Sylhet Titans hold nerve to win low-scoring BPL thriller against Noakhali Express

Sylhet Titans hold nerve to win low-scoring BPL thriller against Noakhali

The second match of the day in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) delivered a thrilling low-scoring contest where Sylhet Titans held their nerve to edge past Noakhali Express by just 1-wicket off the final delivery at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday (December 27).

After winning the toss, Sylhet Titans sent Noakhali Express into bat, and the decision paid off instantly. Noakhali suffered a nightmare start as both openers, Maaz Sadaqat and Habibur Rahman Sohan were dismissed without scoring.  The collapse worsened when Haider Ali was dismissed for another duck. Captain Shykat Ali tried to steady the innings from one end, but the scoreboard pressure was relentless. At the end of six overs, Noakhali were struggling at 28 for 3.

Shykat found some support in Mahidul Islam Ankon, and the pair began the rebuilding process. Shykat eventually departed for 24 off 29 balls, while Ankon continued to anchor the innings.  Jaker was dismissed for a quick 29 off 17 balls in the final over, but Ankon finished strongly, smashing a six off the last ball to bring up a superb unbeaten 61 from 51 deliveries. Noakhali Express posted 143 for 7 in their 20 overs.

For Sylhet, Khaled Ahmed was the standout with four wickets, while Saim Ayub claimed two and Mohammad Amir picked up one.

Sylhet’s chase got off to a shaky start as opener Saim Ayub was dismissed for a duck in the very first over. Rony Talukdar provided hope with a couple of boundaries but fell for 9, leaving Sylhet at 17 for 2. Zakir Hasan also failed to convert his start, departing for 13, as Sylhet ended the powerplay on 39 for 3.

Parvez Hossain Emon and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz then steadied the innings with a composed partnership. Emon played a brilliant knock, scoring 60 off 41 balls before being dismissed at a crucial stage with the score on 117.

After Emon’s dismissal, Sylhet struggled again. Afif Hossain fell cheaply, and in the 18th over, Mehedi Hasan Rana turned around the match with a sensational hat-trick, removing Miraz, Nasum Ahmed and Khaled Ahmed in three consecutive balls. Suddenly, Sylhet needed 19 runs from the final two overs.

Only 6 runs came from the 19th over and so 13 runs were required off the last six balls. Off the last delivery, Sylhet managed the single they needed and sealed a dramatic one-wicket victory.

For Noakhali Express, Mehedi Hasan Rana finished with four wickets, while Hasan Mahmud picked up two.

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Dhaka Capitals coach dies after collapsing ahead of BPL game

Dhaka Capitals coach dies after collapsing ahead of BPL game

Mahbub Ali Jaki came into spotlight after working closely with Taskin Ahmed after his action came under scrutiny during the T20 World Cup in India in 2016. ©BCB

Dhaka Capitals assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki died after collapsing suddenly at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium during a Bangladesh Premier League match on Saturday. Jaki fell on the ground minutes before his team's opening match against Rajshahi Warriors in the BPL.

Team staff and medical personnel immediately administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before he was taken by ambulance to Al Haramain Hospital, where he was declared dead. BCB's chief physician Debashish Chowdhury confirmed the death.

The sudden collapse shocked everyone in and around the ground while Dhaka team officials said Zaki had not complained of any health issues prior to the incident.

Players from several BPL teams rushed to a Sylhet hospital on Saturday after Dhaka Capitals assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki collapsed at the stadium shortly before a match.

Cricketers from Sylhet Titans, Noakhali Express and Chattogram Royals were among those who went to Al Haramain Hospital as news of the incident spread.

Jaki came into spotlight after working closely with Taskin Ahmed after his action came under scrutiny during the T20 World Cup in India in 2016.

The BCB expresses deep bereavement and profound condolences at the death of Mahbub Ali Zaki, Specialist Pace Bowling Coach of BCB Game Development, who passed away today in Sylhet. He was 59.

A former fast bowler, Zaki represented Comilla District with distinction in the National Cricket Championship. He also featured in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, turning out for leading clubs including Abahani and Dhanmondi.

Following his playing career, Mahbub Ali Zaki dedicated himself to coaching and player development. He joined the BCB in 2008 as a High Performance coach and went on to make a significant contribution to the growth of pace bowling in the country through his work.

The BCB extends its heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends and the cricketing community during this difficult time and prays for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

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Injured Suzie Bates ruled out of action for 3 months

Injured Suzie Bates ruled out of action for 3 months

New Zealand opener Suzie Bates has been ruled out of action for three months. She sustained a quadricep tear which will keep her on the sidelines through the home summer, until March.

Bates suffered the injury last month while fielding during a Shield match. Subsequent scans have revealed that due to the severity of the tear, the former skipper will require three months of rehabilitation.

The recovery timeline therefore rules out Bates for Otago's remainder of the domestic home summer, and the home series against Zimbabwe in February. Bates is now eyeing a comeback in the white-ball series against South Africa in March.

"I'm gutted to be missing out this summer, I was really looking forward to another season with the Sparks, especially the Super Smash," said Bates. "I'm determined to get back on the field with the White Ferns in March so that'll be my focus for now."

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No Gill, Jitesh for T20 World Cup; Ishan Kishan returns to India T20I squad

No Gill, Jitesh for T20 World Cup; Ishan Kishan returns to India T20I squad

Ishan Kishan had a breakout season in the SMAT with 517 runs in 10 innings ©AFP

Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh have been included in India's 15-man squad for the Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and the five-match T20I series against New Zealand in the lead-up to the global event next year. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the side while Axar Patel has been named as the vice-captain.

As a result, Shubman Gill, who was vice-captain of the squad until the recently concluded T20I series against South Africa, and Jitesh Sharma, have missed the cut. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced the 15-man squad for the mega-event from the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on Saturday (December 20).

