery that would have missed leg stump, and also took a faint edge before hitting the pad. At that point India were on top, and expected to wrap Bangladesh innings within 150, Mashrafe Mortaza started his fight back.

At first, he shared a 27 run partnership with Mohammad Rafique to guide Bangladesh to close to the follow-on target, and then he formed the best partnership of the day with his new ball partner Shahadat Hossain. The pair played positive cricket shots all over the park and Indian attack looked ordinary for that part of the match. Indian skipper Rahul Dravid rotated his attack but failed to break the partnership.

Shahadat started slowly but started to cut loose as Bangladesh were approaching to the follow-on mark. A googly from Sachin Tendulkar returned him to the pavilion, but only after Bangladesh averted the follow-on. Mashrafe continued his stroke play after losing the partner and was finally denied by an over pitched delivery from RP Singh that kept low. Bangladesh were finally all-out for 238 conceding a 149 run deficit in the first innings.

The spirited performance of the Bangladeshi pacers with bat continued with ball, and Shahadat Hossain picked two quick wickets to reduce India to 6/2. Wasim Jaffer got a pair in the match as his mistimed pull shot found Habibul Bashar at mid-off and an acrobatic catch by Rajin Saleh returned Dravid to the pavilion.

Sachin Tendulkar and Dinesh Karthik prevented any further damage and India finished day 4 on 44 for 2, taking an overall lead of 193 runs. If weather permits a full days of play on fifth and final day, an exciting finish might be on the cards in Chittagong tomorrow.

Bangladesh to Host India and Pakistan in Tri Series in 2008-09

India have agreed to play a tri-series in Bangladesh with Pakistan as the third side in 2008 or 2009. The decision was taken after a discussion meeting between BCB and BCCI top officials on Saturday night.

Niranjan Shah, general secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), announced the decision today (Sunday) in Chittagong.

"We have agreed to play the tri-series in Bangladesh. I think it can be played in 2008 or 2009," said Shah.

"We have to make some adjustments to the ICC calendar. The BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) has readily agreed to all the conditions put before them” he added.

With this decision, BCCI scrapped the previously scheduled tri series between Bangladesh, India and South Africa in February 2008. According to BCCI, the originally scheduled tri series clashes with India’s tour of Australia around the same period.

The BCCI official also expressed their willingness to host Bangladesh for a full series in near future.

"We are very much willing to call them. We want to help them. That’s the reason we have agreed to play the tri-series. Bangladesh is welcome to India," Shah said.

Bangladesh are yet to play a Test series since obtaining Test status in 2000, as BCCI refused to host them on financial ground.

Bangladesh hosted India in their inaugural test match in November 2004 and India also played a full series in December 2004. Currently India is visiting Bangladesh for the third time on the trot.

Weather rules in Chittagong

Overnight heavy shower followed by early morning downpour forced umpires to call off the third day's play of the first Test between India and Bangladesh at Chittagong Divisional Stadium on Sunday.

Only 20 overs play was possible on the 2nd day, and as play was called off today without a ball being bowled, any realistic chance of getting a positive result in the first Test match of the GrameenPhone series is highly unlikely.

Weather rules in Chittagong © Cricinfo

The groundsmen had no opportunity to make the field ready for play, as rain created several puddles in the outfield, and poor drainage system further worsened the situation.

Umpires, Daryl Harper and Billy Doctrove, after consultation with the team managements have decided to abandon the day's play after a brief inspection at 11:30 AM local time.

The forecast is not encouraging, and meteorological office is predicting more rain tonight and tomorrow morning, casting a serious doubt on the fate of fourth day's play.

Umpires have decided to start 30 minutes earlier on fourth and fifth day, if rain permits any play at all.

Only 97 overs have been bowled in the rain marred Test match, and India accumulated 381 runs for the loss of 6 wickets after deciding to bat first.

Bowlers keep Bangladesh alive in Chittagong Test

Bangladesh bowlers fought hard to keep Bangladesh alive in the first Test of the GrameenPhone series against India on day two which was marred by rain and wet outfield.

India lost 3 wickets in the days play and added 89 runs to their overnight score of 295/3, as wet outfield, caused by overnight shower and early morning drizzle, allowed only 20 overs play on the second day at Chittagong Divisional Stadium on Saturday.

Bowlers keep Bangladesh alive in Chittagong Test © Cricinfo

However, the day will be remembered for two brilliant centuries from two legends of Indian cricket, Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar. It was the first Test century for Ganguly in two years time and he continues his impressive comeback to the Indian Test squad. He smashed 304 runs in seven innings at an average of 52.33, since his return to Test cricket in December 2006.

