Bangladesh cricket’s journey is set to take a fresh turn with the appointment of Mohammad Salahuddin as Senior Assistant Coach for the national team. With over two decades of coaching experience, Salahuddin has big ambitions, not only for the team’s immediate goals but for the future of local coaches in the national setup. His return marks a significant move under Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) new president, Faruque Ahmed, who looks to empower local coaching talent and break away from past hesitations. Salahuddin’s contract, running through March 2024, will officially begin with Bangladesh's upcoming tour to the West Indies.

Local coaches in the national arena

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has traditionally been cautious about assigning major responsibilities to local coaches. However, under the leadership of BCB president Faruque Ahmed, a shift is underway. Salahuddin, who holds an ACC-Cricket Australia Level 3 coaching accreditation, brings years of national and international coaching experience, having previously served Bangladesh as Assistant Coach and Fielding Coach from 2006 to 2010.

In his statement on Friday, Salahuddin expressed his gratitude for this opportunity and emphasized his vision for the local coaching community. He highlighted that his goal is not only to guide players tactically but also to build a mindset where the next generation dreams bigger and pursues consistent self-improvement. He believes this can have a long-term positive impact on the players’ mindset, saying, “As a coach, I think this is the biggest challenge for me — to make them think that they will dominate world cricket in the future.”

Salahuddin also acknowledged BCB president Faruque Ahmed’s role in his appointment, stating that Ahmed reached out multiple times to ensure Salahuddin joined the coaching team. This sense of mutual commitment adds weight to Salahuddin’s objectives of fostering local talent, which he sees as a crucial responsibility.

Building a platform for future local coaches

One of Salahuddin’s primary aims in his new role is to lay a foundation for local coaches to have a stronger presence in Bangladesh's cricket landscape. For years, discussions had been ongoing about providing a platform for Bangladeshi coaches to step into the national setup. Salahuddin now sees his appointment as an opportunity to create this pathway.

By setting a strong example, Salahuddin hopes to encourage the board to place more trust in Bangladeshi coaches in the future. “If I can pave the way, even if it’s for a short time, our local coaches might also do well,” he said, noting that such a move would help bolster the confidence of aspiring coaches and elevate the status of Bangladeshi coaching talent on the international stage.

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In addition, Salahuddin emphasized his commitment to helping players in all aspects—mentally, technically, and tactically—while also sharing his experiences with the team. Reflecting on his previous tenure, he acknowledged the contributions of past players like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, and Mushfiqur Rahim and expressed a desire to assist the next generation of players with the same dedication.

Mohammad Salahuddin’s return as Senior Assistant Coach for Bangladesh’s national cricket team marks a new chapter in his career and an opportunity for growth within Bangladesh’s coaching community. With his focus on player development, building confidence, and creating a foundation for future local coaches, Salahuddin’s presence is set to inspire both current players and aspiring coaches. As Bangladesh gears up for the West Indies tour, this fresh approach could set the tone for a new era in Bangladesh cricket, where the role of local talent—both on the field and in coaching—is more prominent than ever.

It was a moment of joy for the visitors as South Africa produced a special victory against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur to take an early 1-0 lead in a two-match Test series. The match came to a close during the early hours of day four as South Africa managed to get the most out of the second new ball to wind up the Bangladeshi tail in quick time. Needing only a meager 106, South Africa comfortably got home with seven wickets to spare. Kyle Verreynne was the standout batter for South Africa as his 114 not only bailed the visitors out of imminent danger but also put them on the patch of an emphatic win. 

This victory also marked the first Test win for the Proteas in 10 years on Asia soil. The last time the African nation emerged victorious in the subcontinent was way back in 2014 against Sri Lanka in Galle. In the process, South Africa have also managed to put an end to their embarrassingly long losing streak of nine Tests on Asian soil. The losing streak was initiated during their tour to India from Nagpur in 2015.

Historic first Test win against Bangladesh since 2008

Rabada, Mulder, and Maharaj ran riot to snap three wickets apiece to obliterate Bangladesh for only 106. While doing so, Rabada also succeeded in getting past the 300 Test wickets landmark. But by the end of day one, thanks to some resilient bowling from Taijul, South Africa found themselves in trouble at 108-6. on day two, Verreynne put his hand up and along with the assistance of Mulder, started performing the repair work for the visitors. The pair batted under testing conditions to add a galloping 119 runs for the seventh wicket to virtually bat the hosts out of the game. 