India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Axar Patel (vc), Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Rinku Singh

Axar was vice-captain of the Indian T20I squad until the conclusion of the five-match T20I series against England in January and February before Gill took over the role in India's next T20I assignment at the Asia Cup in September, this year. Gill remained the deputy for Suryakumar in the subsequent Australia and South Africa series as well but Axar will now take over.

Gill had missed the last two T20Is due to a foot injury which he suffered in the nets ahead of the abandoned T20I in Lucknow. But, it wasn't a fruitful year for Gill in T20Is scoring just 291 runs in 15 innings at an average of 24.25 and striking at 137.26 with no fifties or hundreds to show for his efforts.

Kishan, meanwhile, had a breakout season in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as he captained Jharkhand to the crown. He scored 517 runs in just 10 innings at 57.32 and struck at a whopping 197.32 in the tournament. He scored two fifties and two hundreds, including a century in the final against Haryana (101 off 49).

The batters include a power-packed lineup of Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Rinku and Kishan. Hardik Pandya who blitzed 63 off 25 balls in the final T20I in Ahmedabad is one among four all-rounders with Axar, Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar the other three.

The bowling composition includes three frontline pacers and two frontline spinners. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack while Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana are the other two fast-bowlers. The spinners include Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav.

Ahead of India attempting to defend their T20 World Cup, India will face New Zealand for three ODIs and five T20Is. The T20I series will be played from January 21 to January 31 in preparation for the marquee event. The squad for the three ODIs, which will be played from January 11 to January 18, will be announced at a later date.

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BCB confident of hosting BPL on time despite political unrest

BCB confident of hosting BPL on time despite political unrest

Bangladesh is in the middle of political unrest ©Getty

A Bangladesh Cricket Board official said on Friday that they remain confident of hosting the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the country's only franchise-based T20 tournament, on time despite doubts raised amid the volatile political situation in the country.

The BPL Governing Council had earlier announced that the tournament would begin on December 26 in Sylhet, following an opening ceremony scheduled to be held in Dhaka on December 24. However, the board later decided to postpone the opening ceremony due to security concerns. Those concerns intensified on Friday night after law enforcement agencies were forced to intervene following attacks on two leading national newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.

Angry protesters set fire to the offices of Bangladesh's two most prominent newspapers late Thursday following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a key activist linked to last year's political uprising.

The government on Friday urged citizens to remain calm and act responsibly amid the current situation.

"The government urges all citizens of Bangladesh to resist all forms of mob violence committed by a few fringe elements. We strongly and unequivocally condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, arson and destruction of property," the government said in a statement.

"This is a critical moment in our nation's history as we undergo a historic democratic transition. We cannot and must not allow it to be derailed by those who thrive on chaos and reject peace," it added.

The statement also addressed journalists directly. "To the journalists of The Daily Star, Prothom Alo and New Age: we stand with you. Attacks on journalists are attacks on truth itself, and we promise full justice."

The announcement came hours after protests over Hadi's killing gathered momentum across the country.

Despite the uncertainty, BPL Governing Council member secretary Shakhawat Hossain said there were no doubts over the tournament starting on time in Sylhet.

"No doubt at the moment regarding the BPL. Inshallah, it will start from the 26th, though the opening ceremony will not be held," Shakhawat told Cricbuzz on Friday.

"We are in continuous discussion with the agencies. They have said there is no problem. Everything is ready, including the grounds, to host the tournament," he added.

Atik Fahad, Dhaka Capital chief executive, echoed similar confidence, while adding that any deferral would cause major issues for franchises that have already made logistical arrangements.

"So far we are not fearing a postponement. We are confident, even though some management-related issues might create a bit of doubt," Fahad told Cricbuzz. "We will begin our practice from the 21st. Everything is ready from our side, from foreign tickets to ground logistics."

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Karnataka cabinet gives conditional nod to host IPL games in Chinnaswamy

Karnataka cabinet gives conditional nod to host IPL games in Chinnaswamy

The stadium has not hosted domestic or international matches since June 4 ©Getty

The Karnataka Cabinet has given the conditional nod to the KSCA to host IPL games in Chinnaswamy. Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that the government provided the approval subject to compliance of the safety and security requirements in order to protect Bengaluru's image.

The venue hasn't hosted domestic or international matches following the stampede on June 4 during RCB's victory celebrations that led to the death of 11 people. KSCA's new president Venkatesh Prasad had expressed his determination to bring back international cricket to the venue. It is now understood that the KSCA will be moving four Vijay Hazare Trophy matches involving Delhi from Alur to the Chinnaswamy following the development. As a result, Virat Kohli is now expected to play at the venue sooner given he recently confirmed his availability to play in the tournament.

"We have decided about the IPL matches. We are positive. We have asked our Home Minister G Parameshwara, to have a meeting with them (Karnataka State Cricket Association authorities)," DK Shivakumar told reporters on Friday (December 12). "We are very positive. We want all the IPL matches to continue. We don't want the image of Bengaluru to be spoilt though whatever happened (stampede) was not right."

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Tickner stretchered off after suspected shoulder dislocation

Tickner stretchered off after suspected shoulder dislocation

Blair Tickner being stretchered off in pain ©Getty

Blair Tickner's return to Test cricket turned painful as the New Zealand seamer had to be stretchered off the Basin Reserve after suffering a suspected shoulder dislocation while fielding on the opening day of the second Test against West Indies.

Tickner, playing his first Test since early 2023, had earlier spearheaded the hosts' attack with a superb 4 for 32, ripping through the visitors' top order. But his outing changed course dramatically in the 67th over when he dived at fine leg in an attempt to save a boundary. He immediately signalled for help, prompting teammates and medical staff to rush to his aid before he was taken off the field to warm applause from the home crowd.

