Bangladesh reduces Pakistan to 96-4 at lunch on Day 2 of the second test Bangladesh’s bowlers took control of the second Test against Pakistan on Day 2, reducing the visitors to 96-4 at lunch in Sylhet. The hosts, who had declared their first innings at 278, maintained their dominance with disciplined bowling, as fast bowler Taskin Ahmed and off-spinner Mehidy Hasan claimed four wickets to dismantle Pakistan’s batting lineup. Pakistan resumed their second innings on Sunday at 21-0, trailing Bangladesh by 182 runs after the hosts had declared their first innings. The visitors, aiming to level the series after losing the first Test in Dhaka a week earlier, faced a challenging task as Bangladesh’s bowlers tightened their grip. Taskin Ahmed, making an immediate impact, dismissed both Pakistan openers in his first two overs of the day. Abdullah Fazal, who had scored twin half-centuries in the first Test, edged a delivery behind the bat after scoring just nine runs. Taskin then struck with a sharp delivery, dismissing Azan Awais, a centurion in the first Test, who attempted to push the ball to short-leg on 13. Captain Shan Masood and star batter Babar Azam managed to stabilize Pakistan’s innings temporarily, forming a 38-run partnership. However, Mehidy Hasan ended the partnership when Masood hit a short ball straight to the fielder at short cover for 21. Mehidy then claimed another wicket, dismissing Saud Shakeel on 8, leaving Babar Azam to face the majority of the pressure. Babar, who missed the first Test due to a left knee injury, remained not out on 37 at the break, with Salman Agha on 6. Bangladesh’s dominance in the first innings had been led by a brilliant 126 from Litton Das, who anchored the team’s score after they were bowled out for 278.#pakistan #bangladesh #taskin_ahmed #mehidy_hasan #sylhet

Taskin Ahmed and Miraz Lead Bangladesh's Dominant Start Against Pakistan on Day 2 Bangladesh made a strong statement on the second day of the second Test against Pakistan at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, as Taskin Ahmed claimed two early wickets to disrupt Pakistan's innings. The match, which saw Bangladesh take control of the game, began with Pakistan resuming their innings at 21 without loss after six overs. However, Bangladesh's bowlers quickly turned the tide, with Taskin and Mehidy Hasan Miraz playing pivotal roles in dismantling Pakistan's batting lineup. The morning session saw Bangladesh seize the initiative, with Taskin delivering a sharp performance. Opening batsman Abdullah Fazal was the first to fall, dismissed by a well-directed delivery from Taskin outside off stump. The pacer bowled from a good length, tempting Fazal into a drive that resulted in an outside edge caught by wicketkeeper Litton Das. Fazal scored 9 runs off 21 balls, including one boundary, before his dismissal. Taskin continued his dominance shortly after, removing the other opener, Azan Awais. Bowling from around the wicket, Taskin delivered a back-of-a-length ball that jagged back late after pitching on an upright seam. Awais attempted to drive the ball through the covers but was caught by Mominul Haque at short leg. The ball ballooned to the fielder, who completed a safe catch. Awais managed 13 runs off 34 balls, hitting three boundaries, before falling to Taskin's second wicket of the morning. The breakthroughs by Taskin were complemented by Miraz's efforts, who ended Pakistan's rebuilding phase between Shan Masood and Babar Azam. Miraz broke the 38-run partnership by removing Masood with a well-calculated delivery.#litton_das #taskin_ahmed #mehidy_hasan_miraz #abdullah_fazal #sylhet_international_cricket_stadium