After amassing a lead of 202 runs, the writing was on the wall for Bangladesh. Nevertheless, Mehidy and Taijul tried to battle it out to delay the inevitable but South Africa came top on day four to prevent the Bangladeshi lead from going much further beyond their control.   Verreynne did not have to bat again in the second innings as De Zorzi and Stubbs slammed steady cameos of 41 & 30 respectively to steer South Africa to a seven-wicket win.

Interestingly enough, this is also South Africa's maiden Test win in Bangladesh in 16 years. Their last away test win against the Tigers came in 2008 in Chattogram when Smith along with McKenzie starred with the bat to register a mammoth opening stand of 415 runs which at present is still the highest-ever recorded opening stand in Test cricket. 

This win has now bettered South Africa's chances of entering the WTC Final. As a result, South Africa have improved their PCT to 47.62% and have surpassed New Zealand in the WTC points table to acquire the fourth spot. 

As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, cricket fans eagerly anticipate the competition. Among the participating teams, Bangladesh stands out with a unique blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent.

The Bangladesh squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 is a balanced mix of experience and youth. While there are areas that need improvement, the team has the potential to make a significant impact on the tournament.

With strategic planning and execution, Bangladesh can overcome its weaknesses and threats to harness its strengths and opportunities. The journey promises to be exciting, and cricket fans will be eagerly watching how the team performs on this grand stage.

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Bangladesh, in Group D, open their T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on June 8 in Dallas before heading to New York to play South Africa (June 10), and then to St Vincent to take on Netherlands (June 13) and Nepal (June 16). They will also play two warm- up games, against USA on May 28, and opposite India on June 1 before the main tournament.

SWOT Analysis of Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad

Strengths

One of Bangladesh’s biggest strengths is their experienced core, led by the ever-reliable Shakib Al Hasan. Shakib’s all-round abilities bring balance to the team, offering both batting stability and crucial breakthroughs with the ball. His wealth of experience in international cricket, particularly in high-stakes matches, is invaluable for guiding the younger players.

Young talents like Tanzid Hasan and Towhid Hridoy inject youthful energy and fearlessness into the squad. Tanzid Hasan has already shown promise in the few T20Is he has played, displaying a knack for aggressive starts. Towhid Hridoy’s fearless approach can be a game-changer, especially in high-pressure situations where quick runs are needed.

Bangladesh’s spin department is another formidable asset. Led by Shakib Al Hasan and supported by Mahedi Hasan and Tanvir Islam, this spin trio can effectively exploit turning tracks. Their ability to control the middle overs and take crucial wickets will be key to Bangladesh’s success in the tournament.

Weaknesses

A major concern for Bangladesh is their inconsistent batting, particularly at the top of the order. Litton Das and Soumya Sarkar have struggled for form, creating instability in the opening partnership. Although Tanzid Hasan has shown potential, his limited experience makes the opening pair vulnerable.

While Taskin Ahmed spearheads the pace attack, there needs to be more depth in the fast-bowling department. The squad lacks a proven fast bowler who can consistently deliver in the death overs, which could be problematic against stronger batting lineups.

Bangladesh’s fielding has been a persistent issue, with dropped catches and misfields often costing them crucial runs. Improving fielding standards will be essential to complement their bowling efforts and maintain pressure on the opposition.

Opportunities

The T20 World Cup 2024, being hosted in the USA and the Caribbean, offers Bangladesh a unique opportunity to showcase its talent on a global stage. This exposure can boost the players’ confidence and attract international attention to their cricketing prowess.

Often underestimated, Bangladesh can leverage the underdog advantage. Playing without the heavy burden of expectations allows them to perform more freely and pull off upsets against more favored teams.

Playing in diverse conditions across different USA and Caribbean venues can help Bangladesh adapt and strategize effectively. This adaptability will benefit them not only in this tournament but also in future international tours.

Threats

Bangladesh faces tough competition from teams with stronger T20 reputations. The psychological and on-field challenges these stronger opponents pose could be intimidating and impact their performance.

Injuries to key players like Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman have previously hampered Bangladesh’s campaigns. Ensuring these players remain fit and available throughout the tournament will be crucial for the team’s success.

Weather interruptions, such as the cancellation of warm-up matches, can disrupt the team’s momentum and strategy. Unpredictable weather conditions in the Caribbean could pose a threat to their campaign.