The setback adds to New Zealand's growing injury crisis in the seam department. Tickner had only been drafted in after Matt Henry and Nathan Smith were ruled out in Christchurch, and his departure makes him the third fast bowler to be sidelined mid-Test in this series.

Before the injury, Tickner had been the pick of the attack, trapping Brandon King and Kavem Hodge lbw, bouncing out Shai Hope, and uprooting Roston Chase's leg stump. His absence leaves New Zealand with Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes and debutant Michael Rae - a trio with limited Test experience - to carry the seam workload. Remarkably, part-timers Glenn Phillips (31 Test wickets) and Kane Williamson (30) remain the side's leading wicket-takers in the match.

It is the first time since the Kingston Test of 2012, when Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner debuted together, that New Zealand have fielded a pace attack with fewer than 50 combined Test wickets. The hosts, despite bowling West Indies out for 205 in the first innings, again face the prospect of finishing a Test short of frontline seamers, just as they did in Christchurch, where West Indies held on for a famous draw.

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De Kock makes a surprise return as BCCI prunes auction register to 350

De Kock makes a surprise return as BCCI prunes auction register to 350

The BCCI has pruned the auction register to 350 players, which include 35 new names ©BCCI

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction will feature 350 players. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has arrived at this number after extensive consultations with the franchises. The auction will be held in Abu Dhabi on December 16.

A total of 1390 players registered for the Player Auction, out of which 350 players were shortlisted; 240 Indian and 110 are overseas recruits. The pool comprises 224 uncapped Indian players and 14 uncapped overseas players. The pruned final list includes 35 new names that were not part of the initial spreadsheet and one surprise entry among them is Quinton de Kock.

The South African wicketkeeper-batter had not figured in the original list, but his name was added later, evidently at the recommendation of a franchise. He is in the third lot that is for wicketkeeper/batters.

De Kock's (33) change of heart is not hard to understand. Having recently come out of international retirement, he smashed a century in the third and final ODI against India in Visakhapatnam the other day. His base price is INR 1 crore - a 50 percent drop from the previous mega auction, when he was picked up by the Knight Riders for the floor price of INR 2 crore.

After an underwhelming season with KKR, the franchise decided to release him.

Among other new players are a bunch of Sri Lankans - Traveen Mathew, Binura Fernando, Kusal Perera and Dunith Wellalage.

"The auction will feature 350 players and will commence at 1 pm UAE time (2.30 PM IST) on Tuesday, 16 December, at the Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi," the BCCI said in a mail to the franchises on Monday (December 8) night.

According to the BCCI, the player auction will commence with a full round of capped players in the order of specialism - batter (BA1), all-rounders (AL1), wicket keeper/batter (WK1), fast bowlers (FA1), and spin bowlers (SP1) followed by a full specialism round of uncapped players (UBA1, UAL1, UWK1, UFA1, USP1 followed by UBA2, UWK2 like that).

Cameron Green, expected to be in high demand, is in the first lot of batters (BA1). Others in that cluster are Devon Conway, Jake Fraser McGurk, Sarfaraz Khan, Prithvi Shaw and David Miller. Venkatesh Iyer is in the second lot belonging to AL1 (all-rounders).

Like in every auction, there will be an accelerated process and the BCCI plans to start it after Player No 70 in the register. "For your planning purposes, please note, subject to timings it is envisaged that the accelerated process will start after player No 70," the BCCI said in its mail. Wahidullah Zadran of Afghanistan is the 70th named in the document.

"The first accelerated will cover all the players from 71-350. Once these players have been presented, franchises will be requested to submit the names of the players (unpresented and unsold) from all those on the full list of 350 for further accelerated presentation," the BCCI said.

The 10 IPL franchises collectively have Rs 237.55 crore to transact at the auction, with Kolkata Knight Riders heading to Abu Dhabi with the maximum purse of Rs 64.30 crore. Chennai Super Kings are second on the rich list with a purse of Rs 43.40 crore available. There are 77 slots to be filled, including 31 overseas positions. The highest reserve price remains INR 2 crore, with 40 players choosing to enter the auction in this bracket but only two of them - Venkatesh Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi - are Indians.

The auction will begin at 2:30 PM IST (1 PM Local time) on December 16.

New inclusions:

Overseas players: Arab Gul (Afghanistan), Miles Hammond (England), Dan Lategan (England), Quinton de Kock (South Africa) Connor Eztherhuizen (South Africa), George Linde (South Africa), Bayanda Majola (South Africa), Traveen Mathew (Sri Lanka), Binura Fernando (Sri Lanka), Kusal Perera (Sri Lanka), Dunith Wellalage (Sri Lanka), Akeem Auguste (West Indies).

Indian players: Sadek Hussain, Vishnu Solanki, Sabir Khan, Brijesh Sharma, Kanishk Chouhan, Aaron George, Jikku Bright, Srihari Nair, Madhav Bajaj, Shreevathsa Acharya, Yashraj Punja, Sahil Parakh, Roshan Waghsare, Yash Dicholkar, Ayaz Khan, Dhurmil Matkar, Naman Pushpak, Parikshit Valsangkar, Purav Agarwal, Rishabh Chouhan, Sagar Solanki, Izaz Sawariya and Aman Shekawat

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Tanzid hopeful of making an impact at the T20 WC

Tanzid hopeful of making an impact at the T20 WC

Tanzid has praised the camp organised by the BCB.

Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim on Monday (December 8) expressed satisfaction over the camp organised by the cricket board ahead of the BPL. The BCB organized a short coaching stint under the supervision of head coach Phil Simmons for the T20 batters ahead of the Bangladesh Premier League, country's lone franchise-based T20 tournament.

BCB came up with this move since the batters will have little time to work on their skillset after the BPL given the World Cup starts immediately. "It's going very well. We won't have much time after the BPL, so having such a specific batting camp is very positive. We've been working on what extra skills we showed in the last few series and how we can improve from there," Tanzid told reporters following the practice session.

