United News of Bangladesh

All eyes are on Colombo as Pakistan and New Zealand face off in the opening Super Eight match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the R Premadasa Stadium on Saturday. With semi-final places on the line and no room for mistakes in the Super Eight stage, both teams are keen to make a strong start and gain early momentum. The clash brings together two leading T20 sides whose rivalry has repeatedly produced high-intensity and memorable contests. Pakistan enter the match with greater familiarity with local conditions, having remained in Sri Lanka throughout the group stage. New Zealand, by contrast, arrived in Colombo after playing all their first-round matches in India. Although Pakistan played most of their group matches at the SSC Ground, they trained extensively at the Premadasa Stadium. The venue is known for its slow surface, low bounce and spin-friendly conditions, especially under lights. These factors could play a key role, given Pakistan’s strong spin resources and experience on subcontinental pitches. However, the same ground also witnessed Pakistan’s heavy defeat to India earlier in the tournament, a setback they will be eager to overcome with a solid performance. Historically, the T20I contest between the two sides has been closely fought. Pakistan hold a narrow overall advantage, winning 24 of their 47 matches, while New Zealand have won 23. Recent form, however, slightly favours the Black Caps, who secured a convincing 4–1 series win over Pakistan at home earlier this year. Zimbabwe stays unbeaten, beats Sri Lanka to top T20 World Cup group In T20 World Cup meetings, Pakistan have enjoyed greater success. They have won four of their six encounters against New Zealand, including a semi-final victory in the inaugural 2007 tournament, as well as wins in 2009, 2012 and 2021. New Zealand’s wins have been dramatic, including a one-run victory in 2012 and a 22-run success in 2021, underlining their tactical strength in major tournaments. The rivalry has also produced high-scoring games. Pakistan’s highest T20I total against New Zealand is 207 for 1, while New Zealand have posted an even bigger 226 for 8. One of the standout performances came from Finn Allen, who scored a blistering 137 in a recent bilateral series. Pakistan have also delivered memorable moments, notably Umar Gul’s six-wicket haul in the 2009 World Cup, regarded as one of the finest bowling spells in the tournament’s history. Both teams suffered one loss in the group stage. Pakistan were beaten by India, while New Zealand narrowly lost to South Africa. Those defeats have sharpened their focus as the competition moves into its decisive phase. Pakistan will look for consistency from their top order and stronger execution at the death. New Zealand, meanwhile, will rely on aggressive batting and disciplined bowling to challenge their opponents. With only the top two teams from the Super Eight advancing to the semi-finals, every match carries knockout pressure, making Saturday’s encounter crucial for both sides. Meanwhile, the toss is expected to play an important role. New Zealand batter Mark Chapman said Sri Lankan conditions present a unique challenge, particularly for batters. He noted that spin is likely to be more influential than in India and highlighted Pakistan’s varied spin attack as a major threat. Chapman also said New Zealand are prepared, having faced Pakistan frequently in recent years. New Zealand are hopeful their bowlers will make an impact, with expectations high for Mitchell Santner, whose experience and variations could prove vital on the slow surface. #From Geo News

