Australia will look to return to form in ODIs when they take on India in a three-match series starting at Optus Stadium in Perth on October 19. Cricket Australia (CA) have made a few changes to the squad that lost 2-1 to South Africa in August.
Australia last met India in an ODI in the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final. India emerged victorious by four wickets as an inexperienced Aussie attack fought hard in Dubai. However, the Australians will have a more experienced attack this time around.
Australia ODI squad for 2025 India series:Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa
Matt Renshaw and Mitch Owen have been named in the squad. Both could be in line for a debut especially with a number of absentees. Here is a look at the possible XI Australia could go with for the first ODI against Shubman Gill’s team.
Australia possible 11 for 1st ODI against India at Optus Stadium Perth: 1. Travis Head, 2. Mitchell Marsh (c), 3. Matt Short, 4. Matt Renshaw, 5. Josh Philippe (wk), 6. Mitch Owen 7. Cooper Connolly, 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Nathan Ellis, 10. Josh Hazlewood, 11. Ben Dwarshuis/Matt Kuhnemann
Cameron Green (minor side injury), Josh Inglis (calf injury), Alex Carey (Sheffield Shield) and Adam Zampa (family reasons) are all unavailable for the first ODI. Marnus Labuschagne has been brought into the ODI squad and will travel to Perth following Queensland’s Sheffield Shield match against South Australia according to cricket.com.au.
Whether Labuschagne will play on such a short turnaround remains to be seen. If he does play, he could slot in at three with Matt Renshaw at four. If that happens, Australia may then be left with a choice between Mitch Owen and Matt Short.
Renshaw has been excellent in List A cricket since the start of September 2024, with an average of 52.55 and strike rate of 115.60. He scored 305 runs batting in the middle order for Queensland in last season’s One Day Cup, and the selectors could opt for his skills in the middle in this series.
Who occupies number five and six remains is a key question for the selectors. Alex Carey is unavailable for the first ODI as he is playing for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield match against Queensland. Josh Inglis will also miss the match due to a calf injury. If Labuschagne doesn’t play, Matt Short may slot in at three with Mitch Owen in the middle order.
Also, Adam Zampa is out due to family reasons, which opens the door for Matt Kuhnemann to play. However, Australia could opt for the additional seamer in Ben Dwarshuis with Connolly (5/22 in his last ODI) and Short to take on the spin duties.
Adelaide and Sydney will host the other two ODIs against India. Five T20Is will follow. Here is the schedule:
ODIs:
1st ODI: Optus Stadium, Perth, Sunday October 19 (D/N)
2nd ODI: Adelaide Oval, Thursday October 23 (D/N)
3rd ODI: Sydney Cricket Ground, Saturday October 25 (D/N)
T20Is:
1st T20I: Manuka Oval, Canberra, Wednesday October 29
2nd T20I: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Friday October 31
3rd T20I: Bellerive Oval, Hobart, Sunday November 2
4th T20I: Bill Pippen Oval, Gold Coast, Thursday November 6
It is “effectively impossible” that Pat Cummins will be ready for the first Ashes Test on November 21 due to a back injury. That is according to CODE Sports, with the masthead reporting that the Australian captain is not only in doubt for the first Test, but for the entire series as well.
Since the West Indies tour, Cummins has been battling a back issue. Last month, scans revealed a lumbar bone stress injury. He is yet to return to bowling, and the Perth Test begins in six weeks on November 21.
Pat Cummins likely to miss the first Ashes Test at least due to injury – report
The report by Ben Horne states that Cummins’ injury has actually improved. The latest scan showed his back is healing, but the fact he hasn’t started bowling yet – plus the risk of picking up a serious injury down the track – puts Cummins in serious doubt for the start of the five-match series.
According to the report, Cummins needs at least four-to-six weeks of bowling to be match-ready. The Ashes are already six weeks away as things stand.
“The more time that passes, the more Cummins’ hopes fade because he would need at least four weeks – but most likely a minimum of six weeks to start building up his bowling loads for a return to play at Ashes intensity,” wrote Horne for CODE Sports.