Surprisingly enough, both the experienced pros, Tendulkar and Ganguly, perished in similar fashion, just after reaching the century mark.

Ganguly was first to go after sharing a record 189 run 4th wicket partnership with Tendulkar. He received an awkward bouncer from Shahadat Hossain to complete his 13th Test century and was dismissed in the very next over without adding any more runs. Ganguly was hurried to a short of length ball from Mashrafe Mortaza, and the miscued pull could only reach the hands of Mohammad Rafique at mid off.

Tendulkar followed the footsteps of Ganguly, and played with extreme caution to reach his record 36th Test century. A rare lapse of concentration from the little genius saw the ball ballooned in the air when he tried to cut loose after reaching the century. The shot was identical to that of Ganguly, this time the bowler was Shahadat Hossain.

Ganguly smashed thirteen boundaries and 2 sixes in his 165 ball 100 while Sachin Tendulkar in his gritty hundred struck only six boundaries and laboured 51 singles.

Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar turned to the spinners as light was fading quickly and veteran Mohammad Rafique cleaned up debutant Ramesh Powar cheaply to celebrate his first wicket in the Test.

A brisk 36 off 35 balls from Mahendra Singh Dhoni kept the scoreboard ticking, but Bangladesh is right back in the match as India finished day two on 384/6 with only bowlers left to extend the first innings total.

Mashrafe Mortaza was the pick of the Bangladeshi bowlers and grabbed 3 wickets for 95 runs on an unfriendly surface while his new ball partner Shahdat Hossain bagged 2 wickets for 75 runs. Mohmmad Rafique was the only spinner to take a wicket on a pitch that was expected to suit slow bowlers.

Earlier, wet outfield took the centre stage, as grounds men worked hard to make the field ready to play for most part of the day. The sun was out but overnight rain created some patchy areas in the outfield of the newly built stadium. After three bouts of inspections, umpires finally decided to start the play at 4:30 PM local time allowing only 20 overs cricket on the second day.

According to revised playing condition, play will start 30 minutes earlier for the remaining three days to compensate the lost time.

Wet outfield delays start in Chittagong

Wet outfield caused by overnight shower and early morning drizzle is delaying the start of the second day's play of the first Test between India and Bangladesh at Chittagong Divisional Stadium on Saturday.

The sun is out and grounds men are trying hard to make the field ready to play, but poor drainage system of the newly built stadium has resulted in some patchy areas. The wicket was covered with six different layers of different covering and looks pretty dry.

After first bout of inspection, the umpires have decided to inspect the field again at 2:00 PM local time (8 AM GMT). Play is expected to start shortly after the inspection.

India ended the first days play with score of 295/3 as bad light stopped play after 77 overs. Two experienced pros Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly remained unbeaten on 80 and 82 respectively. They already shared a 163 run partnership, and India is heading towards a massive score unless Bangladeshi bowlers can produce some magic on a very unfriendly wicket.

Richard McInnes Front Runner For Bangladesh Coaching Job

Former Bangladesh U-19 coach and high performance manager Richard McInnes, who is currently working as assistant coach of Australia and senior coach of Cricket Australia’s Centre of Excellence, is likely to replace Dav Whatmore as Bangladesh coach.

According to sources close to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), McInnes has already accepted Bangladesh’s initial offer and the details will be finalized within a week. Bangladesh’s current coach Dav Whatmore is leaving Bangladesh right after the India series.

During his tenure as Bangladesh U-19 coach, McInnes worked with most of the current national players who graduated from the age group level. BCB believe this will help McInnes in understanding and managing the team compared to other high profile coaches.

Other names of the BCB short-list, John Right and Ray Jennings have already declined to accept offers for Bangladesh coaching job.

BCB will also appoint a specialist bowling and batting coach after appointing the head coach. Sri Lankan Champaka Ramnayeke and former Pakistani pacer Aaqib Javed are in frame for the bowling coach of Bangladesh.

Double strike after lunch put Bangladesh in command

Bangladeshi bowlers have removed both Rahul Dravid and Dinesh Karthik after lunch to put Bangladesh in control in the first innings of the first test at Chittagong Divisional Stadium on Friday.

Former skipper Saurav Ganguly have joined batting prodigy Sachin Tndulkar as India is batting on 141/3.

After producing a beauty to remove Wasim Jaffer in the first ball of the Match, Mashrafe Mortaza broke the 124 run 2nd wicket Partnership by removing Dinesh Karthik as Bangladeshi bowlers dominate the proceedings after lunch.

After playing a brilliant 56 off 102 balls (8x4) Karthik was caught at mid-off while mistimed an attempted pull off a Mashrafe Mortaza bouncer.