Bangladesh squad for T20 World Cup

Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Taskin Ahmed (vice-capt), Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Tanvir Islam, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan
Traveling reserves: Hasan Mahmud, Afif Hossain

Cricket enthusiasts witnessed history unfold as the USA cricket team secured a stunning victory against Bangladesh in the first game of the T20 series. In a match filled with twists and turns, USA emerged victorious by 5 wickets, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing journey.

The Game-Changing Partnership

The game saw remarkable performances from Corey Anderson and Harmeet Singh, who orchestrated a record-breaking sixth-wicket partnership, scoring 62 runs collectively. Their resilience under pressure turned the tide in USA’s favor, defying expectations and clinching victory from the jaws of defeat.

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Bangladesh’s Performance

Despite putting up a competitive fight, Bangladesh faltered in crucial moments, leading to a slightly tepid performance. USA’s disciplined bowling and strategic captaincy decisions added to Bangladesh’s woes, ultimately limiting them to 153 runs.

USA’s Bowling Display

This victory holds immense importance for USA cricket, signaling their growing prowess on the international stage. This win injects much-needed confidence and momentum into the team as they prepare to co-host the upcoming T20 World Cup.

The global cricketing community has erupted in applause and admiration for the USA’s historic triumph, recognizing the significance of this moment for the sport’s growth in the country. With newfound momentum and support, USA cricket looks poised for a bright future, ready to make its mark on the global stage. They are reflecting on the significance of the USA’s victory, marking only their second win against a full ICC member nation. Earlier, they won against Ireland in 2021.

First Innings
Bangladesh Score – 153/6 in 20.0 overs
Bangladesh batting performance
Towhid Hridoy 58(47)
Mahmudullah 31(22)
Steven Taylor 3-9-2
Saurabh Netravalkar 4-27-1

Second Innings
USA Score – 156/5 in 19.3 overs
USA batting performance
Corey Anderson 34(25)
Harmeet Singh 33(13)
Mustafizur Rahman 4-41-2
Shoriful Islam 4-31-1

India and Bangladesh gear up for an exciting five-match T20I series in Sylhet, marking the beginning of their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. Both teams will aim to fine-tune their combinations and gain momentum ahead of the marquee event.

Past Controversies and T20 World Cup Preparations

Controversies, with heated exchanges between players and umpires, marred the last encounter between these two sides in Bangladesh. However, as they prepare for the T20 World Cup, the focus shifts to on-field performances and strategic preparations for the upcoming series.

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Bangladesh recently faced a crushing 3-0 defeat at home against Australia, highlighting their batting struggles and the need for significant improvement in key areas.

India’s Loss to Australia and Players’ Form in the WPL

India’s last T20I series ended in a 2-1 defeat against Australia, where senior players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana had underwhelming performances. However, several Indian players showcased good form in the 2024 Women’s IPL (WPL), providing hope for a strong showing in the upcoming series.

Bangladesh’s batting lineup must be more consistent, as reflected in their recent scores against Australia. Captain Nigar Sultana has been a standout performer, but the team needs more contributions from other top-order batters.

Need for Improvement in Top Order

India’s top three had a disappointing series during their last tour to Bangladesh, highlighting the importance of improved performances this time around.

Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana showed promising form in the WPL, boosting India’s batting lineup. However, the absence of Jemimah Rodrigues due to injury poses a challenge for India.

With notable performances in the WPL, India’s top order is better prepared for the challenges they will face in Sylhet. Leg-spinner S Asha and spin-bowling all-rounder S Sajana have earned maiden international call-ups after impressive performances in the WPL. Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav’s return to the squad adds depth to India’s spin bowling options.

Balancing the Squad and XI Selection Challenges:

With the emergence of new talents, India faces selection dilemmas, particularly in accommodating the likes of Asha, Yadav, and Sajana in the playing XI. Sylhet’s pitch and weather conditions are expected to favor seamers initially, but spinners will play a crucial role as the match progresses. Both teams must adapt their strategies accordingly, considering the pitch conditions and weather forecast for the matches in Sylhet.

Bangladesh Cricket has made a significant move by bringing in former Pakistan spinner Mushtaq Ahmed as their new spin bowling coach ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Mushtaq is set to join the team during their upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe and will continue through the World Cup hosted in the West Indies and USA.

Mushtaq Ahmed’s Background

Mushtaq Ahmed, a name revered in cricket circles, boasts an illustrious playing career followed by a robust coaching resume that includes stints with England, West Indies, and Pakistan. His experience and success in nurturing top-class spinners are expected to be invaluable for the Bangladesh team.