Pakistan's Masood Confident in Bowling as Test Series Against Bangladesh Begins Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has expressed confidence in the team's bowling attack ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh in Mirpur, marking the start of a two-match series. The Green Shirts are set to face the Bengal Tigers in their home conditions after a recent whitewash on home soil by Bangladesh in August 2024. The visitors had previously won the two-match series by 10 wickets and six wickets in Rawalpindi, but the current series presents a new challenge. Speaking at a pre-series press conference on Thursday, Masood emphasized the team's focus on the upcoming series and the unique challenges posed by Bangladesh's home conditions. "We are fully focused on this series and the challenge of playing Bangladesh in their own conditions," he stated. Masood also highlighted the strength of the home side's "quality in all departments," acknowledging the need for Pakistan to adapt to the local environment. The Pakistan squad, which includes experienced players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Abbas, is preparing to test itself against Bangladesh. Masood praised the team's balanced squad, noting their ability to perform in both seam-friendly and spin-friendly conditions. "We have selected a well-balanced squad that can perform in different conditions," he said. "The players have experience of playing in various environments, so we are confident about the options available to us." Masood reiterated the importance of taking 20 wickets in Test cricket as a key to success. "In Test cricket, taking 20 wickets remains the key to success," he added. The captain also stressed the importance of collective performance across batting, bowling, and fielding.#babar_azam #taskin_ahmed #mirpur #shan_masood #najmul_hossain_shanto
Mehidy: We cannot see New Zealand as a weak side Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz emphasized that his team would not underestimate New Zealand despite the latter’s under-strength squad, while New Zealand’s Tom Latham highlighted his players’ domestic experience as a key factor in their approach to the upcoming three-match ODI series. Both leaders spoke ahead of the series opener, outlining their strategies and reflecting on their respective roles in the team’s development. Mehidy, who has led Bangladesh to two consecutive ODI series victories, stressed the importance of the upcoming match against New Zealand. “We cannot see New Zealand as a weak side,” he said. “We will try our hardest to get the result in our favour. For professional cricketers, every game is important; the chance to earn ranking points also gives it a little more importance. Winning the series against New Zealand would be a big achievement for us. I think the Bangladesh team is in good shape. The last two series wins also showed that we are bonding well as a team.” Latham, who has faced recent challenges in his career, focused on ensuring his players bring their domestic expertise to the series. He noted that while the New Zealand squad includes less-experienced players, they have prior exposure to international cricket. “I think the goal for us is for everyone to bring their own skill. We have a blueprint and a style that we like to play with, but we want guys to come in and play the way that they’ve played for their domestic sides back home in New Zealand. We know if they do that, then they’ll give themselves the best opportunity,” he said. Latham added that the New Zealand squad’s familiarity with international cricket, even if some players have limited match experience, would be an advantage.#new_zealand #bangladesh #taskin_ahmed #mehidy_hasan_miraz #tom_latham

Kamran Akmal: ‘Will you steal ICC trophies now?’ Kamran Akmal blasts Pakistan after ODI series loss to Bangladesh Pakistan’s cricket team faced a humiliating defeat in the ODI series against Bangladesh, sparking sharp criticism from former player Kamran Akmal. The series loss, which saw Pakistan bow out of the tournament with a 290-run target, has drawn intense scrutiny over the team’s performance and management decisions. Akmal, appearing on a television show, launched a scathing attack on Pakistan’s cricket administration, questioning its ability to lead the team to success. Bangladesh’s innings set the tone for the series, as they posted a formidable total of 290 for five. Opener Tanzid Hasan delivered a standout performance with a fluent century, scoring 107 off 98 balls, supported by a 105-run partnership with Saif Hassan. Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy added late contributions, ensuring Bangladesh’s target remained challenging for Pakistan. The hosts’ bowling attack, led by Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, restricted Pakistan’s scoring opportunities, with Taskin taking four wickets and Mustafizur chipping in with three. Pakistan’s response was equally disappointing. Despite a strong start, the team struggled to capitalize on their opportunities. Haris Rauf, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, and spinner Abrar Ahmed combined to restrict the visitors, but Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered. Chasing 291, Pakistan lost early wickets and slumped to 82 for five before Salman Ali Agha mounted a spirited counterattack. Agha’s 106 off 98 balls kept Pakistan in the hunt, but his dismissal in the 48th over proved decisive as the team was bowled out for 279. Akmal’s criticism extended beyond the match, targeting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its perceived mismanagement.#pakistan_cricket_board #taskin_ahmed #tanzid_hasan #kamran_akmal #saif_hassan