"We're also working on the kind of game plans opponents may have for us in a World Cup or any big event - what areas bowlers might target. The coaches have been repeatedly focusing on one specific thing: how to bat in the powerplay and how to find gaps," he said.

"It's basically about match situations - what kind of field a bowler may set, where the fielders might be, and how we can find gaps within that. Sometimes we take high risks in low-risk situation which leads to losing two or three wickets quickly. So we're working on how to score boundaries with low risk, keep the scoreboard moving and bat more fluently," he said.

The in-form batter, who averages 60 while chasing, admitted that he enjoys when there is a target in front of him. "Absolutely (I enjoy chasing). After the first innings you understand the nature of the wicket and what plans the opposition might have for you. When you have a target in front, it becomes much easier," said the left-handed batter.

"If I can bat with that mindset, I feel it becomes simpler. If I can apply the same approach batting first, I think I can succeed there too." Tanzid also said that they are ready bat anywhere as the national team management decided to rotate their openers - Litton Kumar Das, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon - in their recent T20I set-up, a move that raised eyebrows.

"Honestly, no one is settled here. Whoever the team needs in whichever position will play there. Even in the last series, you saw an opener being asked to bat at No. 3 or No. 4. So I don't think there's anything called "settled". The team will do whatever it feels is best," said Tanzid.

"I haven't batted at three or four yet, so I can't really say what it feels like. But if I get that opportunity in the future, I'll try to fulfil whatever the team demands," he said adding that he is looking to make an impact in the global tournament. "From the start of my career until now, especially in ICC events, I haven't been able to play to my full potential. I always think about how I can be more consistent across series. I don't know how successful I've been so far, but I'm trying to contribute consistently in ICC events as well," he said.

"Earlier, you saw that I would get good starts in almost every match but couldn't carry on or play long innings - I would get out midway. Now we're working on staying mentally fitter and stronger so I can convert good starts into big scores and maybe even finish games," he said.

"It's a bit better now, but there's still room for improvement. I'm trying step by step. I believe that even if I play a few dot balls, I can make up for it. It's not always about hitting boundaries - sometimes you need singles and doubles. My goal is to turn good starts into consistent big scores," he concluded.

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Red-soil pitch brings fresh intrigue to Barabati opener

Red-soil pitch brings fresh intrigue to Barabati opener

The venue will roll out its first-ever red-soil pitch ©BCCI

There's a first at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. In the chequered history of the venue, it will roll out a red-soil wicket for the first time ever. A touch of red, a hint of green (grass), and a dash of bounce - natural hallmarks of such surfaces - and it should make the pitch ideal for batters, especially in a Twenty20 game. Add a bit of moisture to the mix, and the alchemy is complete: the perfect recipe for a high-scoring contest.

That, of course, is only the theoretical reading, and with it being a new pitch, an element of uncertainty will naturally carry forward with the prognosis. The first Twenty20 International between India and South Africa on Tuesday will, therefore, traverse into largely uncharted territory for this region. The captain winning the toss may still prefer to bowl first, but that choice will come with its own inherent risk.

"Red soil," exclaimed Suryakumar Yadav "And for the first time? I haven't seen it (the pitch) yet - didn't get a chance to go down. I think it should be good. Black soil would have been better, but I feel the red soil will also play well. A red-soil wicket can be quick too. Let's see. If it's fast, that's good," the India skipper analysed.

The Indian team, in its pursuit of the right mix, combinations and balance ahead of the February-March 2026 World Cup, should nonetheless relish these conditions. Similar surfaces are expected during the tournament, and India has the right horses for such courses, as they say. With exactly 10 T20Is left - five in the ongoing series against South Africa and five more against New Zealand in January - the team is entering the final stretch of preparation for next year's blue-riband global cricket event.

Surya, however, brushed aside the talk that this series is part of the team's preparation for the World Cup. "Our 2026 T20 World Cup preparation began right after we won the T20 World Cup in 2024. Because for any big tournament, you cannot think that the tournament is here and you have to start preparing. It's like when we appear for exams in school, it is not like we try to study everything in the last four days. We study for a year or two. Our preparation is similar. The preparation started after the T20 World Cup 2024 got over. Since then, we have been trying new things and everything is working for us."

The skipper's assertion notwithstanding, the Indian team will still be looking closely at a few areas. The top order will be under particular scrutiny, with Shubman Gill returning from a neck injury. His fire-and-ice match-up with the explosive Abhishek Sharma will be central to India's plans, and this match - as well as the series - will give Gill the opportunity to complement the hard-hitting opener with his own style of controlled aggression.

Apart from Gill, the other major focus will be Hardik Pandya. Out of action since the Asia Cup, the all-rounder remains crucial to India's balance - opening the bowling alongside Jasprit Bumrah and slotting in at No. 6 with the bat. His presence is even more significant after the Nitish Kumar Reddy experiment as a pace-bowling all-rounder failed to take off.

India will need Pandya fit over the next three months, and, ironically, he was conspicuous by his absence at training on Monday after experiencing discomfort while bowling in the nets the previous evening. Sources said he is fine.

When: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 7 PM local time

Where: Barabati Stadium, Cuttack

What to expect: With a new red-soil base, the Barabati surface bears resemblance to the Wankhede track - a typical T20 wicket, full of runs. Having lost both of their previous games against South Africa at this venue, India will be keen to break the trend.

Team News

India

Players are all fit with slight uncertainty over Hardik Pandya, who experienced discomfort while bowling at the nets on Sunday evening. With Shubman Gill opening with Abhishek Sharma, there is unlikely to be a place in the XI for Sanju Samson. Shivam Dube will be the third pacer which means Arshdeep Singh may sit out.

Probable XI: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav.

