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Bangladesh favourites to make Super Eight, but Nepal could ask difficult questions

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2 years ago

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Bangladesh are close to the Super Eight, and one more point will seal the deal [ICC]

Bangladesh’s Super Eight fate in the T20 World Cup 2024 is in their own hands as one more win is all they need to go through.

The only way Bangladesh can miss out is if they lose big against Nepal, and Netherlands beat Sri Lanka by a big enough margin with that game scheduled an hour after Bangladesh vs Nepal. Bangladesh will fancy sailing through as they have looked like the second-best team in Group D so far. They know they can’t take Nepal lightly, more so after their close game against South Africa.

But Bangladesh are high on confidence, a side on the mend that, only recently, went down in a T20I series against USA. Their top-order batting remains a concern but their middle-order batters and bowlers have carried them to this promising position.

Legspinner Rishad Hossain is the surprise package, with his seven wickets. He has often picked the crucial scalps and his skilful bowling has lifted Bangladesh’s morale. The pace trio of Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and Tanzim Hasan have provided a strong backbone, and their relentless accuracy this tournament has often brought about well-timed breakthroughs.

Nepal are still smarting from their one-run loss against South Africa. They were left wondering how they messed up a chase where they were ahead at one point. Gulsan Jha’s run out on the last ball left their legion of fans heartbroken, but their overall performance against one of the tournament’s top teams gives them confidence for the next challenge. Kushal Bhurtel and Dipendra Singh Airee shared seven wickets against South Africa at the same ground, while Aasif Sheikh comes in fresh off a stylish 42. Their big hitters are an X-Factor too.

Nepal have enough firepower to win, but Bangladesh, at this tournament, have shown an appetite for staying in the fight for longer periods. Key battles will be fought between their middle-order and Nepal’s spinners, particularly how they play Sandeep Lamichhane. Bangladesh’s fast bowlers, meanwhile, will look to exploit any lack of experience among the Nepal batters.

With Nepal wanting to finish the tournament with one win and Bangladesh equally motivated to take two points, expect another tight game in a T20 World Cup full of thrillers.

Tanzid Hasan hasn’t done anything special yet in the T20 World Cup but the left-hand opener played an attractive innings against Netherlands. His glut of powerplay boundaries gave Bangladesh their best start in the first six, since arriving in North America four weeks ago. Tanzid is strong on both sides of the pitch and shows presence of mind whenever the bowlers ask him tough questions. It is now a matter of staying long enough for a big score.

Aasif Sheikh was better known as the Nepal wicketkeeper who won the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award in 2022 for not running out the stumbling Andy McBrine. Those watching him bat for the first time against South Africa saw the other side of Sheikh: an attractive opener who can wow with his flicks. Sheikh’s off side strokeplay also looked promising. After making 42 against South Africa’s attack, he will aim to get even better.

Bangladesh shouldn’t tinker ideally, but they could consider either left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam or offspin-bowling allrounder Mahedi Hassan on a spin-friendly pitch.

Bangladesh (probable): Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hosain Shanto (capt), Litton Das (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy,  Mahmudullah,  Jaker Ali,  Rishad Hossain,  Tanzim Hasan,  Taskin Ahmed,  Mustafizur Rahman.

Nepal have left-arm spinners Lalit Rajbanshi and Sagar Dhakal if they want more bowing options.

Nepal (probable):  Kushal Bhurtel,  Aasif Sheikh (wk),  Rohit Paudel (capt),  Anil Sah,  Dipendra Singh Airee,  Kushal Malla,  Gulsan Jha,  Sompal Kami,  Karan KC,  Sandeep Lamichhane,  Abinash Bohara.

[Cricinfo]


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BCCI AGM set for September 18 in Mumbai

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2026/08/26

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The 95th AGM will be held at the BCCI headquarters [Cricbuzz]
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will be held in Mumbai on September 18. This was confirmed by a communication from the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia’s office to the state association on Tuesday. The BCCI headquarters will be the venue for the AGM, which will be 95th AGM of the board.

“Notice is hereby given that the 95th Annual General Meeting (hereinafter referred to as “AGM”) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (“BCCI”), which will be held at BCCI Headquarters, Mumbai, on September 18, 2026 at 11:30 AM (IST), to transact the business as per the agenda annexed herewith,” the AGM notice from the secretary’s office read.

The key items on the agenda include the election and induction of two representatives of the General Body to the IPL Governing Council, as well as the induction of one representative of the Indian Cricketer’s Association to the IPL Governing Council. The AGM will also take up the BCCI’s audited accounts for FY 2025-26 and the annual budget for FY 2026-27.

The AGM is also expected to see the confirmation of the appointments to the Junior Cricket Committee. The BCCI has invited applications for five positions on the committee, with the deadline for submissions set for September 5. The appointments will be made after a screening and shortlisting process followed by personal interviews.