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The Role of a Spin Bowling Coach

The spin bowling coach is pivotal in developing effective strategies and enhancing the skill set of the team’s spinners. Mushtaq’s role will primarily involve analyzing performance data, providing tactical guidance, and fine-tuning the bowlers’ techniques to exploit the playing conditions optimally.

“It is a great honour for me to be a part of the Bangladesh cricket team as a spin bowling coach. I am looking forward to the role and want to pass my experience to the players because they are very coach-able and I always believe that they are one of the most dangerous teams around. They can beat anyone because they have the capability, the resources and the talent. I will try to instill that belief into them. I am very excited at the opportunity to work with the team,” Mushtaq Ahmed said in a statement released by BCB.

Preparation for the T20 World Cup

The upcoming series against Zimbabwe serves as the perfect platform for Mushtaq to begin his tenure and set the groundwork for the World Cup. This series will be crucial for assessing the team’s current capabilities and identifying areas of improvement.

The pitch conditions in the West Indies and the USA tend to favor spin bowling. Mushtaq’s experience and knowledge of playing in similar conditions will be vital in preparing the spinners to exploit these conditions effectively.

Bangladesh cricket suffered a blow as pace bowler Ebadot Hossain has been ruled out from the upcoming T20 World Cup, dampening hopes of his return to international cricket after battling with injuries.

Ebadot Hossain’s Injury

Ebadot Hossain, known for his fiery pace and ability to trouble batters, faced a setback during Bangladesh’s home series against Afghanistan in July 2023. A collision with an umpire during bowling left him with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, putting his career on hold.

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Confirmed Absence from T20 World Cup

Despite his aspirations to make a comeback for the T20 World Cup, Bangladesh Cricket Board’s chief physician, Debashish Chowdhury, confirmed Ebadot’s unavailability for the tournament. The news comes as a disappointment for both the players and fans alike.

Debashish said that there is no way for the right-arm pacer to make a comeback before the T20 World Cup. “No way (Ebadot can make a comeback before the World T20). We are not even thinking about it,” Debashish told Cricbuzz.

Ebadot’s Rehabilitation Efforts

Ebadot remained optimistic throughout his rehabilitation journey, expressing hope and determination to return to the field before the World Cup. However, despite his hard work and the support of the medical team, his recovery timeline doesn’t align with the global event.

Unfortunate Timeline of Injuries

Following his surgery, Ebadot faced a prolonged absence from competitive cricket. He missed several international series along with premier domestic tournaments like the Bangladesh Premier League and the ongoing Dhaka Premier League, further delaying his return to action.

“It does not go (his comeback) in that time frame (before the World Cup). It takes eight to 12 months but at least you need 10 months. He was operated in December, so it will be at least October when he can make a comeback. He can make a comeback a bit earlier but certainly not in the World T20,” Debashish said.

Expert Opinion on Ebadot’s Return

Debashish Chowdhury provided insights into Ebadot’s recovery timeline, stating that a comeback before the T20 World Cup is highly unlikely. Despite undergoing surgery in August of the previous year, the required recovery period would extend beyond the tournament dates.

Meanwhile, Debashish informed that they are hopeful that the injured duo of Soumya Sarkar and Taijul Islam are likely to be available before the home series against Zimbabwe.

Cricket is a game known for its moments of brilliance and occasional oddities. On Day 3 of the second Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Dhaka, viewers witnessed one such bizarre incident that left many scratching their heads.

Description of the Incident

In the 21st over of the second innings, with Prabath Jayasuriya at the crease, Bangladesh was tightening the screws on Sri Lanka. Having already lost six wickets, the pressure was mounting on the visitors. Hasan Mahmud, the bowler, delivered a length ball that Jayasuriya guided towards the gully.

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Analysis of the Incident

Instead of the usual one or two fielders giving chase, a total of five fielders were seen running after the ball. It was an unprecedented sight, raising eyebrows among spectators and commentators alike. This peculiar tactic was aimed at building pressure on Jayasuriya, who was already facing a daunting task against the Bangladeshi bowling attack.

After this bizarre incident, social media critics hilariously trolled the Bangladeshi fielders. Take a look at the troll:

Overview of the Match Situation

Sri Lanka had dominated the match so far, having taken a commanding lead of 531 runs in the first innings. With such a substantial advantage, they were in a prime position to clinch the series.

On the other hand, Bangladesh faced an uphill battle, especially considering their poor performance with the bat in the series thus far. Chasing over 450 runs was going to be a monumental task for them.