South Africa

Aiden Markram is back as South Africa captain for the T20Is after being rested for the limited-overs series against Pakistan a few weeks back. He's set to open with Quinton de Kock while it remains to be seen if Tony de Zorzi, who picked up an injury in the second ODI, has made sufficient recovery. Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs will form the middle order core along with David Miller, who is set to return after a hamstring injury forced him to miss the Pakistan series. Among the bowlers, Anrich Nortje is set to make his first international appearance since the 2024 T20 World Cup final against India. Nortje might prove useful early on against Shubman Gill, having dismissed the Indian opener 4 times in 7 innings in T20 cricket, while he has also accounted for India captain Suryakumar Yadav twice in six innings.

Probable XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje

Did you know

At the Barabati Stadium, India have played two T20Is against SA and lost both (while defending), in 2015 and 2022 respectively

Jasprit Bumrah, currently on 99 T20I wickets, is set to become just the fifth bowler to 100 wickets in all three formats.

Hardik Pandya, who currently has 98 wickets in the format, is on the verge of another milestone.

What did they say

I feel in the last 5-6 series which we have played, we have tried and played with a similar combination. We have not changed too much. We don't want to change a lot even going into the next two series also. The only thing is what type of cricket we want to play. That is one thing which we always want to try and do when we take the field. Rest, we don't want to change anything about what is happening: Suryakumar Yadav about India's team combination

It's great that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not part of the T20I side, but still it's a great Indian team. T20 is a different battle altogether. We will approach it with a different plan. I won't speak about records, but tomorrow we will try to give our best and enjoy the game: Aiden Markram on the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from India's T20I side

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Shakib wishes to play one final bilateral series before signing off

Shakib wishes to play one final bilateral series before signing off

Before the Kanpur Test against India last year, Shakib al Hasan had announced his wish to retire from T20s with immediate effect ©BCB

Former Bangladesh captain Shakib al Hasan has taken a U-turn from his Test and T20I retirement. The all-rounder wishes to play all three formats before retiring from international cricket officially.

Last year, on the eve of the second Test against India in Kanpur in September 2024, Shakib announced his retirement from T20Is with immediate effect and expressed to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) his desire to retire from Test cricket at the end of the following home series against South Africa in Mirpur, subject to security clearance to play in that series.

Following that announcement, Shakib has failed to get security clearance to return home and has been living in exile since the fall of Awami League government. A Member of Parliament at the time of the erstwhile government, he did not play international cricket for over a year.

Shakib is currently busy playing in different franchise-based leagues and he insisted that he is still continuing his cricketing journey with the hope of returning home sooner than later, and to make his dream into reality he needs to stay fit and in shape and that is the reason he is playing.

"I am hopeful (to return to Bangladesh) and that's why I am playing (to retire in front of home crowd) and I think it will happen and that's the reason, the only reason I am playing (is to stay fit and stay in shape so that I can make me available for international cricket)," Shakib was quoted on the Beard Before Wicket podcast, which featured Moeen Ali, on Sunday.

"I am officially not retired from all formats. This is the first time I'll be revealing that," he said.

"My plan is to go back to Bangladesh, play one full series of ODI, Test, and T20, and retire. I mean, [I can] retire from all formats in a series. So it can start from T20I, ODI and Test, or Test, ODI, T20I. Either way, I'm fine, but I want to play a whole series and retire. That's what I want," he said adding that he will not continue further after the series.

"I think when a player says something they try to stick to their words. They normally don't change it all of a sudden. It doesn't matter if I play well or not. I might play a bad series after that, if I want to play. But I don't need to do that," he said.

"I think this is enough. It's just a nicer way to say bye to the fans that they supported me always, give something back to them, playing a home series," he added.

Earlier this year, in September, Bangladesh's sports adviser Asif Mahmud declared that Shakib would not be allowed to play for the country after he wished former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her birthday.

Shakib last played Tests against Pakistan and India in 2024. While he was effectively barred from international cricket during that period, this is the first time a government official has publicly confirmed the ban.

Shakib, who was reported for a suspect actionand subsequently suspended after his county stint with Surrey in 2024, revealed that excessive bowling had a toll on him and as a result he had been bowling with an illegal action a little bit intentionally. Shakib was later cleared to continue with his bowlingafter failing in the first test.

"I think I was doing it a little bit intentionally because I bowled more than 70 overs [in one match], I never bowled 70 overs in my career in a Test match. I was playing that four-day match for Surrey against Somerset in Taunton. I was so tired. I played back-to-back Test matches in Pakistan. We won that series and then I went to play those four-day matches. The only thing I was thinking the umpire could have done was just warn me first, at least. But it is in the rules, so they had the right. I didn't complain," said Shakib.

"I went to do the test, I failed. And then I saw my test. I was like, 'okay, so these things are happening'. Then I had to train for a couple of weeks so I went back to Surrey again and they were kind enough to help me. I did two sessions and I was back to normal. I was like, 'it's so easy'," he said.

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Ashraful to continue as Bangladesh's batting coach

Ashraful to continue as Bangladesh's batting coach

Ashraful is set to be part of the team management for the upcoming T20 World Cup © AFP

A Bangladesh Cricket Board official said on Thursday that the board has decided to extend Mohammad Ashraful's role as batting coach.

Ashraful had initially been added to the support staff only for the home series against Ireland, but BCB's cricket operations chairman told Cricbuzz that the former national captain will continue in the position going forward.

Cricbuzz understands Ashraful will be part of the team management for the upcoming T20 World Cup and is expected to receive another extension after the tournament. His stint could run through to the 2027 ODI World Cup, subject to the team's performance.

"Ashraful will continue as our batting coach," Nazmul said. "Well, it's his early days as a coach, but I've been hearing him talk for a long time. He talks on TV, says this and that, and I also talk to him. I think he is a very potential coach.