Shahadat Hossain, Mashrafe?s new ball partner, struck immediately and removed Indian skipper as Dravid edged an attempted cut shot to wicket-keeper Khaled Mashud. Dravid scored 61 runs off 99 balls and hammered eleven boundaries.

After the first ball glory, Dravid and Karthik frustrated Bangladesh and raced to 113-1 at lunch. Indian skipper Rahul Dravid won the toss and made no hesitation to bat first on a flat track.

During the 124 run partnership, both Dravid and Karthik dominated the bowling and boundaries flew all over the park. Mashrafe Mortaza was the most expensive bowler in his opening spell and conceded 45 runs in 9 overs.

Introduction of spin failed to dent Indian aggression and India went to lunch with absolute control over the proceedings.

Bangladesh hand Test cap to Shakib Al Hasan

Young all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is making his Test debut against India in the first match of the GrameenPhone Test series at Chittagong Divisional Stadium today (Friday).

The young all-rounder has already made his presence felt in ODI arena with his consistent batting and slow left arm spin. He has played only 13 first class matches where he has a good all-round record.

hand Test cap to Shakib Al Hasan © Reuters

Paceman Shahadat Hossain gets the nod over left arm seamer Syed Rasel, who was the highest wicket taker of the ODI series. Bangladesh is playing the match with three slow left arm bowlers; test specialist Enamul Huq Jr. took the place of Abdur Razzak, who is Bangladesh?s highest ranked ODI bowler.

However, Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar was excited about his pace bowling duo and believes they can make the difference even in unfriendly bowling conditions.

"Shahadat can be very effective even in such a batting paradise but what makes me happy is that Mashrafe is in his best form. In his last Test series, he was not in rhythm but fortunately he not only got it back but is bowling at good pace," said Bashar.

Bashar, who is facing constant criticism for his poor form in ODI, expressed his relief to be back in Test fold where he is by far the best batsman of Bangladesh.

"There lies a big challenge for us with the Test series but personally it gave me some sort of relief. I think it gives me an opportunity to, at least, put aside all the question marks over my one-day career for a while. I feel comfortable in Tests but I don?t know why," said Bashar, who has three centuries and 24 fifties in Test cricket.

"India are better at Tests and they will have an edge because of the one-day series win. But when the game starts, both teams start from zero. I think it is important for us to start the match on the right note. That will set the tone. We have got the potential to push India, like we did against Australia" added Bashar.

Bangladesh is struggling to cope with injury problems. The squad was hit by the viral fever and as many as five members have recovered from flu with Tushar Imarn still suffering from the seasonal fever that kept him out of the squad.

India have decided to go with five bowlers that surprisingly left both VVS Laxman and Yuvraj Singh out of the playing XI.

Teams

Bangladesh (XI) : Habibul Bashar (captain), Mohammad Ashraful (vice-captain), Javed Omar, Shahriar Nafees, Shakib Al Hasan, Rajin Saleh, Khaled Mashud (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Rafique, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Enamul Haque and Shahadat Hossain.

India (from): Rahul Dravid (captain), Wasim Jaffer, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, M Dhoni (wicketkeeper), Sourav Ganguly, Yuvraj Singh, Dinesh Karthik, Zaheer Khan, VRV Singh, Munaf Patel, Rudra Pratap Singh, Anil Kumble, Ramesh Powar and Rajesh Pawar.

Umpires: Daryl Harper (Australia) and Billy Doctrove (West Indies)

TV umpire: Enamul Hoque Moni (Bangladesh)

BCB To Extend Payroll For Academy And Age Group Cricketers

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is going to extend its contracted players in a bid to offer financial security to up-coming talents. BCB is expecting the new move will encourage players to concentrate on cricketing developments throughout the year.

For the first time, cricketers playing for Academy side and age group teams will come under the payroll. It was decided at a meeting of the Cricket Operations Committee on Wednesday, May 16.

BCB is also looking forward to increase salaries of the national players who are centrally contracted for different periods. BCB general secretary Mahbub Anam at the end of the meeting informed that the board is going to introduce match fee for Twenty20 internationals and also raise the match fees for Test and ODIs.

The board has also outlined the calendar for the 2007-08 season with eyes on giving priority to the domestic competitions to make sure the schedules do not clash much with international matches.

Dav Whatmore Unhappy With BCB Comments

Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore is extremely unhappy after BCB CEO Mahmudur Rahman questioned his communication ability with sub-continent teams.

Mahmudur Rahman in an interview with Indian news agency Times Now said, "Whatmore being an Australian approaches things the Australian way, whereas the players in the sub-continent are an emotional lot. Dav is not used to giving explanations."

