Cricket

Amite Hasan's marathon double-century propelled Sylhet Division to an unbeaten start in the National Cricket League (NCL), as they drew against Khulna Division in Cox's Bazar. Hasan's epic 455-ball innings, spanning over ten hours, is the third-longest individual score in Bangladesh's first-class history.Hasan's monumental knock, adorned with 18 fours and a six, showcased his remarkable conversion rate in first-class cricket. He forged a crucial 251-run partnership with Asadulla Al Galib, who also notched up his maiden century. However, Galib's dismissal became a viral sensation when he mistimed a shot off Mahedi Hasan's delivery, much to the amusement of the Khulna fielders.Khulna responded with a first-innings total of 273, led by half-centuries from Anamul Haque and Afif Hossain. After being asked to follow on, veteran Mohammad Mithun struck his 16th first-class century. Anamul, Imrul Kayes, and Nurul Hasan also contributed fifties, guiding Khulna to safety with a score of 296 for 3.Meanwhile, Rangpur Division secured a 101-run victory over Rajshahi Division, propelling them to second place in the standings. Ariful Haque's unbeaten 103 in the first innings and three wickets in the second innings played a pivotal role in Rangpur's triumph. Rajshahi's Sabbir Hossain claimed a six-wicket haul in the first innings, but Rangpur's bowlers fought back to dismiss Rajshahi for the same score.Chattogram Division registered their first win of the season, defeating Barishal Division by eight wickets in Cox's Bazar. Nineteen-year-old Ashraful Hasan Rohan emerged as the star performer, becoming the youngest Chattogram player to achieve a ten-wicket haul in a match.Barishal posted 318 runs in their first innings, with Moin Khan and Tasamul Haque scoring fifties. Ashraful's four wickets and Enamul Hoque's three wickets restricted Barishal's total. Shahadat Hossain's century in Chattogram's reply brought them within five runs of Barishal's score. Ashraful then completed his ten-for, dismissing Barishal for a mere 77 in their second innings.Defending champions Dhaka Division managed to salvage a draw against Dhaka Metropolis in Sylhet. Dhaka Metro came close to victory, but Ripon Mondol and Nazmul Islam held on at the end of the fourth day. Anamul Haque and Shuvagata Hom took four wickets each for Dhaka, while Abu Hider claimed three wickets for Dhaka Metro.

Virat Kohli Lauds Glenn Maxwell's Historic Double Century in 2023 Cricket World CupIn the foreword of Glenn Maxwell's autobiography, "The Showman," Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has heaped praise on the Australian all-rounder for his remarkable double century against Afghanistan in the 2023 Cricket World Cup.Chasing a daunting target of 292 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Australia found themselves in dire straits at 91 for 7. However, Maxwell's heroic 201 not out turned the tide and secured an improbable victory for the Aussies.Kohli, who witnessed the extraordinary innings firsthand, described it as "compelling drama." He marveled at Maxwell's ability to hit sixes on one leg despite battling cramps. "Going down time and again with cramp, limping for singles - it was compelling drama and so Maxi," Kohli wrote.The Indian captain also acknowledged Maxwell's unique talent and his ability to single-handedly change the course of a match. "In my view, he is the only player in the world capable of doing what he did," Kohli stated.Maxwell's double century not only sealed Australia's victory but also capped an unparalleled knock. "Concluding with such a milestone was perfect, capping an unparalleled knock," Kohli wrote.Kohli also shared an anecdote from the World Cup final, where Maxwell's competitive spirit and camaraderie were on full display. "Twelve days later, in the final, when Maxi threw the ball back in, I instinctively stuck up a hand and blocked it," Kohli recalled. "Earlier in our careers, with so much on the line, you can guarantee there would have been an altercation. But now? We pretended to fight for a second before starting to laugh."Kohli's praise for Maxwell is a testament to the Australian's exceptional talent and his ability to inspire and entertain cricket fans worldwide.

Shreyas Iyer, the former Indian captain, has sent a resounding message to the national selectors and IPL franchises with his blistering double century for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. Iyer, who has been out of the Indian team setup, smashed an unbeaten 233 off just 228 balls against Odisha, following up on his earlier century (142) against Maharashtra.Iyer's latest knock came at a crucial time, just ahead of the IPL mega auction scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. His blazing form is sure to catch the attention of franchises, as Iyer, the first captain not to be retained after leading his IPL team to a title, looks to make a fresh impact in the tournament.Returning to action after a one-match break to rest a shoulder injury, Iyer wasted no time asserting his dominance. His innings was a mix of ruthless aggression and controlled strokeplay, including nine sixes and 24 fours. Iyer formed a colossal 354-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Siddhesh Lad, propelling Mumbai to a commanding 508/4 at the time of his dismissal.The 29-year-old's sensational form in the Ranji Trophy serves as a strong statement not only ahead of the IPL auction but also as a reminder to the national selectors amid India's ongoing batting concerns. His back-to-back centuries highlight his hunger for a return to the Indian squad, particularly after being sidelined from recent series.Despite being overlooked for India’s T20I series against South Africa and the India A tour to Australia, Iyer has kept his focus, proving his value in domestic cricket. Having lost his place in the national Test side midway through the England series earlier this year, and not featuring in the BCCI's central contracts list, Iyer has been fighting to regain his form. Though he endured a tough Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup campaign, his resurgence in the Ranji Trophy is evident.Iyer's batting partner, Siddhesh Lad, also found redemption, breaking a six-year century drought in First-Class cricket. Together, the pair ensured Mumbai raced to a formidable total, with Iyer playing the aggressor and Lad anchoring the innings.With his current form, Iyer has not only reminded selectors of his potential for India but also positioned himself as a key contender in the IPL auction, where franchises are likely to be eager to secure his services.