The full agenda for the 95th AGM includes:

  • Confirmation of the minutes of the 94th Annual General Meeting of BCCI held on September 28, 2025, at BCCI Headquarters, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
  • Election and induction of 2 (two) representatives of the General Body in the Governing Council of the IPL.
  • Induction of 1 (one) representative of the Indian Cricketer’s Association in the Governing Council of the IPL.
  • Adoption of the Report of the Secretary for the year 2025-26 under review.
  • Copies of the audited Statement of Accounts of BCCI for the year FY 2025-2026 including schedule for any tour or tours.
  • Adoption of the Treasurer’s Report and the audited accounts for the year FY 2025-2026.
  • Adoption of the Annual Budget for FY 2026-27.
  • Appointment of the Auditor or Auditors for FY 2026-27 and fix their remuneration.
  • Appointment of the Ombudsman and Ethics Officer.
  • Appointment of the Standing Committees, Cricket Committees and Umpire Committee as mentioned in Rules 25, 26 and 27 respectively.
  • Consideration of:(a) The Report and recommendations of the Apex Council, the CEO and the Committees and to propose policy directions to the Apex Council.(b) The Report and recommendations of the Governing Council and to propose policy directions to the Governing Council.(c) The reports of the Ombudsman and Ethics Officer and any recommendations made therein.
  • Report of the Internal Committee of BCCI formed under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy.
  • Grant of Associate Membership to Cricket Association Andaman & Nicobar Island for the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
  • Consideration of any motion, notice whereof is given by a Full Member to the Secretary, 21 (twenty-one) days before the meeting.
  • To appoint the BCCI’s Representative or Representatives on the International Cricket Council and/or any similar organization.
  • Ratification of rules framed by the Apex Council, in terms of Rule 15 of BCCI’s Rules and Regulations.
  • Consideration of any business, which the President may consider necessary to be included in the agenda.
  • Transaction of any other business of an informal character as may be permitted by the Chairperson.
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Three franchises sold in Afghanistan Premier League T20

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3 hours ago

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2026/08/26

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[pic Cricbuzz]
The Afghanistan Premier League T20 has unveiled its three inaugural franchises and the competition’s trophy ahead of its first season, which is scheduled to begin on December 27, 2026. The three announced teams are Axcel United Kabul, Balkh Zwanan and Kandahar Warriors.

The franchises and their team identities, were unveiled at a ceremony in Dubai attended by franchise owners, league partners and Afghanistan Cricket Board officials. The league also revealed its trophy, named the ‘Koh-E-Zafar’. The design draws inspiration from Afghanistan’s mountain ranges, intending to represent strength, resilience and the pinnacle of achievement in cricket.

The APL T20 player registration portal for the inaugural draft will open on August 30, with the draft itself scheduled for September 27. The league has yet to announce the complete tournament schedule and venues. ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf said the launch represented an important step for Afghan cricket and highlighted the league’s potential to create a pathway for young players.

“Today is a landmark occasion for Afghan cricket. The unveiling of our inaugural franchises and the Koh-E-Zafar trophy reflects our shared vision of building a league that inspires future generations,” Ashraf said. The three franchises have also outlined ambitions centred around developing local talent and building strong connections with their respective regions.

Balkh Zwanan, whose name means youth, said its focus would be on identifying talent from northern Afghanistan and providing them with a professional platform, while Kandahar Warriors emphasised an aggressive playing identity and a strong home following. With the first season set to begin in December, the APL T20 will now turn its attention to the player draft and finalising the tournament’s schedule and venues.

[Cricbuzz]

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Sri Lanka facing follow on at SSC

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11 hours ago

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2026/08/26

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by Rex Clementine

Sri Lanka were fighting hard to avoid the follow on when rain brought an early end to play on day three of the second Test against India, with the hosts on 265 for eight at SSC yesterday.

Sri Lanka still need a further 39 runs to avoid being asked to bat again, while India remain comfortably placed with a first innings lead of 238 runs.

Of the 98 overs scheduled for the day, only 80.4 were possible due to rain.

Sri Lanka were staring down the barrel at 173 for seven when wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella was dismissed for a third ball duck, leaving India eyeing the prospect of enforcing the follow on.

However, Sonal Dinusha added 57 runs for the eighth wicket with Keshara Nuwantha (18) to frustrate the tourists. India made the breakthrough after tea, but Dinusha found another able ally in fast bowler Lahiru Kumara, who batted for over an hour as the pair added an unbroken 35 runs for the ninth wicket.

The pitch was still good for batting, as Sri Lanka’s lower order showed with their stubborn resistance, and a little more application from the top order could have left the hosts in a far healthier position.

Dinusha, Sri Lanka’s standout performer in the first Test, continued to impress. The all-rounder had scored 100 and 84 last week in Galle and was rarely troubled yesterday, top scoring with an unbeaten 85 after coming in with the team in trouble.

Dinusha faced 137 balls during his knock and hit six fours and two sixes.

Sri Lanka, who resumed on their overnight score of eight for two, lost two wickets in the morning session before India made further inroads after lunch, picking up three more wickets.

Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who had replaced Dinesh Chandimal as a concussion substitute in the second innings of the Galle Test, was handed his Test cap in the lead up to the second Test in Colombo and marked the occasion with a fine 80.

Sooriyabandara looked organized and used nimble footwork to take on India’s spinners, striking nine fours during an impressive knock.

Prasidh Krishna was the pick of India’s bowlers, claiming three wickets. The fast bowler generated decent pace and troubled the batters with extra bounce.

India lead the two match series 1-0, having won the opening Test in Galle by 165 runs.

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