Him comments came as a bolt from the blue to the Bangladeshi media and players, and Whatmore is now considering legal action against the BCB for bringing his name to disrepute.

BCB high officials are trying hard to clear the air but Rahman’s comment has irked Whatmore as it effectively put a question mark over his man-management skill.

Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar rubbished Rahman’s claim and thanked Whatmore for his outstanding contribution for Bangladesh cricket. According to Bashar, players never experienced any communication problem with Whatmore in his 4 years tenure.

Dav Whatmore has worked in excess of nine years as a coach of sub-continental team and is the most likely contender to succeed Greg Chappell as India coach.

Kumble: Bangladesh Can Challenge India In Tests

Indian leg spinner Anil Kumble believes Bangladesh will be able to pose significant challenge in the up-coming two match test series which starts on Friday.

Speaking to Tigercricket.com, Bangladesh Cricket Board’s official site, Kumble paid respect to the progressing Bangladesh side that have already shown some improvements in the longer version of the game in their last test series against Australia.

“Definitely Bangladesh have improved a lot. They won many matches in the last two years and that gave them a lot of confidence. They have a good side and we respect them. They can challenge any opposition in their day.” said Kumble.

“Obviously Test cricket is different but they have done well in the Test match arena as well. They came close to beating Australia last year. So we know their strengths and we will try to do our best,” he added.

However, Kumble was concerned about the hot and humid conditions. It's summer in Bangladesh and mercury is regularly hitting levels well above the 360^oC mark.

“It is pretty hot. The team which copes with the heat better will come out top,” said Kumble who was the most successful bowler in the previous test series against Bangladesh.

Answering on a question about Bangladeshi batsman’s success against Shane Warne in the last test series, Kumble showed his optimism about his performance and winning the test series.

“I think when last time I came here I was pretty successful. We won the Test series. That’s how I like to play the game. This time I will also try to do what I can and help the team to win the game”.

Bangladesh is playing test cricket after a break of 13 months. Bangladesh managed to win only one test match with four draws since gaining test status in 2000.

Bangladesh seek redemption but wash-out looms

After conceding the ODI series 0-2, Bangladesh will be playing for pride in the third and final ODI of the GrameenPhone series at Bir Shresta Ruhul Amin Stadium in the port city of Chittagong tomorrow (Tuesday).

Bangladesh failed to capitalise on opportunities and struggled with the fitness problems of the key players throughout the series. Only 7 days rest after a gruelling three-month long Caribbean tour is taking its toll on the bodies of the young Bangladesh side.

Bangladesh seek redemption but wash-out looms © Cricinfo

After missing Mashrafe Mortaza in the series opener, Bangladesh is set to play the final ODI without their ace batsman and vice-captain Mohammad Ashraful who is suffering from a fever and is hospitalised.

The Bangladesh cricketers will definitely try to give a befitting farewell to their coach Dav Whatmore and captain Habibul Bashar, who is playing his last ODI at home soil, by trying to win the third one-dayer but weather is set to play a major role in their fight back.

It drizzled overnight in Chittagong and this morning there was a brief recess. But the outfield was understandably damp and both teams were forced to practice at the indoor facility.

The forecast for tomorrow is not looking good at all, as the depression in the east central Bay intensified into a cyclone, compelling the Chittagong maritime port to issue danger signal number seven. According to meteorological office sources, tomorrow there is a 60 percent chance of rain and it could be accompanied by gusty wind.

Although India have avenged the World Cup loss Bangladesh by winning the first two ODIs in Dhaka, the visitors will be keen to keep their winning momentum if weather permits any play tomorrow.

India have already declared the 12 man squad for the match leaving out paceman Sreesanth who is nursing an injury, and Zaheer Khan who has been rested. RP Singh and Robin Uthappa are set to get their first match of the tour as India wants to experiment in the match, which is of academic interest only.,/p>

Bangladesh is forced to make one change in their 12 man squad as Mohammad Ashraful is out due to fever, all-rounder Farhad Reza is getting the nod over Shahriar Nafees to fill the slot.

Teams (from):

India : Rahul Dravid (c), Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, M S Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, Dinesh Mongia, Piyush Chawla, Ramesh Powar, S Sreesanth, Munaf Patel, Zaheer Khan, R P Singh.

Bangladesh: Habibul Bashar (c), Mohammad Ashraful, Javed Omar, Tamim Iqbal, Shahriar Nafees, Aftab Ahmed, Saqibul Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mashrafe Mortaza, Syed Rasel, Abdur Razzak, Shahadat Hossain, Mohammad Rafique and Farhad Reza.

Umpires: Ashoka de Silva (Sri Lanka) and Enamul Haque (Bangladesh).