Zimbabwe completed the group stage of the T20 World Cup unbeaten after defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets on Thursday, with Brian Bennett finishing a chase set up by captain Sikandar Raza. Zimbabwe topped Group B, which also featured former champions Sri Lanka and Australia. Zimbabwe will open their Super Eights campaign against the West Indies in Mumbai on Monday, while Sri Lanka are set to host England in Pallekele on Saturday. Sri Lanka chose to bat and posted 178 for 7, but Zimbabwe chased down the target with three balls remaining, finishing on 182 for 4. Bennett anchored the innings with an unbeaten 63 off 48 balls and remains not out throughout the tournament after earlier scores against Oman and Australia. Pathum Nissanka once again led Sri Lanka’s batting with 62 off 41 balls, following his unbeaten century against Australia. Pavan Rathnayake added 44 from 25 deliveries to lift the total. Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka said his team lacked confidence in the field and hoped for a stronger showing next time. Raza said few expected Zimbabwe to reach the Super Eights and that the team is enjoying its underdog status. He added that winning two of their next three games could open up further possibilities. West Indies also finished the group stage unbeaten after defeating Italy by 42 runs at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Captain Shai Hope led the way with 75 off 46 balls, while Italy were dismissed for 123 despite Ben Manenti’s 26. Shamar Joseph starred with 4 for 30 and also took four catches as West Indies defended 165. Italy ended their first World Cup campaign with praise after notable performances, including a win over Nepal and a narrow loss to England. Captain Harry Manenti said more matches and funding would help associate nations become more competitive. England scrape past Italy to reach Super Eight In Chennai, Afghanistan beat Canada by 82 runs in a match between two teams already out of contention. Ibrahim Zadran fell just short of a maiden men’s T20 World Cup century, scoring an unbeaten 95 from 56 balls as Afghanistan reached 200 for 4. Canada were restricted to 118 for 8, with Mohammad Nabi claiming a career-best 4 for 7. Zadran said he was not disappointed to miss the hundred and was focused on contributing to the team’s total.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has published its new central contract list for the national men's team for 2026, featuring a total of 28 cricketers. Notably, no player has been awarded the highest 'A Plus' category in the latest grading system, which evaluates players based on their recent performance and experience. The new central contract structure divides the players into four active grades out of a possible five. The vacant 'A Plus' grade offers a top monthly salary of BDT 10 lakh. Among the active tiers, four players have been placed in Grade A, earning BDT 8 lakh per month. The bulk of the players, 11 in total, are in Grade B with a monthly salary of BDT 6 lakh. Additionally, six cricketers are in Grade C earning BDT 4 lakh, and seven players have been handed Grade D contracts worth BDT 2 lakh per month. The four cricketers securing the top available Grade A contracts are Test captain Najmul Hossain, ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, T20I captain Litton Kumar Das, and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed. Taskin's placement marks a downgrade, as the pacer held an 'A Plus' contract last year. ICC confirms Bangladesh's direct qualification for 2028 T20 World Cup The Grade B category includes veteran campaigners such as Mushfiqur Rahim, Mustafizur Rahman, and Mominul Haque, alongside Taijul Islam, Towhid Hridoy, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, and fast bowler Nahid Rana. Meanwhile, the Grade C bracket comprises Soumya Sarkar, Jaker Ali, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, and Khaled Ahmed. Finally, Saif Hassan, Parvez Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Hasan Murad, Shamim Hossain, and Nurul Hasan make up the Grade D list for the upcoming year.

Arsenal squandered a two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 with bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday, giving Manchester City fresh momentum in the Premier League title race. Arsenal led 2-0 through early goals from Bukayo Saka and Piero Hincapie, but Wolves staged a dramatic comeback after the break. Hugo Bueno reduced the deficit in the 61st minute before teenage debutant Tom Edozie struck in stoppage time to snatch a point at Molineux. The draw leaves Arsenal just five points ahead of second-placed City, having played a game more, with the top two still to meet later in the season. “We dropped our standards and got punished,” Saka said after the match. Manager Mikel Arteta admitted his side fell below expectations in the second half. “Incredibly disappointed that we gave two points away,” he said, urging his players to improve performances amid growing pressure. Arsenal, runner-up in the last three seasons, has now won only two of its previous seven league matches, tightening an increasingly unpredictable title race.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has put an end to speculation regarding Bangladesh's future in global tournaments, confirming that the Tigers will directly qualify for the 2028 T20 World Cup. Questions had arisen about Bangladesh's eligibility for the next edition after the team opted out of the ongoing tournament in India and Sri Lanka. However, an ICC press release issued today clarified that Bangladesh’s participation in the 2028 event, to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, has been secured based on their ICC T20I team ranking. Bangladesh avoids sanctions as Sethi says ICC ‘backed down’ to end boycott The qualification picture became clear following Pakistan's victory over Namibia in Colombo today, which finalized the Super Eight lineup. The teams advancing to the next round—Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, West Indies, England, South Africa, and New Zealand—have all automatically qualified for the 2028 edition. According to the qualification rules for the 20-team tournament, 12 teams qualify automatically. This includes the co-hosts and the top performers from the current World Cup. While Australia failed to reach the Super Eight this year, their spot is guaranteed as a host nation. With nine spots filled (the Super Eight teams plus Australia), the remaining three automatic slots are determined by the ICC T20I rankings as of March 9, the day after the current World Cup final. ICC delegation lands in Lahore for crisis talks over India-Pakistan World Cup match Currently, Bangladesh sits at 9th in the rankings, followed by Afghanistan at 10th and Ireland at 12th. The ICC noted that with no upcoming T20 International fixtures scheduled before the March 9 cutoff that could mathematically alter these positions, the qualification of Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Ireland is effectively confirmed. The remaining eight spots for the 2028 tournament will be filled through regional qualifiers.