"Understanding batting is one thing, coaching is another. The characteristics needed for coaching are in him. He has a real interest in it. He's not coming here just to make or secure a career. He enjoys it and he is learning very fast. He is doing well."

Nazmul also confirmed that Mohammad Salahuddin will continue as senior assistant coach. Cricbuzz has learnt that his resignation, tendered after the Ireland series, was not accepted by the board, and he later changed his mind after discussions with senior officials regarding his future in the national set-up.

"He (Salahuddin) will also continue, as his resignation was not accepted," Nazmul said.

He added that the BCB will adopt a flexible approach to coaching roles. "Our policy now will be that no matter who the coach is, whether a foreign coach of the national team or a local coach, we will use them in different roles. Sometimes with the national team, sometimes with the A team, sometimes with High Performance, depending on availability and what we need at that time."

Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons will hold a short training camp with the T20I squad at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium from December 6, where both Ashraful and Salahuddin are expected to be present.

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Tait embraces 'challenge' as Bangladesh eye series win

Tait embraces 'challenge' as Bangladesh eye series win

Bangladesh won the second game and will be looking to seal the series.

Bangladesh pace bowling coach Shaun Tait on Monday urged his side to not take Ireland for granted but at the same pointed out the need to not complicate things in the three-match T20I series decider at Chattogram, scheduled on December 2.

The series, which will be Bangladesh's last bilateral T20 assignment before the T20 World Cup in February, is currently tied at 1-1 as the hosts fought back after going down in the opening game. "Ireland has played some good cricket and they've got some good players. They look like they've got a really organized T20 team," said Tait adding that they are happy to be challenged.

"For us, we want the good challenge. That's what we want. Our next series is a World Cup, and it doesn't get any bigger than that for T20 cricket. I think we don't need to complicate our thoughts too much. I think we just need to play good cricket and win the game," he said.

"Every time you win a match, every time you win an international match, you gain some confidence out of that."

Tait also heaped praise on Mustafizur Rahman for remaining calm despite all the noise that comes his way playing international cricket. "Fizz is full of experience and he keeps everything very simple," said Tait.

"He (Mustafizur) knows his strengths. He has played all over the world. He has set high standards and people expect good performances from him. He has always performed well because that is what the best players do. From the IPL to everywhere else, teams want him because he is a quality world class player," he said adding that he also has been in regular communication with Taskin Ahmed, who is currently playing the T10 League in Dubai.

"I saw Taskin playing in the T10," Tait said. "I have a great relationship with him. He is an important player for us, a senior player and a good leader. We speak regularly. He is not just a fast bowler, he is a leader. Everyone follows him. It is a pleasure to work with him. I first saw him many years ago and now he is a much better player, a leader. It is a privilege to have someone like him in the squad," he said.

Meanwhile, Ireland head coach Heinrich Malan said aggression will be the key as they seek a rare series win. "We did really really well over the last two games," said Malan. "We obviously haven't had the amount of cricket that we would have wanted throughout the year, but that's in the past. We are really focusing on where we are at.

"The T20 game has evolved massively. We really want to free our players to go out there and express themselves. Most of the time in this format you play on plastic surfaces and there are big runs scored. We've been very clear with that messaging - take the game on from ball one," he said.

The emergence of Tim Tector, who has impressed in his first two outings of the tour with his confident stroke play, is considered as one of the biggest positives for Ireland and Malan said he will back him to play his aggressive brand of cricket. "He (Tim Tector) has been doing really well back home and trying to break into the team and it's great to see that he goes out there and plays his natural game," he said.

"Hopefully, he (Tim Tector) can keep doing that tomorrow and as we head into the World Cup. We got a nice opportunity this afternoon to put some work into the areas we want to improve. Now it's about coming out here tomorrow and hopefully getting our goals done," he concluded.

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BPL Auction: Mohammad Naim becomes most expensive player

BPL Auction: Mohammad Naim becomes most expensive player

Mohammad Naim was the most expensive player at the auction.

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) player auction finally returned after nine editions at a city hotel on Sunday. This was the BPL's first auction since the inaugural edition in 2012 as a players draft was in place since then. Mohammad Naim was the only player to get more than BDT 1 crore (USD 88,000 approx) as he was bought by Chittagong Royals.

Naim was the first player to come up in the auction when the process opened an hour later as the board was waiting to get clearance from the High Court as nine cricketers filed writ petition against them after being excluded from the auction in relation to fixing related charges.

Rangpur Riders took the second and third most expensive players in the auction, when they bought Towhid Hridoy and Litton Das for USD 73,600 and USD 56,000 respectively. There were however no initial bids for veterans Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, who were both in category B.

Later however, the auctioneer brought up Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur after a request from BCB director and Rangpur Riders chief executive Ishtiaque Sadeque and his team Riders picked up Mahmudullah while Rajshahi Warriors took Mushfiqur, for their base prices BDT 35 lakh (USD 28,000 approx).

Among the uncapped players, Habibur Rahman Sohan, was taken by Noakhali Express for USD 40,000 on the back of his recent performances as he did well for Bangladesh A in the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament. Mohammad Mithun triggered a paddle-raising duel that took him from Tk22 lakh to Tk52 lakh. Newcomer Abdul Gaffar Saqlain shot from 18 lakh to 44 lakh whereas SM Meherob Hasan joined the party with 39 lakh.

While hundreds of foreign cricketers remained unsold, Dasun Shanaka was the most expensive among the overseas players, when Dhaka Capitals took him for USD 55,000. Noakhali Express can claim themselves to be lucky as they picked Mahidul Islam and Jaker Ali for their base price. Had the auction guidelines been taken into account, all the teams could have bid for them. According to auction bylaws a team has to pick minimum two cricketers from Grade A and B (combined) while they can have six cricketers from C and D ( combined) and three cricketers from E and F (combined).