Bangladesh vs Pakistan, 1st ODI - Bangladesh Opt to Field, Pakistan Field Four Debutants Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz chose to field first against Pakistan in the first One-Day International (ODI) of the series at Mirpur. The decision to bowl was made after the toss, with the home team opting for a three-man seam attack that included Nahid Rana alongside Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman. This strategy aimed to exploit the conditions and challenge the visiting side’s batting lineup. The Bangladesh team made several changes to their XI, bringing in Tanzid Hasan in place of Soumya Sarkar. Litton Das and Afif Hossain were also included in the middle order, providing additional depth and experience. The selection reflected a balance between established performers and emerging talents, ensuring flexibility in the batting and bowling departments. Pakistan, on the other hand, fielded four debutants in the match, marking only the second time in ODI history since 1980 that the team has introduced this many new players. The debutants were Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, and Abdul Samad. Abrar Ahmed was selected as the sole specialist spinner, adding a different dimension to the Pakistani attack. The Bangladesh squad included key players such as Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wicketkeeper), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, and Mustafizur Rahman. For Pakistan, the lineup featured Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Mohammad Wasim, and Abrar Ahmed. The match, part of Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh, set the stage for a competitive encounter.#pakistan #bangladesh #taskin_ahmed #mehidy_hasan_miraz #mirpur
Taskin Ahmed's Record-Breaking Bowling Earns ESPNcricinfo Annual Awards Recognition Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed has been honored with a spot in ESPNcricinfo’s annual awards for individual performances in 2025. The accolade was awarded for his outstanding bowling display during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he delivered a seven-wicket haul for just 19 runs against Dhaka Capital. This performance, which dismantled Dhaka Capital’s batting lineup, is being hailed as one of the best in BPL history and earned him the men’s T20 leagues best bowling performance award. Taskin’s spell of taking 7 wickets for 19 runs in a single innings showcased his dominance and precision, marking a significant milestone in his career. The achievement highlights his ability to deliver under pressure and his growing reputation as a key player in franchise cricket. His performance not only secured him a place in the awards but also underscored the competitive nature of the BPL and the high standards required to excel in T20 leagues. The ESPNcricinfo awards recognized excellence across multiple categories, with cricketers from various nations receiving honors for their contributions to international and franchise cricket. South Africa’s Aiden Markram claimed the men’s Test batting award for his 136-run innings against Australia in the World Test Championship final, while Australia’s Mitchell Starc took the Test bowling award for a 7-wicket haul against England in the Ashes. In the ODI category, Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran won the batting award for his 177-run innings, and India’s Varun Chakravarthy secured the bowling honor for his 5-wicket performance against New Zealand.#espn_cricinfo #taskin_ahmed #bangladesh_premier_league #dhaka_capital #mitchell_starc

Taskin Ahmed Wins ESPNcricinfo Awards 2025 Men's T20 Leagues Bowling Title Taskin Ahmed claimed the men's T20 leagues bowling award for 2025 after delivering a seven-wicket haul of 7 for 19 against Dhaka Capitals in the Bangladesh Premier League. The performance, achieved in a high-stakes match, marked a standout moment in the T20 format, where such feats are rare. Ahmed’s figures remain the best in a franchise T20 league match, as he dismantled Dhaka Capital’s batting lineup with precision and pace. The match saw Ahmed dominate from the outset, dismissing key Dhaka Capital players with a combination of accuracy and movement. His first over produced the wicket of Litton Das, who edged a short delivery to first slip. Tanzid Hasan followed shortly after, caught behind attempting to charge the bowler. Ahmed then continued his dominance in the death overs, removing Shahadat Hossain and Chaturanga de Silva in the same over, before finishing with four wickets in the 20th over. Dhaka Capitals, despite the early collapse, managed to score 174 for 9, showcasing their resilience. Rajshahi, the opposing team, secured a seven-wicket victory with 11 balls to spare, marking a significant milestone in Ahmed’s career. His performance was particularly notable for dismantling two Bangladesh internationals in the opening overs, with Litton Das undone by a sharp delivery and Tanzid Hasan struggling against Ahmed’s consistent line and length. The bowling attack’s total of 153 for 2 highlighted the impact of Ahmed’s efforts, as the rest of the team struggled to match his output. Ahmed’s achievement also places him among the elite in the Bangladesh Premier League, where he now has two five-wicket hauls in his career.#taskin_ahmed #dhaka_capitals #rajshahi #bengal_premier_league #nathan_sowter
Pakistan 121/2 in 17.5 Overs Bangladesh opted to bowl first after winning the toss in the second ODI against Pakistan, aiming to secure a series victory following their dominant performance in the opener. The hosts had earlier dismissed Pakistan for 114 in the first match, with fast bowler Nahid Rana delivering a career-best 5-24 to dismantle the Pakistan batting lineup. Bangladesh retained the same XI that secured the eight-wicket win, while Pakistan made a tactical switch by replacing leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed with pace bowler Haris Rauf to strengthen their attack. Pakistan’s young batting unit, which struggled in the first ODI, was retained despite setbacks. Debutants Sahibzada Farhan, Shamyl Hussain, Maaz Sadaqat, and Abdul Samad faced challenges against Rana’s pace and Miraz’s spin. The Pakistan management aimed to give these inexperienced batters more exposure at the international level, hoping improved conditions would benefit their bowlers in the second match. The playing XI for Pakistan included Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Mohammad Wasim, and Haris Rauf. Bangladesh’s lineup featured Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, and Mustafizur Rahman. The match saw Pakistan’s openers, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain, face early pressure. Taskin Ahmed claimed both wickets in quick succession, dismissing Farhan and Hussain to leave Pakistan at 118/2 after 17.5 overs. Farhan scored 30 runs off 44 balls, while Hussain managed 4 off 13. Mehidy Hasan Miraz took one wicket in his spell, while Taskin Ahmed remained unbeaten in his 15 overs.#pakistan #bangladesh #taskin_ahmed #mehidy_hasan_miraz #nahid_rana