Pakistan silenced any fears of an upset today, dismantling Namibia by 102 runs at the R. Premadasa Stadium to book their place in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup. The commanding victory takes Pakistan to 6 points in the group stage and secures their direct qualification for the 2028 T20 World Cup. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted a daunting total of 199, anchored by a record-breaking century from opener Sahibzada Farhan. The 29-year-old blazed his way to a maiden international T20 hundred off just 57 balls, setting a new record for the fastest century by a Pakistani in T20 World Cup history. He surpassed Ahmed Shehzad’s 58-ball effort against Bangladesh in 2014, becoming only the second Pakistani to reach triple figures in the tournament's history. Farhan’s innings was a tale of two halves; after a steady start where he took 27 balls for his first 30 runs, he exploded to score his next 70 runs in just 31 deliveries, striking 11 fours and 4 sixes. Rashid Khan creates history with 700 T20 wickets His knock propelled him to the top of the tournament’s run-scoring charts with 220 runs, overtaking South Africa’s Aiden Markram (178). Support came from captain Salman Agha (38 off 23) and a finishing flurry from Shadab Khan (36 off 22). In reply, Namibia crumbled under the pressure of the massive target. They were reduced to 49 for 4 inside 7.3 overs, with key batters Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton and Lohan Louwrens departing early. The collapse was orchestrated by mystery spinner Usman Tariq, who claimed career-best figures of 4 for 16. Leg-spinner Shadab Khan also shone with the ball, taking 3 for 19 as Namibia were bundled out for just 97. This tournament has now seen three centuries—a first for any T20 World Cup edition—with Farhan joining Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka and Canada’s Yuvraj Singh Samra on the honors board.

World Cup-winning footballer Mesut Ozil on Tuesday attended the inauguration of renovation works at the Shaheed Buddhijibi Dr Mohammad Mortoza Medical Centre of University of Dhaka. The event was also attended by Bilal Erdogan, son of the Turkish President, along with senior officials from Turkey and Bangladesh. The inauguration ceremony, held at 3pm, marked the opening of renovated facilities including a modern emergency unit, a state-of-the-art ambulance, X-ray and ECG machines, and other essential medical equipment at the university medical centre. Former Germany midfielder Mesut Özil retires at 34 The renovation was completed at a cost of Tk 27.5 million with financial assistance from the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency. Vice Chancellor of the University of Dhaka Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan presided over the ceremony. Among others present were Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Sen, TIKA President Abdullah Eren, TIKA Bangladesh Coordinator Mohammad Ali Arman, teachers from different departments of the university and leaders of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU).

