Different players are stepping up every match: Neesham on Rajshahi’s biggest strength

Different players are stepping up every match: Neesham on Rajshahi’s biggest strength

Speaking about his teammates, Neesham highlighted the importance of shared responsibility rather than reliance on one or two star names. According to him, this balance is what has given Rajshahi consistency throughout the tournament.

Confidence is clearly growing inside the Rajshahi Warriors dressing room, and Jimmy Neesham believes the reason lies in one key factor: collective performance. The New Zealand all-rounder has been impressed by how different players continue to deliver in different matches.

Speaking about his teammates, Neesham highlighted the importance of shared responsibility rather than reliance on one or two star names. According to him, this balance is what has given Rajshahi consistency throughout the tournament. “Ripon has been great. Saqlain has been great as well. We've had multiple guys turning up and contributing. Muhammad Waseem, obviously, was playing extremely well before he had to leave for national duty,” Neesham said.

“The most pleasing part about our performances since I got here is that it's been different guys contributing in most games. Obviously, we've got a really good young seam attack that have been performing extremely well.”

What stands out to him most, however, is not just their skill but their mindset. Neesham described the young bowlers as highly motivated, passionate, and eager to improve qualities he feels are crucial at this level. “They’re not just talented; they’re extremely committed to the game,” he explained. “Bowling confidently against big batting lineups is where their belief really shows.”

Sharing his experience of working closely with the youngsters, Neesham admitted that interacting with them has been one of the most enjoyable aspects of his time with Rajshahi. “It's been a really enjoyable part of my stay here is talking to those young guys. They're obviously extremely passionate about the game and want to succeed, and seeing them have success against some really high-quality batting lineups has been really impressive,” he adde.

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Italy Announce Squad for Maiden T20 World Cup 2026 Campaign

Italy Announce Squad for Maiden T20 World Cup 2026 Campaign

Italy has officially revealed its 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, set to take place in India and Sri Lanka. This marks a historic moment as it’s Italy's first-ever participation in this prestigious global cricket tournament

Wayne Madsen has been appointed as the captain of the Italian team for this exciting event. Joining him are some notable players, including former South African international JJ Smuts, along with brothers Harry and Benjamin Manenti, and Anthony and Justin Mosca.

Previously, the team was led by former Australian international Joe Burns during the qualifying campaign. However, he was removed from the captaincy and dropped from the squad at the end of last year. Italy secured their spot in the tournament by finishing second behind the Netherlands in the European regional qualifiers last July.

The coaching team is headed by John Davison with Kevin O'Brien and Douglas Brown lending their expertise as assistants. Peter Di Venuto takes on the role of manager.

In the 2026 T20 World Cup, Italy finds itself in Group C alongside Bangladesh, England, Nepal, and the West Indies. Their journey kicks off with a match against Bangladesh in Kolkata on February 9, followed by a game against Nepal in Mumbai on February 12. They’ll then return to Kolkata to face England on February 16 and the West Indies on February 19.

The tournament itself runs from February 7 to March 8, featuring 20 teams split into four groups of five in the initial round. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight stage, where they’ll be divided into two groups of four, with the best two from each group moving on to the semi-finals.

Italy's Squad:

Wayne Madsen (c), Marcus Campopiano, Gian Piero Meade, Zain Ali, Ali Hasan, Crishan Jorge, Harry Manenti, Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Syed Naqvi, Benjamin Manenti, Jaspreet Singh, JJ Smuts, Grant Stewart, Thomas Draca.

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Cricket Ireland rules out venue change amid BCB group-swap reports

Cricket Ireland rules out venue change amid BCB group-swap reports

Representative Image: Ireland ©Getty

Cricket Ireland (CI) has categorically stated that the International Cricket Council will not move their T20 World Cup games out of Sri Lanka. The CI assertion comes in the wake of reports from Bangladesh that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has asked the ICC to swap their groups with Ireland's.

"We've received definitive assurances that we won't move from the original schedule. We're definitely playing the Group Stage in Sri Lanka," an official from CI told Cricbuzz in a statement.

Ireland are placed in Group C of the T20 World Cup alongside co-hosts Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe and Oman. Bangladesh, who are refusing to travel to India, are placed in Group B alongside West Indies, England, Nepal and Italy with their group games scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) floated the idea of a group swap with Ireland, who play all their games in Sri Lanka, in their meeting with the ICC on Saturday in Dhaka. "Among other points, the possibility of moving Bangladesh to a different group as a means of facilitating the matter with minimum logistical adjustments was discussed," the BCB said.

However, BCB's suggestion does not seem to have cut any ice with the ICC as well as Ireland.

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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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