Bangladesh demolish Pakistan who suffer record low score in contest Bangladesh secured an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the opening one-day international of their three-match series, as Pakistan were bowled out for the lowest total in a match against Bangladesh. The result marked a dominant display by the hosts, who overhauled Pakistan’s 114 in 15.1 overs at Mirpur. Bangladesh’s pace bowler Nahid Rana delivered a standout performance, claiming his first five-wicket haul in one-day internationals with figures of 5-24. The 23-year-old dismantled Pakistan’s top order, becoming the first Bangladeshi bowler to dismiss the opposition’s top five batters in an ODI innings. He dismissed Sahibzada Farhan, Shamyl Hussain, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan, and Salman Agha, leaving Pakistan at 69-5. Rana’s efforts were complemented by captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who took 3-29 with his off-spin, and senior quicks Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, who each claimed a wicket. Faheem Ashraf offered brief resistance with an unbeaten 37 before being dismissed by Mustafizur. Pakistan’s total of 114 shattered their previous lowest ODI score of 161, set during the 1999 World Cup. The collapse came swiftly, with opener Saif Hassan falling early for four, while Litton Das and Tanzid Hasan led Bangladesh’s batting. Tanzid Hasan scored an unbeaten 67 off 42 balls, forming a crucial second-wicket partnership of 82 with Najmul Hossain Shanto, who contributed 27. Litton Das remained unbeaten on three as Bangladesh capitalized on Pakistan’s weakness. The victory marked a breakthrough in Nahid Rana’s ODI career, as he moved from taking just five wickets in his first five matches to achieving a five-wicket haul in his sixth appearance.#pakistan #bangladesh #taskin_ahmed #mehidy_hasan_miraz #nahid_rana

Bangladesh opt to field, Pakistan hand four debuts Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz opted to field first against Pakistan in the first One-Day International (ODI) at Mirpur, selecting a three-man seam attack that included Nahid Rana alongside Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman. The home team made strategic changes to their batting order, replacing Soumya Sarkar with Tanzid Hasan while promoting Litton Das and Afif Hossain into the middle order. Pakistan entered the match with four debutant players, marking only the second occasion in ODI history since 1980 when the team fielded four new faces in a single match. The debutants were Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, and Abdul Samad. Abrar Ahmed was named as the sole specialist spinner in the Pakistan lineup. Bangladesh's squad for the match included Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wicketkeeper), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, and Mustafizur Rahman. Pakistan's lineup featured Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Mohammad Wasim, and Abrar Ahmed.#pakistan #bangladesh #mehidy_hasan_miraz #taskin_ahmed #mustafizur_rahman