The Bangladesh 'A' women's cricket team continued their imperious form in the Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament, dismantling the Malaysia women's national team by 90 runs today. The victory secures a clean sweep for Bangladesh in the group stage, having won all three of their matches to finish as undisputed champions of Group B. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh posted a commanding total of 151 for 7 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by the experienced Lata Mondal, who top-scored with a fluent 48 off 44 balls. ACC summons cricket ace Shakib Al Hasan She found able support from Sharmin Sultana (30) and captain Fahima Khatun (29). Mondal and Khatun stitched together a crucial 55-run partnership for the fifth wicket, helping the team accelerate and add 54 runs in the final five overs. In reply, Malaysia crumbled under pressure, managing only 61 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Left-arm spinner Fatema Jahan made a dream debut in recognized cricket, tearing through the Malaysian lineup with figures of 3 for 10. She was well supported by off-spinner Sharifa Khatun (2 for 13) and Lata Mondal, who capped a brilliant all-round performance with figures of 1 for 2 from her two overs. Only one Malaysian batter, Nur Arianna Natsya (22 not out), managed to reach double figures as the team slumped to 30 for 7 at one stage in the 13th over. Lata Mondal was named Player of the Match for her all-round contribution. With 6 points from 3 matches, Bangladesh 'A' have topped the group. They previously defeated Sri Lanka 'A' by 4 runs and edged past hosts Thailand by 3 wickets in a thriller. Top 16 brands take part in “bKash Cricket Carnival 2025” Bangladesh will now face Pakistan 'A' in the semi-finals on Friday. The opponent for India 'A' in the other semi-final will be decided by the match between Sri Lanka 'A' and Thailand.

Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has condemned the alleged racist abuse of teammate Vinicius Junior during their Champions League match against Benfica, calling the incident a “disgrace to football,” while opposition coach Jose Mourinho faced criticism for his reaction. The match was halted for around 10 minutes after Vinicius reported alleged racist abuse by Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni to referee Francois Letexier. Vinicius and his teammates temporarily left the pitch following the complaint. The Brazilian forward, who has previously spoken out against repeated racist abuse during his career, later posted on social media saying racists are “cowards above all.” Benfica coach Mourinho claimed Vinicius had not celebrated his goal “in a respectful way” shortly before the incident at the Estadio da Luz, where Real Madrid secured a 1-0 win in the first leg. “There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium,” Mourinho said, adding that incidents seem to occur wherever Vinicius plays. Former Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf criticised Mourinho’s remarks, saying they risked justifying racial abuse. He stressed that racism can never be excused under any circumstances. Speaking after the match, Alexander-Arnold strongly denounced the abuse, saying it overshadowed an outstanding performance and goal. “There is no place for this in football or in society,” he said, describing the incident as “disgusting.” Mourinho later said he had been told different versions of events by Vinicius and Prestianni and insisted Benfica is not a racist club, pointing to club legend Eusebio as an example. Former England forward Theo Walcott said Mourinho should not have commented publicly on the matter, calling it a poor decision. Meanwhile, Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe urged strong action, saying Prestianni should not be allowed to continue playing in the Champions League if the allegations are proven. He called on UEFA Champions League authorities to take the matter seriously. Prestianni has yet to respond publicly to the allegations. With the second leg set to be played in Madrid next week, Walcott and other former players called for swift action by UEFA, stressing that incidents of racism must be addressed immediately to protect players and the integrity of the game.   With inputs from BBC

A group of former international cricket captains has urged Pakistan’s government to provide “immediate and adequate medical attention” to jailed former prime minister and cricket legend Imran Khan, citing concerns over his deteriorating health in custody. In a letter sent to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the former players expressed deep concern over reports of worsening eyesight and prison conditions during Khan’s incarceration since August 2023, reports Al Jazeera. The appeal was drafted by former Australian captain Greg Chappell and signed by several prominent cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Clive Lloyd, Allan Border, Ian Chappell, John Wright and David Gower. The signatories said recent reports, including claims that Khan has only about 15 percent vision in his right eye, were alarming and warranted urgent specialist treatment. They also called for humane detention conditions, regular family access and fair legal proceedings. Khan’s family has rejected government claims that his health has improved, saying any assessment without the presence of his personal doctor and family representative is unacceptable. His sister Aleema Khan alleged that authorities ignored his medical complaints for months, leading to serious vision loss. The 73-year-old former all-rounder led Pakistan to its first Cricket World Cup title in 1992 and is widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest cricketers. He was removed from office through a no-confidence vote in 2022 and later imprisoned on multiple charges, which he denies. Supporters of his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have recently staged protests outside parliament demanding proper medical care and access for his family and doctors.