Two weeks ago, Cummins told CODE Sports that part of the preparation will be to build up to maximum bowling intensity.
“Probably using one or two, maybe three scans to gauge how the back is tracking. Like a lot of injuries, it’s also non clinical signs in terms of how you’re feeling and symptoms, so that will be pretty important,” Cummins said.
“Like anything there’s always multiple factors. I’ve got a bit of time. Obviously you can’t just go from no bowling to bowling tomorrow so there will be a ramping up period as well where you’re always tracking along with the physios. (Scans) won’t be the sole factor.”
No decision will be made for another two weeks at least. However, should Cummins be ruled out of the first Test at least, Scott Boland will line up in his place. If Cummins misses more than one Test, Australia may need to tap into their reserves, with the likes of Michael Neser, Fergus O’Neill, and Brendan Doggett contenders for an Ashes berth.
India, unsurprisingly, swept West Indies aside with ease in the first Test at Ahmedabad. Roston Chase won the toss on the first morning, and that’s where the joy ended for his team as they were thrashed by an innings and 140 runs inside three days.
In their next Test after being bowled out for 27 by Australia, West Indies struggled again on what was a good surface for batting at the Narendra Modi Stadium. After losing five wickets in the opening session, they were never able to recover, bowled out for 162.
It seemed far too little a total for their inexperienced attack to deal with. And so it proved. Hundreds to KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja drove India to 448/5, and they were happy to declare overnight with a lead of 286.
West Indies had the chance to put a good foot forward with the bat on day three, but they were no match. Jadeja won player of the match for his 4/54 to go with his unbeaten 104 as the visitors managed to last just 45.1 overs on day three. Mohammed Siraj (3/31), Kuldeep Yadav (2/23) and Washington Sundar (1/18) also chipped in.
The innings and 140-run margin is India’s third-biggest victory ever against West Indies. Also, the 89.2 overs the Windies batted is the lowest total they’ve faced in a Test against India where they have been bowled out twice.
West Indies now average 14.48 with the bat in Tests this year, the worst among all sides and more than 5 runs/wicket worse than Zimbabwe's 19.86. They have batted 12 times this year and on 8 occasions, have been bowled out under 50 overs.
Reactions to one-sided IND vs WI Test: Roston Chase voices concerns, fans call for two-tier Test structure
Windies captain Roston Chase didn’t mince words regarding the state of cricket in the Caribbean. He says there is a struggle for finances in the region and work must be done to strengthen its infrastructure.
“The systems in the Caribbean are a bit poor in terms of training facilities and stuff,” Chase said post-match, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “I am not using that as an excuse or something to hide behind for poor performances that we’ve been putting out lately. I still think that the onus is on the players to find some way to churn up runs and wickets and stuff.
“But what I would say is yes, there is obviously a struggle in the Caribbean for finances. So whatever help we can get, if they are planning to get the help, I hope that we do get it so that we could strengthen the infrastructure for cricket.”
Calls for a two-tier Test structure are growing following this result. It is in line with the CricBlog 2025 Future of Test cricket survey, where 55.1% of the 2,000+ respondents are in favour of a two-tier system, provided there is promotion and relegation.
Here are some of the reactions to India’s huge win.
Convince me why Test Cricket doesn’t need two tiers? #IndvWI
Test cricket needs a different format for sure (and not just because England haven't won WTC in the current one). There is a genuine gap in quality at present.
How do you bridge the financial gap? Who finances Test cricket's 2nd tier? India's TRP money is key as always. #IndvWI
If u r a fan of test cricket then u have to support the two tiers. That's the only way it can survive. Rn what is happening is anything but an equal contest between 2 teams. The biggest achievement for windies in this series would be to avoid innings defeat in.#INDvsWIpic.twitter.com/AODCVESTxX
No disrespect but India should host teams like Afghanistan and Ireland in Tests rather hosting least interested, less passionate and almost below par skilled team West Indies. Forget about contest, there’s not even a spark you could see in them !#INDvWI
West Indies have to pick themselves up quickly with the second Test starting on October 10 in Delhi. On current form, anything other than another India win would be a huge surprise.