Agni Chopra, the son of renowned film producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra and film critic Anupama Chopra, has continued his remarkable run of form in the Ranji Trophy, smashing another double century for Mizoram. This was his second consecutive double ton in the competition, following his 218 off just 269 deliveries against Manipur.Agni's exceptional performance in the Ranji Trophy Plate League has been nothing short of sensational. He has scored four consecutive centuries at the start of his first-class career, a feat that even the legendary Don Bradman failed to achieve. Agni's remarkable streak includes scores of 105, 101, 114, 10, 164, 15, 166, and 92 in his first four Ranji games.Despite his impressive performances, Agni remains humble and determined to earn his place on merit. He dreams of playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but he believes that he must be selected based on his own abilities rather than his father's influence."May be I am not good enough so I wasn't picked (in the IPL auction). For me, I want to be picked for anything based on my pedigree, it shouldn't be because of anything else. I don't think my dad would ever pick up the phone and tell anyone just because I told him to. I have to be good enough so that they are calling my dad, rather than my dad calling them," Agni told PTI.Agni's father, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, is known for directing critically acclaimed films such as "12th Fail" and producing the blockbuster "3 Idiots." However, Agni is determined to make his own mark in the world of cricket."If something like that (his father pulling ranks) happened, may be I will be picked in squad, but surely, would not get to play in the eleven. I don't want to be in a team where I am picked because of a phone call and then I am not going to play," he added.Agni's determination and talent are evident in his performances on the field. He is a technically sound batsman with a wide range of shots and an ability to score runs quickly. His double century against Manipur was a testament to his skill and temperament.As Agni continues to impress in the Ranji Trophy, it is clear that he has the potential to become a top-class batsman. With his talent, determination, and the support of his family, he is well on his way to achieving his dreams.

Mizoram's Agni Chopra, son of renowned filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, has continued his stellar performance in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, following his impressive debut in the 2023-24 edition. In a Plate Division match against Arunachal Pradesh, Agni showcased his exceptional batting skills, scoring a double century and a century in the same game.In the first innings, Agni struck a fluent 110 off 138 deliveries, setting the tone for Mizoram's innings. However, it was in the second innings that he truly dominated, hammering a magnificent 238 off 209 balls. His innings was a masterclass in batting, featuring an array of elegant strokes and powerful shots.Agni's double century and century helped Mizoram secure a comprehensive 267-run victory over Arunachal Pradesh, earning him the Player of the Match award. His performance has further cemented his status as one of the most promising young batters in Indian domestic cricket.Earlier in January, Agni became the first batter to score four centuries in his first four first-class games, a remarkable feat that had never been achieved before. He struck 105, 101, 114, 10, 164, 15, 166, and 92 in his first four Ranji games, averaging an astonishing 95.87.Despite his impressive performances, Agni has yet to be picked for the Indian Premier League (IPL). He believes that he should be selected based on his own merit, rather than his father's connections. "I want to be picked for anything based on my pedigree, it shouldn't be because of anything else," he said.Agni's determination and talent suggest that he has a bright future in cricket. His performances in the Ranji Trophy have caught the attention of selectors, and it is only a matter of time before he earns a call-up to the national team.

In 2016, Virat Kohli led the Indian cricket team to a resounding 3-0 Test series victory over New Zealand. During the second Test in Kolkata, Kohli etched his name in history by scoring his highest Test score against the Kiwis – a magnificent double century.The Indian innings got off to a shaky start as openers Gautam Gambhir and Murali Vijay departed early, leaving the team at 60/2. However, Kohli, batting at number four, steadied the ship with a crucial partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara (43).Kohli then joined forces with Ajinkya Rahane, and the duo forged a mammoth 365-run stand, the highest partnership for India in Tests against New Zealand. Kohli played aggressively against the likes of Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry, amassing 211 runs with 20 fours. Rahane, too, contributed handsomely with 188 runs, including 18 fours and 4 sixes.Rohit Sharma's quickfire half-century after Kohli's dismissal helped India post a formidable 557/5 before declaring. New Zealand's response was promising initially, but they collapsed after losing their first wicket at 118. Ashwin wreaked havoc with the ball, claiming six wickets as the Kiwis were bowled out for 299.In India's second innings, Pujara's century ensured a solid score of 216/3 before another declaration. New Zealand faced an even more daunting task in the fourth innings and were bundled out for 153, handing India a comprehensive victory.Ashwin was adjudged Player of the Match for his match-winning performance, while Kohli received the ICC Test Championship mace, a testament to his exceptional batting throughout the series.

