Cricket

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has removed 11 directors from its board for failing to attend three or more consecutive meetings, as per the board's constitution. The list includes former president Nazmul Hassan and BPL chairman Sheikh Sohel.The other directors removed are Manzur Kader, AJM Nasir Uddin, Anwarul Islam, Shafiul Alam Chowdhury, Ismail Haider Mallick, Tanvir Ahmed, Obeid Nizam, Gazi Golam Murtoza, and Nazib Ahmed. Additionally, the BCB accepted resignations from three other directors: Naimur Rahman, Khaled Mahmud, and Enayet Hossain Siraj.All of the removed and resigned directors have been absent since the Awami League government was overthrown on August 5th following student protests. They have direct or indirect connections to the Awami League. Nazmul Hassan was the sports minister, Shafiul Alam Chowdhury was an Awami League MP, and Nasir Uddin was a former Chattogram mayor during the Awami League's 15-year reign. Sheikh Sohel and Nazib Ahmed are relatives of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, while Ismail Haider Mallick was a close associate of Nazmul Hassan.Before the government's fall, the BCB had 25 directors. After the departure of 14 directors, 10 remain, as one had passed away before August.The BCB has also formed a constitution amendment committee headed by director Nazmul Abedeen. According to a press release, "the committee will be responsible for assessing the current BCB constitution, identifying areas of improvement, and proposing amendments that align with the strategic goals and evolving needs of the BCB."Two weeks after an interim government was sworn in on August 8th, the BCB directors elected Faruque Ahmed, the former Bangladesh captain, as the president, while Nazmul Abedeen, the renowned coach, also became a director. They replaced Jalal Yunus, who resigned as a director, and Ahmed Sajjadul Alam, who was removed as a director.

Bangladesh's batting woes continued on day two of the second Test against South Africa in Chattogram, as they stumbled to 38-4 in response to the visitors' mammoth first innings of 575-6.The hosts' reply got off to a disastrous start, with Kagiso Rabada dismissing Shadman Islam for a duck in the first over. Zakir Hasan soon followed, edging a Rabada delivery to the wicketkeeper for two.Mahmudul Hasan Joy briefly threatened with a 10-ball 10, but he fell to Dane Paterson, driving an outside-off delivery to Aiden Markram at second slip. Hasan Mahmud, sent in as a nightwatchman, was deceived by Keshav Maharaj's sharp turn and was bowled for a duck.South Africa's total was their second-highest against Bangladesh, behind only their 583-7 at the same venue in 2008. Wiaan Mulder (105 not out), Tony de Zorzi (177), and Tristan Stubbs (106) all scored maiden Test centuries for the Proteas.Senuran Muthusamy remained unbeaten on 68 at the declaration, while Ryan Rickelton was the only batsman to fall in the second session, edging a Nahid Rana delivery to the wicketkeeper for 12.Earlier, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam had pegged back South Africa in the morning with three wickets in three overs, claiming his second five-wicket haul of the series. He dismissed David Bedingham, De Zorzi, and Kyle Verreynne to leave the visitors on 391-4.South Africa won the opening Test inside four days, with Rabada taking 6-46 in the second innings. Bangladesh have played 24 Tests in Chattogram but have won only two, with seven drawn.

South Africa's batting prowess was on full display in the second Test against Bangladesh at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. The Proteas shattered their previous record for most sixes in an innings of a Test match, smashing a total of 17 sixes in their first innings.The previous record of 15 sixes was set against the West Indies in 2010. South Africa's dominant performance saw them amass a massive 577/6 declared in 144.2 overs.Aiden Markram, leading from the front, contributed 33 off 55 balls, including two boundaries. Tony de Zorzi followed with a well-constructed 177, smashing 12 fours and four sixes before falling to Taijul Islam.The fireworks truly began with Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham. Stubbs added 106 off 198 balls, while Bedingham's aggressive 59 featured several big hits.Wiaan Mulder's unbeaten 105 off 150 balls, with four sixes to his name, further demonstrated South Africa's intent. Senuran Muthusamy also played a supporting role, contributing 70 not out, peppered with a couple of maximums.For Bangladesh, Taijul Islam was the pick of the hosts, taking 5/198, but even his efforts couldn't contain the Proteas' assault.With South Africa winning the toss and opting to bat, they now hold a commanding position in the five-day contest.