After picking these 11 cricketers they have to pick one more cricketer from any grade to fill the the minimum criteria of 12 players at the auction. However, they had the option to pick a maximum of 14 local players in the auction. So every franchise had the option to pick more than two cricketers from grade A and B (combined).

However, confusion began when Chattogram Royals picked two cricketers on the trot. Rajshahi Warriors head coach Hannan Sarkar claimed that Chattogram cannot bid for any more players from A and B categories and everyone obliged. As a result after 10 out of the 12 cricketers from A and B categories (combined) were picked by five franchises, Noakhali got the chance to pick up Mahidul and Jaker at their base price as no other team were allowed to bid for them.

Noakhali head coach Khaled Mahmud was happy to be a beneficiary. "I am happy to get those two cricketers at their base price because I didn't expect it," Mahmud said.

Meanwhile, Rangpur Riders team director Shanian Taneem claimed that Mahmudullah was always in their team's plans even though they didn't bid for him initially. "If anyone thinks Mahmudullah Riyad went unsold, that's not entirely correct. Every team had limitations. With 14 players each in A and B categories and restrictions that we couldn't pick more than two, we had to choose based on strategy. But Mahmudullah was always in our plans. A player of his calibre should be in any team's plans," said Shanian.

The BPL, scheduled from December 26 to January 23, will be played by six teams - Dhaka Capitals, Rangpur Riders, Rajshahi Warriors, Noakhali Express, Sylhet Titans and Chittagong Royals.

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BPL auction to proceed without excluded group

BPL auction to proceed without excluded group

The BCB said it has been cleared to conduct the BPL auction without the excluded players

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said on Sunday (November 30) that it has been cleared to conduct the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) auction without the excluded players, after the High Court of Bangladesh summarily dismissed three writ petitions challenging their omission.

Nine cricketers - including several with national-team experience - had challenged their exclusion from the player auction list for the 12th edition of the BPL. The BPL Governing Council had barred the players in connection with fixing-related issues.

"Three writ petitions were filed challenging the decision of exclusion of nine cricketers, including players who have represented the national cricket team in the past, from the players' auction list of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 12th Edition and seeking direction to include their names," the BCB said in a statement on Sunday.

After hearing arguments from the petitioners' lawyer, Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kazal, and the BCB's counsel, Barrister Mahin M Rahman, a Division Bench of the High Court Division - Mr Justice Sikder Mahmudur Razi and Mr Justice Raziuddin Ahmed - rejected the petitions through an order dated 30 November 2025. As a result, the BPL 12 auction will proceed without the nine players.

"They had filed three writ petitions and I represented the BCB during the hearing, and in the end the High Court dismissed them," Barrister Mahin M Rahman told Cricbuzz after the verdict.

"So the auction will go ahead, without the nine players that were excluded from the draft list," he added.

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Mahedi puzzled over spot in Bangladesh's first-choice XI

Mahedi puzzled over spot in Bangladesh's first-choice XI

A win will take CSK to 14 points, 2 ahead of the chasing DC © BCCI

Bangladesh all-rounder Shak Mahedi Hasan said on Saturday (November 29) that he is not sure about his non inclusion in the playing XI despite performing regularly in the shortest format. Mahedi picked 3-25 to help the hosts restrict Ireland to 170 in a game where they looked primed to post 200 on the board after racing to 75 in the powerplay.

Bangladesh skipper Litton Kumar Das then hit a brilliant half-century to help the hosts pull off their highest successful T20I run chase at home as they got the job done with two balls to spare and in the process level the series.

When asked why he has not been a regular in the Bangladesh XI despite strong performances, Mahedi looked dejected. "Actually, maybe the head coach can answer this question. Our captain can answer this," said Mahedi, who has taken 10 wickets in his last five outings.

"Those involved in our team selection can answer this. Look, my job is to play. Regarding the question you asked, it is difficult for me... Let me ask you a question: If you work for a channel one month and another channel the next month, it certainly wouldn't be comfortable for you. The same thing is difficult for me. But I am trying," he said after being overlooked in favour of Nasum Ahmed and Rishad Hossain since the Asia Cup in September.

Mahedi added that he is yet to get a clear message from the team management as far his role in the team is concerned. "No, this has never been discussed with me (about my role in the team)," he said. "But my job is to play. Playing for Bangladesh is a matter of pride."

Mahedi credited Saifuddin for his 7-ball unbeaten 17 that came at a vital juncture at the death for the home side. Saifuddin has also been in and out of the team due to competition for spots.

"To be honest, Saifuddin is off and on, not a regular player. Also, when the top-order batters perform well, tail-enders don't always get a chance to bat. In international matches, tail-enders sometimes go long periods without batting," said Mahedi.

"If the top order scores heavily, they naturally bat higher up. In that context, Saifuddin coming in after a long gap and producing that innings was outstanding. Those two boundaries in a pressure moment were extremely important for us," he concluded

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Litton Das stars in Bangladesh's series-levelling win

Litton Das stars in Bangladesh's series-levelling win

The skipper hit a crucial half-century in the run chase as Bangladesh chased down 171 with two balls to spare ©AFP

A crucial half-century in the run chase from skipper Litton Das helped Bangladesh win the second T20I and claw back in the series on Saturday (November 29). Chasing 171 for victory, Bangladesh were coasting at one stage with Litton looking in great touch. His wicket gave Ireland an opening to claw back but the home side held their nerve and completed their third-highest successful T20I chase with two balls to spare.

Opting to bat, Ireland got off to a flier with Tim Tector and Paul Stirling scoring 27 from the first two overs. Stirling then took on Mohammad Saifuddin for 16 in his opening over before finally departing. Tim continued to make merry though as Ireland scored 75 in the powerplay to set the tone. From thereon, 200 should have been the target for the visitors but Bangladesh managed to stage a fightback.