Sachin Tendulkar's Maiden Double Century: A Milestone in Indian Cricket HistorySachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian batsman, etched his name in the annals of cricket history with his six double centuries in Test cricket. Each of these innings showcased his exceptional skill, unwavering consistency, and ability to perform under pressure. However, it was his maiden double century that marked a significant turning point in his illustrious career.During New Zealand's tour of India in 1999, Tendulkar embarked on a remarkable journey that culminated in his first double hundred. In the third Test at Ahmedabad, the Indian captain led his team from the front, batting with unwavering determination. After the early dismissals of Devang Gandhi and Rahul Dravid, Tendulkar found an able partner in opener Sadagoppan Ramesh.Together, they stitched a solid partnership, with Ramesh reaching his century before Tendulkar. As the day progressed, Tendulkar's innings gained momentum, and he reached his maiden double century amidst thunderous applause from the Motera crowd. His 217-run knock, coupled with Sourav Ganguly's 125, propelled India to a formidable first-innings total of 583/7.New Zealand's response was valiant, but they were unable to match India's dominance. Anil Kumble's five-wicket haul restricted the visitors to 308 runs in their first innings. India declared their second innings at 148/5, setting New Zealand a challenging target of 424 runs.Despite a gritty performance from opener Gary Stead, New Zealand's hopes of victory were dashed by an unbroken 121-run stand between Craig Spearman and Stephen Fleming. The match ended in a draw, but India emerged victorious in the three-Test series with a 1-0 margin.Tendulkar's maiden double century was a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional batting prowess. It marked a significant milestone in his career, propelling him to even greater heights and inspiring generations of cricketers to come.

Joe Root's masterful double century on the fourth day of the opening Test against Pakistan in Multan has etched his name into the annals of cricketing history. Resuming on 176, Root displayed unwavering composure and patience, reaching his double century off 305 deliveries with just 14 boundaries.This remarkable feat marks Root's sixth double century in Test cricket, surpassing the likes of Rahul Dravid, Alastair Cook, and Graeme Smith, who each scored five double centuries. By joining this elite group, Root now stands alongside legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Ricky Ponting, Marvan Atapattu, Kane Williamson, Javed Miandad, and Younis Khan.Root's double century was a testament to his exceptional technique and unwavering concentration. He played with a calm assurance, unfazed by the pressure of the occasion. His innings was characterized by a combination of elegant drives, deft flicks, and powerful pulls.As Root reached his double century, the Multan Cricket Stadium erupted in applause. The England captain removed his helmet, kissed the badge, and raised his bat in celebration. His teammates rushed onto the field to congratulate him on this historic achievement.Root's double century has not only cemented his status as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation but has also given England a significant advantage in the Test match. With Pakistan still trailing by a substantial margin, Root's innings has put England in a commanding position to secure a victory in Multan.

Sachin Tendulkar's Historic Double Century: A Moment Etched in Cricket HistoryOn February 24, 2010, the Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior witnessed a historic moment in cricket. Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian batsman, became the first player to score a double century in One Day International (ODI) cricket.Tendulkar's remarkable innings came against a formidable South African bowling attack that included Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, Jacques Kallis, Roelof van der Merwe, Charl Langeveldt, and Jean-Paul Duminy. Undeterred, Tendulkar unleashed a breathtaking display of batting, smashing 25 fours and 3 sixes in his unbeaten 200 off 147 balls.India posted a mammoth 401/3 in their 50 overs, with Tendulkar reaching his 50 off 37 balls, 100 off 90 balls, and 150 off 118 balls. South Africa were bowled out for 248 in response, giving India a commanding 153-run victory.After the match, Tendulkar expressed his gratitude to the Indian fans and dedicated his achievement to them. He also acknowledged the contributions of Yusuf Pathan and MS Dhoni, who played crucial roles in India's victory.Tendulkar's double century was not only a personal milestone but also a testament to his exceptional fitness and longevity in international cricket. At the age of 36, he showcased his remarkable ability to adapt and excel at the highest level.The innings inspired future generations of cricketers, with more double centuries being scored in the years that followed. It remains one of the greatest moments in cricket history and further cemented Sachin Tendulkar's legendary status in the sport.