South Africa continued their dominance in the second Test against Bangladesh, extending their lead to 413 runs at lunch on day two. Resuming on 307 for 2, the Proteas added 106 runs before the break, losing three wickets in the process.Tony de Zorzi and David Bedingham started the day confidently, with Bedingham hitting Hasan Mahmud for a boundary and then smashing Taijul Islam for a six and four off consecutive balls. De Zorzi also struck Taijul for two more fours in his next over.However, Bedingham's aggressive approach proved costly as he was bowled for 59 off 78 balls, playing across the line to a full ball from Taijul. De Zorzi followed suit in Taijul's next over, missing a sweep to be trapped lbw for 177 off 269 balls.Taijul completed his three-wicket burst by trapping Kyle Verreynne for a duck, giving him all five South African wickets to fall so far.Despite the wickets, South Africa remained in control of the match. De Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs had dominated the first day with centuries, adding 201 runs for the second wicket. Stubbs and de Zorzi were particularly harsh on Mehidy Hasan Miraz, whose wicketless run on day one extended to 31 overs on day two.At lunch, the visitors were 413 for 5, with Wiaan Mulder and Ryan Rickleton at the crease. South Africa will be looking to extend their lead further in the afternoon session and put Bangladesh under even more pressure.

South Africa's Tony de Zorzi finally broke through the century barrier in Test cricket, scoring a magnificent 141 not out on the opening day of the second Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram. The opener's maiden Test ton played a pivotal role in South Africa's dominant position of 307/2 at stumps.De Zorzi had narrowly missed out on centuries in previous matches, but he reached the milestone with a classy sweep off Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The delivery sailed past deep backward square-leg, sending the ball to the boundary and raising his century in 146 balls.In a moment of elation, de Zorzi celebrated with Chelsea footballer Cole Palmer's signature "Ice-Cold" celebration, grinning at his teammates while rubbing his biceps. The celebration added flair to a gritty innings on a hot, challenging day in Chattogram, as the South African opener fought through cramps to remain unbeaten at the close of play.After winning the toss and electing to bat, South Africa lost captain Aiden Markram early for 33. However, de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs combined for a record 201-run partnership for the second wicket - the highest for South Africa in Tests against Bangladesh. The monumental stand also entered the list of South Africa's highest second-wicket partnerships in Asia, becoming the third highest in an elite list.Stubbs adapted brilliantly to the conditions with a composed 106 off 198 balls. His measured innings ended in the final session when Taijul Islam bowled him, clipping the bottom edge onto the stumps. David Bedingham (18 not out) joined de Zorzi at the crease and ensured no further damage before bad light halted play early.With South Africa leading the two-match series 1-0, they are well-positioned to push for a series-clinching win on Day 2. De Zorzi's century and the team's strong batting performance have put them in a commanding position.

Bangladesh's bowlers kept South Africa in check during the first session of the second Test in Dhaka, with Taijul Islam and Nahid Rana sharing the wickets.Islam struck first, trapping Tony de Zorzi lbw for 13 in the 13th over. The left-arm spinner then had Aiden Markram caught behind for 25 in the 25th over.Rana, meanwhile, picked up the wicket of Markram's opening partner, Dean Elgar, for 19 in the 19th over. The right-arm pacer also had de Zorzi caught at slip for 34 in the 37th over.At lunch, South Africa were 105 for 4, with Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne at the crease on 25 and 15 respectively.Bangladesh's bowlers were disciplined and accurate throughout the session, making it difficult for the South African batsmen to score freely. Islam and Rana were particularly impressive, using their variations to keep the batsmen guessing.The Proteas will need to bat patiently in the afternoon session if they are to build a substantial first-innings total. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be looking to take further wickets and put themselves in a strong position in the match.