In the final Test against Bangladesh, visitors posted a massive 531 on Day 2 on Sunday, thanks to six batters getting past half-century marks. In response, Bangladesh reached 55/1 at stumps, trailing by 476 runs. Kamindu Mendis scored twin centuries in the first test that Sri Lanka won by a crushing 328 runs.

Bangladesh’s Bowling Performance

Despite the odds stacked against them, Bangladesh’s bowlers showed resilience and determination in the second innings. They managed to put up a commendable performance, restricting Sri Lanka’s scoring opportunities and taking crucial wickets.

Australia has recently unveiled its comprehensive tour schedule for the upcoming 2026-27 cricket season, outlining a series of high-profile matches to be held on home soil. The fixture list includes anticipated encounters against cricketing powerhouses such as England, New Zealand, India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. However, the scheduling of the series against Bangladesh may undergo a significant alteration.

In a bid to celebrate a historic milestone, Australia is keen on hosting two Test matches in Melbourne, including a special 150-year anniversary Test against England during the summer of 2026-27. Reports from various Australian media outlets have indicated the country’s desire to extend the three-match Test series against New Zealand. Consequently, this potential adjustment might lead to the advancement of the scheduled March 2027 series against Bangladesh to August 2026.

The proposed shift in timing would allow Australia to host the prestigious New Year and Christmas Boxing Day Test against New Zealand in Melbourne. The special Test against England, commemorating the 150th anniversary, is also envisioned for March. However, discussions between the Melbourne Cricket Club and Cricket Australia remain ongoing, with final confirmation pending until the year 2027.

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As per the current outline, Australia is slated to engage in a series of cricketing duels, including three ODIs and five T20Is against England in November-December, followed by three Tests against New Zealand, and two Tests against Bangladesh in March. Additionally, a five-match Test series against India is scheduled for January-February.

The proposed adjustment could see the Bangladesh series brought forward to August-September 2026, coinciding with Australia’s planned Test and three-T20 series against Afghanistan. Despite the current geopolitical climate and the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, Australia has refrained from engaging in any bilateral series with the nation.

Looking ahead, Australia’s cricketing calendar reveals five MA series against India and England in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons. The upcoming summer season will feature three Tests against Pakistan in Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney, along with two Tests against West Indies in Adelaide and Brisbane, including a day-night fixture. The dynamic scheduling reflects the nation’s commitment to hosting a diverse range of cricketing events, showcasing its prominence on the international stage.

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has been overshadowed by an unfortunate injury to Bangladesh’s inspirational captain, Shakib Al Hasan. Leading his team with distinction, Shakib’s unavailability due to a left index finger injury has not only altered the tournament’s dynamics but also raised questions about Bangladesh’s future in the competition.

The injury occurred during Bangladesh’s penultimate league stage match against Sri Lanka in Delhi on November 6, 2023, a pivotal game with significant implications for both teams’ progress in the tournament.

Captain Shakib’s Unfortunate Injury

An X-ray conducted post-game revealed a fracture on Shakib’s left proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, leaving no room for ambiguity about his inability to continue participating in the World Cup.

National Team Physio Bayjedul Islam Khan explained, “Shakib was struck on his left index finger early in his innings but continued to bat with supportive taping and painkillers. He underwent an emergency X-ray in Delhi after the game, which confirmed the fracture on the left PIP joint. Recovery is estimated at three to four weeks. He will leave for Bangladesh today to begin his rehab.”

Shakib Al Hasan will focus on a three to four-week recovery period and commence rehabilitation in Bangladesh.Ironically, Shakib sustained the injury while delivering a match-winning performance against Sri Lanka. His fearless innings of 82 runs from 65 balls, adorned with 12 fours and two sixes, was instrumental in securing a three-wicket victory for Bangladesh.

Shakib’s contributions extended beyond his batting prowess. Earlier in the match, he showcased his bowling skills, recording figures of 2/57. This stellar all-round display earned him the Player of the Match award in the high-pressure encounter.

Shakib Al Hasan’s leadership, both as captain and a seasoned player, has been a pillar of strength for Bangladesh’s World Cup campaign. His absence from the crucial clash against Australia on November 11 in Pune is a significant setback for the team.

Beyond his cricketing skills, Shakib’s astute leadership and tactical acumen will be sorely missed. His ability to inspire the team and make strategic decisions under pressure has been a source of strength for Bangladesh.Shakib’s all-round abilities, exemplified by his performance against Sri Lanka, provided crucial balance to the team, making his absence even more significant.

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