KL Rahul has continued his good year, notching up a hundred in the first Test against West Indies in Ahmedabad. This century – his 11th overall – is his first at home in nearly nine years; a welcome drought-breaker for a player looking to take his career average up towards 40 and above.
Rahul was in control for the most part. After a steady start, Rahul took control to reach his half-century on the first evening. As often the case in a significant KL Rahul score, the innings was filled with glorious strokeplay both sides of the wicket.
Day two started in very nervy fashion, with the opener edging a Jayden Seales delivery to where first slip should have been. Instead, the Windies employed a wide slip, and Rahul made them pay the price as the 33-year-old looked in total control thereafter on a surface not offering a whole lot of seam or spin.
His 100th run was met by cheers from the sparse crowd. He rotated strike expertly, with 44 of his runs coming in singles. He also struck 12 boundaries, many of which were a treat for the eyes.
Reactions: KL Rahul scores his second Test hundred at home, against West Indies in Ahmedabad
Rahul continued his excellent form from the India A vs Australia A match last week. The opener struck a magnificent, unbeaten 176 to lead his team home in their mammoth chase of 412.
“KL Rahul’s stats won’t justify his talent. But he is making the most of it now,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “KL Rahul has turned his career in Tests in the past 1 year – indeed the best opener in Tests currently,” wrote another.
Here are some of the reactions to KL Rahul’s hundred against the West Indies in Ahmedabad.
KL Rahul's stats won't justify his talent. But he is making the most of it now. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/mVZ9Rzlrix
If KL Rahul had played with this consistency since the start of his international career, then he would have been at the same level as Virat Kohli today ig.🏏🙌 pic.twitter.com/ae4aszr8an
We are living in the KL Rahul era where at this moment it looks like he can smash centuries while sleeping also.He is the glue of team India. pic.twitter.com/xVyLvsRoDY
India are in total control of the first Test. The hosts sit pretty at 218/3 at lunch on day two, leading by 56 runs. Rahul (100*) and Dhruv Jurel (14*) are the unbeaten batters.
The ongoing 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup has started with a bang, and the biggest trophy in women’s cricket promises to be a blockbuster of a tournament. Having won the previous edition, Australia will certainly fancy their chances of winning their eighth title.
Australia’s side consists of several match-winners who play well under pressure. The Alyssa Healy-led side defeated India 2-1 during the entertaining three-match ODI series before the World Cup, thus entering the tournament in solid form. Also, the defending champions beat New Zealand by 89 runs in their opening game even after finding themselves in a tricky situation at 128/5 in the 22nd over.
During an exclusive interview with Arvind Kalyana Krishnan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for CricBlog, CA CEO Todd Greenberg drew light on the Australia Women’s side and where they stand in the country’s sporting landscape. Greenberg said that no matter how many trophies the Australia Women’s side wins, the trophy cabinet will always have room for more.
He spoke very highly about the legacy created by the female cricketers, and suggested that there would be a special reception for the team if they do manange to win their eighth CWC.
Todd Greenberg: Expecting another trophy for Australia in the Women’s World Cup
Below is the entire conversation between Arvind Kalyana Krishnan and Todd Greenberg for CricBlog, in audio and text format:
Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: We have the Women’s World Cup taking place now. So what are your expectations from the Australian team?
Todd Greenberg: “To bring home a trophy! We always go there to win, and the way they started their campaign last night [against New Zealand] says that. So, they’ll need some luck, but I know their preparations have been first-class. So our expectation is and our hope is that they will bring the trophy home.”
Ash Gardner hit a superb hundred in Australia’s tournament opener against New Zealand.
Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: Australia’s women’s cricket team keep winning. Now the trophy cabinet has become too big. So in case they win another World Cup, will they be a special hall of fame place or a victory parade or anything?
Todd Greenberg: “Well, there will be all of that, but our trophy cabinet is never too big (laughs). There’s always room for another one. My view is that the Australian cricket team are the best sporting team in our country, and the quality of their results over a long period of time say that, and I hope they have a great campaign. I’m heading over there next week to support them and be a part of that. We’ve got some amazing cricketers in that group, and we’ve got some amazing women, and they’ll do us proud.”
