CRICEKET
Sylhet Test ends in draw, Bangladesh loses series to West Indies
Why it matters: Although Bangladesh fought to secure a draw in the Sylhet Test, the defeat in the first Test resulted in a 1-0 series loss to the West Indies. This outcome has once again highlighted the lack of consistency in Bangladesh’s Test cricket.
The big picture: Chasing a target of 369 runs for victory at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh reached 184 for 4. With play halted on the final day due to poor light, both captains were forced to accept a draw.
Between the lines: Thanks to Towhid Hridoy’s brilliant 242-run innings in the first innings, Bangladesh had taken a 30-run lead. However, the West Indies took control of the match by scoring 398 runs in their second innings, which ultimately became a hurdle for Bangladesh’s path to victory.
By the numbers: Towhid Hridoy was named player of the match for scoring a total of 324 runs across both innings. Meanwhile, West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican won the player of the series award for taking 16 wickets in the two Tests.
What’s next: Following this series defeat, the Bangladesh team must rethink their batting depth and their mindset when chasing large targets. In particular, selectors may have to make tough decisions regarding the failure of the top order and the lack of responsibility shown by the team’s experienced players.
The bottom line: Despite Towhid Hridoy’s individual performance and Mushfiqur’s fight, the overall failure of the Bangladesh batting lineup has been identified as the main reason for the series loss. While the series result is a relief for the Caribbean side, it has sparked fresh concerns for Bangladesh cricket.
Match analysis: In the second innings, Bangladesh needed 185 runs to win, while the West Indies required 6 wickets. After Hridoy was dismissed for 82 and Mushfiqur for 49, Bangladesh’s hopes of victory were effectively over. The team led by Najmul Hossain Shanto lost the series as they failed to learn from the mistakes of the first Test. West Indies captain Roston Chase stated that their goal was to win the series, which they successfully accomplished. For Bangladesh, the goal now is to correct their mistakes and bounce back in the next series.
The second T20 between Bangladesh and Ireland began at 6 p.m. at the Birshreshtha Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram, where Ireland won the toss and opted to field. The match is crucial for Bangladesh to keep the series alive, while a victory would give Ireland their first-ever T20 series win against Bangladesh at the third attempt.
Spectator turnout has been noticeably lower compared with the previous match, with a layer of mist hanging over the stadium as both teams completed their fielding drills before the start.
Bangladesh made three changes to their lineup, dropping Zakir Ali, Rishad Hossain and Shoriful Islam. Nurul Hasan, all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin and spinner Mehidy Hasan have returned to the side.
The Bangladesh XI includes Liton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Saif Hasan, Nurul Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Mehidy Hasan, Nasum Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan.
Ireland field a lineup featuring captain Paul Stirling, along with Tim Tector, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys and Josh Little.
Three Bangladeshi women cricketers have registered for the upcoming Women’s IPL mega auction, scheduled to be held on 27 November in Delhi. The high-profile event will feature some of the world’s top female cricketers competing for limited team spots.
Bangladesh’s Marufa Akter, Shorna Akter and Rabeya Khan have entered their names in the auction, each with a base price of 3 million rupees. A total of 227 players have registered this year, including 83 overseas cricketers — but only 23 foreign players will be able to secure team contracts.
Pacer Marufa Akter gained international attention during the recent Women’s ODI World Cup with her impressive swinging deliveries, notably dismissing Pakistan’s Omaima Sohail and Sidra Ameen. Her viral bowling clip even drew praise from Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga.
Shorna Akter contributed 116 runs and took six wickets in seven World Cup matches, showcasing her credentials as an all-rounder. Rabeya Khan also made her mark with seven wickets and 87 runs across seven matches.
The participation of three Bangladeshi players in the Women’s IPL auction is being seen as a significant step forward for women’s cricket in Bangladesh.
Ireland opt to bat first in Sylhet Test, Bangladesh debutant Hasan Murad gets cap
Ireland have won the toss and elected to bat first against Bangladesh in the opening Test of the series, being held in Sylhet on Tuesday (11 November).
Bangladesh handed a maiden Test cap to left-arm spinner Hasan Murad, who received his cap from senior spinner Taijul Islam ahead of the match. The hosts fielded a combination of two pacers and three spinners in their playing XI.
Ireland also introduced two debutants — Jordan Neill and Cade Carmichael — with Neill becoming the youngest Irish cricketer to debut in Test cricket at just 19 years old.
The two teams last met in a Test in April 2023, when Bangladesh secured a convincing four-day victory in Mirpur.
Bangladesh XI: Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das (wicketkeeper), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad.
Ireland XI: Andy Balbirnie (captain), Paul Stirling, Cade Carmichael, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker, Jordan Neill, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Craig Young.
-
EDUCATION1 day agoEducation Minister announces new pay scale and end to discrimination for MPO-listed teachers
-
Health23 hours agoRangamati General Hospital superintendent inspects dengue patient care services
-
International1 day agoGadi Eisenkot tasked with forming government, ousting Benjamin Netanyahu
-
Bangladesh9 hours agoMunshiganj’s traditional snow-white Mirkadim cattle on the verge of extinction
-
Crime and Justice6 hours ago
Panic in Lohagara following autorickshaw hijacking and head-on bus collision