Mahedi Hasan bagged the crucial wicket of Tim and then managed to remove Harry Tector in the same over to peg back the opposition. He struck again in his final over as well to finish with excellent figures of 3/25 and reduce Ireland to 103/4. That enabled Bangladesh to slip in some quiet overs as Ireland struggled for momentum. Eventually, they could only finish with 170 on the board following Lorcan Tucker's 41.

In reply, Bangladesh also got off to a positive start with Parvez Hossain taking charge. Tanzid Hasan couldn't get going but Litton and Parvez combined to smash 18 in the final over of the powerplay to power the hosts to 66/1 by the end of the sixth over. Parvez finally fell to a reverse sweep at the halfway mark and if not for a stroke of luck, Bangladesh could have lost Litton too in the following over when Gareth Delaney caught the skipper near the boundary only for the towel tucked behind to flick the cushion.

Adding to their frustration, Litton hit Delaney for a boundary in the very next over which was then followed by Saif Hassan clearing the ropes straight down the ground. Litton then nailed the slogsweep for another six to bring up his fifty and at this point, Bangladesh were firm favourites needing just 42 from the final five overs. However, with both set batters departing in the space of four deliveries, Ireland's hopes received a big boost. Ireland appeared to be in with a real chance when a run out pegged Bangladesh back further but Saifuddin smacked a couple of fours and a six to calm down the nerves as Bangladesh got the job done in nervy fashion in the final over.

Brief scores: Ireland 170/6 in 20 overs (Lorcan Tucker 41, Tim Tector 38; Mahedi Hasan 3/25) lost to Bangladesh 174/6 in 19.4 overs (Litton Das 57, Parvez Hossain 43; Gareth Delaney 2/28) by 4 wickets

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Towhid rues powerplay meltdown in Chattogram defeat

Towhid rues powerplay meltdown in Chattogram defeat

Hridoy anchored the chase with a career-best 83 off 50 balls but did not find enough support from the other end ©AFP

Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy said that lack of partnerships and loss of early wickets in the powerplay cost them in the three-match series opener against Ireland in Chattogram.

Ireland beat Bangladesh by 39 runs to take a 1-0 lead after the hosts stumbled while chasing 182, losing four wickets inside the first six overs - Litton Das, Tanzid Hassan, Parvez Hossain and Saif Hassan - and slipping to 20 for 4.

Hridoy, who anchored the innings with a career-best 83 off 50 balls, did not find enough support from the other end as the batting unit struggled to counter the disciplined Irish attack.

"The wicket is certainly very good. They played well and we couldn't perform well. There's no use blaming the wicket. We ourselves couldn't execute properly. We lost a few early wickets," Hridoy told reporters after the game.

"If we had managed a big partnership, the game might have been different. Ultimately, the game showed that we didn't score enough runs. Just one partnership, even when Zakir and I were batting. If we had a 70-80 run stand, maybe the scenario would have been different," he said.

"As I mentioned earlier, when Zakir and I had settled, our goal at that time was to take the game forward a bit more. That was our last pair, so it would have been easier for Rishad and Shakib. I believe they are both capable and they certainly bat well, both Shakib and Rishad. But if they had come a little later, perhaps when there were four or five overs left, the game might have been different," he said.

Hridoy said they need to adopt a more aggressive approach while chasing big totals and admitted they probably failed to execute what was required in the middle.

"I think, look, when there are 180+ runs on the board, you have to play shots. As I said just now, the execution perhaps wasn't done properly today. If our execution had been good early on, maybe it would have been different," he said.

"I think it is totally a mindset issue. It's not that we can't do it. We have done it, and we have chased 200 runs and won matches. If our mindset is right and if we can execute properly, I think it will not be that difficult. And it's not like we are chasing 200 or 180 runs every day. We have many players who are used to this. So, I hope we will overcome this, Insha'Allah, when we chase big scores," he said.

"We must have that belief in ourselves. And we all certainly want to perform. Maybe the execution is not happening, but ultimately, we have to take responsibility.

"We never think that our team has gone down. This is the T20 format. We are losing four consecutive matches, or one or two series, or three or four matches, it can happen. T20 is a game of momentum. We are losing, but when we start winning again from the next match, Insha'Allah, you will see it continue," he said.

Hridoy added that the team still backs the idea of chasing, especially with the dew factor in play.

"Look, we have been chasing very well recently. I don't think we have chased badly. If we don't do these things against the Ireland team, then against whom will we do them? Ultimately, then you will say that this team is... you will criticize many things. So, I think we chased very well, and the most important thing was the dew. The dew was a major factor here. It would be difficult for any team that comes here to win the toss and bowl," he said.

Meanwhile, Lorcan Tucker said they were happy to take the lead in the series and credited his teammates for checking all the boxes.

"I think it was a pretty comprehensive start for us in the series. Um, I think it started with the powerplay. We got off to a really positive start. I think today I opened at the top for the first time in a while, and we really showed some intent. I think that gives confidence going forward," Tucker said.

"I think our plan with batters these days is to just trust your instinct. I think if you feel like you're playing well and you catch a certain bowler and you slice it, just take on that opportunity. I think that happened a few times out there where there were a couple of big overs. I think that was batters just trusting that they knew what was going on," he said.

"Obviously the bowlers bowled extremely well in the powerplay and I think it really changed the game," he said, adding that Matthew Humphreys impressed.

"I think he (Humphreys) was really accurate. I think that's the main thing we said - it's a pitch for accurate bowling, and I think if you bowl well, you get the value for it. I think we saw all day that balls that were missed full generally went for a four or six, but I think he was really accurate in his lengths," he said.

"I think our bowlers struggled a bit in the second innings to keep the ball dry, and I think it affects our fielding as well," he added.

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