Greenberg was named Nick Hockley’s successor in December 2024, and took up the CEO position earlier in March. Prior, he was the CEO of the players’ union the Australian Cricketers’ Association. He has also been the CEO of the National Rugby League (NRL) and NRL club the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Australia’s World Cup campaign continues on Saturday October 4 when they take on Sri Lanka in Colombo.
Amid a sea of empty seats, fans are wondering why the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is hosting the first Test between India and West Indies. Days one and two have been played in front of a very sparse crowd at the 100,000+ capacity stadium, prompting questions as to why other venues weren’t selected.
An Indian cricket match on home soil is usually an event not to be missed, especially when it’s the start of a new season. However, the public didn’t flock in numbers to catch the start of the West Indies series.
Fans wonder why Ahmedabad was chosen as the venue for the 1st IND vs WI Test
Fans have given their reasons as to why the crowd is low. West Indies, unfortunately, is not a drawcard given their struggles in Test cricket, and the venue itself is not the easiest to get to. Also, fans have listed the scheduling as a reason, with India winning the Asia Cup only days ago in Dubai.
“If we had to play a lower tier team, we should have ideally played them in a stadium that people want to watch Test Cricket,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Ahmedabad is the country’s biggest stadium, and to host a lower tier team at such a big ground makes it look empty. Ahmedabad is good for T20 marquee contests. Not for Tests, even against a marquee team.
“Tests should be played with a view of tourism and ease of connectivity. Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Delhi, Dharamsala and Vizag can be your fixed Test centres.”
Here are some of the reactions to Ahmedabad hosting the first Test of the India-West Indies series.
If we had to play a lower tier team, we should have ideally played them in a stadium that people want to watch Test Cricket.
Virat's suggestion of having fixed test venues should be looked at.
Ahmedabad is the country's biggest stadium, and to host a lower tier team at such a… pic.twitter.com/Xv9IDizvaM
Just three days between the Asia Cup and a Test series? No wonder the stadium’s empty on a Dussehra morning. Hardly anyone knows it’s happening. Poor scheduling by BCCI.
Imagine hyping kohli by saying crowd didn't come to watch a test match early morning on Dusherra in Hindu majority city Ahmedabad 😭that too against tinpot west indies. pic.twitter.com/v3F60FRHJU
At the time of writing, India are 200/3, leading by 37 on the second morning. West Indies were bowled out for 162 after opting to bat. Mohammed Siraj was India’s leading bowler, taking four wickets.
The Mount Maunganui weather could play spoilsport in the second T20I between New Zealand and Australia on October 3.
The earliest ever start to an international cricket season in New Zealand saw the jackets, jumpers and coats in full force at Bay Oval on Wednesday. Like the first T20I, it will be another cold day, but there is a greater chance of showers during the match hours on Friday.
Here is a look at the weather forecast in Mount Maunganui for the second T20I, scheduled for a 6:15pm start.
Mount Maunganui weather: Will it rain during the 2nd NZ vs AUS T20I?
AccuWeather forecasts “considerable clouds with a couple of showers in the afternoon” in Mount Maunganui on Friday October 3. The app predicts 2.5mm of rain to fall during the day.
Mount Maunganui weather forecast for 2nd NZ vs AUS T20I on October 3.
However, AccuWeather’s hourly forecast paints a more promising picture. The platform predicts the showers will fall mostly between 2-5pm. By the time 6pm arrives, the forecast is for cloudy conditions with the chances of precipitation falling to as low as 20% by 8pm.
Also, wind gusts, which were a challenge for players and spectators in the opening T20I, are expected to be lower on Friday. AccuWeather forecasts gusts of around 15-20km/h in the evening, down from 35-40km/h in the first match.
Mount Maunganui hourly weather forecast for 2nd NZ vs AUS T20I on October 3: 2-5pm
Mount Maunganui hourly weather forecast for 2nd NZ vs AUS T20I on October 3: 6-9pm
Australia will be looking to seal the series after thumping the hosts in the first match. Mitchell Marsh’s 86 led the way as the visitors chased the 182-run target in just 16.3 overs, sending another reminder of their batting power.