South Africa, led by stand-in captain Aiden Markram, have opted to bat first against Bangladesh in the second and final Test match in Chattogram. The hosts, who are looking to end their home season on a high, have made three changes to their lineup, including the debut of wicketkeeper Mahidul Islam Ankon.Bangladesh's experienced gloveman, Litton Das, has been ruled out due to a fever, while Jaker Ali has been replaced by Zakir Hasan, who scored a century on debut at this venue. The hosts have also opted for an extra seamer, Nahid Rana, in place of offspinner Nayeem Hasan.South Africa, on the other hand, have brought in Dane Paterson for Dane Piedt, while Senuran Muthusamy has been included in place of Matthew Breetkze. This gives the Proteas a more balanced side with five bowling options, including three seamers.The match is crucial for both teams. Bangladesh are aiming to close out their home season with a victory, while South Africa are eyeing a run to the World Test Championship (WTC) final. They need to win at least four of their remaining five matches to have a shot at next year's Lord's finale.The key to the match will be taking wickets, as both sides have strong batting lineups. Bangladesh will be relying on their spinners, while South Africa will look to their pace attack to make inroads.

The World Test Championship (WTC) has been thrown wide open after South Africa's historic victory in the subcontinent and New Zealand's series triumph in India. Both teams remain in contention for the final, with every remaining match crucial.South Africa's next challenge is in Chattogram, where they face Bangladesh in their final away Test of the 2023-25 cycle. After their victory in Mirpur, the Proteas are confident of a clean sweep, especially given Bangladesh's ongoing turmoil.Bangladesh's head coach was replaced on the eve of the series, and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is considering stepping down after less than a year in charge. To salvage some pride, Bangladesh must improve their first-innings performance, where they faltered in the opening Test.South Africa's bowling attack, led by Kagiso Rabada, who recently claimed his 300th wicket, will be a formidable challenge. The spin duo of Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan will also be key, as they exposed weaknesses in South Africa's batting.South Africa needs to win at least four of their remaining five Tests to qualify for the WTC final. Bangladesh, though out of contention, will be eager to perform well at home after a disappointing setback.

South Africa's Test resurgence continued in emphatic fashion as they secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first Test at Dhaka's Shere Bangla National Stadium. This triumph marks the Proteas' first Test win in Asia since 2014 and significantly boosts their standing in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25.Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto's decision to field first proved costly as South Africa's bowlers exploited the favorable conditions to skittle the hosts for a mere 106 runs in the first innings. Kagiso Rabada led the charge with 3/32, while Lungi Ngidi and Simon Harmer chipped in with two wickets each.In response, South Africa posted a solid 308, thanks to a resilient century from Kyle Verreynne (114 off 144 balls). Wiaan Mulder (54 off 112 balls) and Dane Piedt (32 off 87 balls) provided valuable support, giving the Proteas a substantial 202-run lead.Bangladesh's second innings started promisingly, but Rabada's impressive 6/46 reduced them to 112/6 at one stage. However, a gritty knock of 97 from Mehidy Hasan allowed Bangladesh to reach 307, setting South Africa a target of 106 runs to win.South Africa chased down the target with relative ease, with Tony de Zorzi contributing 41 off 52 balls and Tristan Stubbs finishing unbeaten on 30 off 37 balls. This victory not only gives the Proteas a 1-0 lead in the two-match series but also elevates them to fourth place in the WTC standings.India (68.06) and Australia (62.50) continue to hold the top two spots, with Sri Lanka at third with 55.56 point percentage. South Africa's win improved their point percentage to 47.62, allowing them to jump ahead of New Zealand and England. Meanwhile, Bangladesh's loss dropped their point percentage to 30.56, leaving them in seventh place.