Earlier, New Zealand had collapsed to 6/3 in the first 10 balls. Tim Robinson led a stirring fightback, with his brilliant 66-ball 106* giving the Black Caps something to bowl at.
After an Asia Cup filled with missed opportunities, Afghanistan and Bangladesh meet in a T20I series with the opportunity to build momentum ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Rashid Khan’s team, perhaps surprisingly, missed the Super Four stage of the recent multi-nation tournament, losing crucial matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. They also found the going tough at times in the UAE tri-series which preceded the Asia Cup. Will some squad changes bring some much-needed spark?
Also in need of some spark is Bangladesh. Reaching the Super Four stage was a good effort considering they were in a tough group, but failing to chase 136 in a do-or-die match against Pakistan was cause for disappointment. How their batting lineup counters Afghanistan’s spinners will be key in their quest for a series win in Sharjah.
In this article, we will look at the probable playing XIs, Sharjah pitch report, fantasy cricket tips and Dream11 prediction for the 1st T20I between Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
AFG vs BAN 1st T20 2025 Probable Playing XIs
As reported by ESPNcricinfo in September, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib and Karim Janat have been left out of Afghanistan’s squad for this series.
Afghanistan could hand a debut to 18-year-old Wafiullah Tarakhil who bats in the top order and has a strike rate of 145.95 after 33 T20s. In the 2025 Shpageeza Cricket League, the youngster scored 298 runs in nine innings at an average of 37.25 and strike rate of 155.20.
On the bowling front, the Afghans have pace options in Abdollah Ahmadzai (right-arm seam) plus left-arm seamers Bashir Ahmad and Fareed Ahmad Malik.
Afghanistan: 1. Sediqullah Atal, 2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 3. Wafiullah Tarakhil, 4. Ibrahim Zadran, 5. Azmatullah Omarzai, 6. Mohammad Nabi, 7. Darwish Rasooli/Sharafuddin Ashraf, 8. Rashid Khan (c), 9. Noor Ahmad, 10. Mujeeb Ur Rahman/Abdollah Ahmadzai, 11. Bashir Ahmad/Fareed Ahmad Malik
For Bangladesh, Litton Das is out of the series due to a side strain. Jaker Ali will lead the team.
Soumya Sarkar is in the squad and could find a place in the XI. Bangladesh may also look to play spin-bowling all-rounders including Mahedi Hasan to support Rishad Hossain.
In the recent Tri-Series featuring UAE, Pakistan and Afghanistan, the average first innings score was 175.43. The team batting first won all seven matches.
Spin played a key role in the final as Pakistan rolled Afghanistan for just 66. Pakistan themselves fought hard to reach 141/8.
A hot and clear evening is forecast.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for AFG vs BAN 1st T20: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Top wicket-keeper picks:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz has struggled for form recently but is the best keeper option in Dream11 for this match. Gurbaz averages just 16.11 in nine T20Is against Bangladesh, although he did hit a 30+ score against them in the Asia Cup.
Key batter picks:
Saif Hassan, picked in 70.99% of Dream11 teams, has struck two half-centuries in his past three T20Is. He may also be asked to contribute with the ball.
Ibrahim Zadran has the most runs (535) in T20Is at Sharjah at an average of 36.55 and strike rate of 112.86. Also, Zadran has performed better when batting first in T20Is this year (201 runs, avg. 40.2, SR 133.1) compared to batting second (23 runs, avg. 7.7, SR 60.5).
Top all-rounder picks:
Azmatullah Omarzai is a genuine c/vc option in this match. He had the best strike rate of any player in the recent Asia Cup (217.07). Also, Omarzai has taken nine wickets in six innings against Bangladesh, along with 118 runs. He has some good matchups (see matchups section below).
SPODA AI data lists Mohammad Nabi as a strong captaincy option in this match. He smashed 60 off 22 balls in his last match against Sri Lanka. Also, Bangladesh have numerous left-handers Nabi could be useful against.
Rishad Hossain has taken two wickets in each of his past three T20Is (2/18 vs Afghanistan, 2/27 vs India, 2/18 vs Pakistan).
Key bowler picks:
Rashid Khan will be looking to make a statement following the Asia Cup. He takes a wicket every 11.50 deliveries against Bangladesh (24 wickets, avg. 10.75). Also, SPODA AI data gives a 46.81% probability that he will take 2+ wickets – the highest of any bowler in this match.
Mustafizur Rahman will be key in Sharjah. He has a good head-to-head record against Rahmanullah Gurbaz in all T20s (47 balls, 46 runs, two wickets). SPODA AI Data gives a 38.14% probability that he will take 2+ wickets.
Taskin Ahmed has seven wickets in five T20Is against Afghanistan (avg. 18.57, SR 16.28). Two of these wickets have been Rahmanullah Gurbaz at an average of 15.00 and batting strike rate of just 83.3.
Other Players to Consider for your Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Teams
Nasum Ahmed won man of the match in the Asia Cup game against Afghanistan (2/11). He dismissed Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran.
Mahedi Hasan can be a handy pick, especially if selected to bat higher up the order for Bangladesh.
Noor Ahmad has taken nine wickets in his past six T20Is, including 2/23 vs Bangladesh in the Asia Cup.
Other Stats, Facts and Important Matchups
Head-to-head in T20Is: Matches 13, Afghanistan 7, Bangladesh 6.
Bangladesh have won three of the last four T20Is against Afghanistan since the start of 2023.
Ibrahim Zadran (535), Mohammad Nabi (492) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (484) are the top three run-scorers in T20Is at Sharjah.
Azmatullah Omarzai vs Soumya Sarkar in all T20s: 13 balls, 10 runs, two wickets.
Azmatullah Omarzai vs Towhid Hridoy in all T20s: 28 balls, 30 runs, three wickets.
Mohammad Nabi vs Bangladesh: 235 runs (avg. 26.11, SR 116.91) and five wickets (avg. 40.40, SR 40.80).
Towhid Hridoy vs Afghanistan: 4 inns, 106 runs, avg. 35.33, SR 135.89.
AFG vs BAN 1st T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
AFG vs BAN 1st T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
AFG vs BAN 1st T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction
AFG vs BAN 1st T20 2025 Match Prediction: Who will win?
Batting first could prove vital in this match. This could be especially important for Afghanistan, who are usually strong when setting a score. SPODA AI Data gives Afghanistan a 54% chance of winning if they bat first, which increases to 67% if they reach 180.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
The Bangladesh cricket team is set to move on without their star player Shakib Al Hasan. The country’s sports advisor, Asif Mahmud, has declared that the all-rounder will not be picked for the national side again, following Shakib’s social media post on Sunday wishing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her birthday.
The controversy began with Shakib’s seemingly routine message. Asif quickly responded, without naming him directly, before later telling Dhaka-based Channel 24 that he would formally advise the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) against selecting Shakib. He claimed the cricketer was “intricately involved with Awami League’s politics.”
“We can’t let Shakib Al Hasan play for Bangladesh again”
“We cannot let him carry the Bangladesh flag,” Asif said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “It won’t be possible for me to allow him to wear the Bangladesh jersey. Maybe I haven’t told the BCB before, but now my clear direction for the BCB would be that Shakib Al Hasan can never again play for Bangladesh”
“The number of times he has asked to enter the country, to play for Bangladesh, he had said that the Awami League had given him the 2024 general election nomination forcibly. He claimed that he was not involved in politics. He wanted to become an MP to work for the people of his area Magura. The truth, however, is that he is intricately involved in Awami League’s politics.”
Replying to that statement, Shakib posted saying, “So someone has finally accepted that it’s because of him that I can never put on the Bangladesh jersey again, because of whom I can’t play for Bangladesh again. Maybe I will return to my motherland one day. Love you, Bangladesh.”
The 37-year-old was an Awami League member of parliament from January to August last year, before the government was toppled in a student-led revolution. Hasina fled to India on August 5, while Shakib, who was abroad at the time, has not returned to Bangladesh since.
Shakib, defending himself, said his gesture was personal. He explained that he had known Hasina before his entry into politics and that the birthday wish was not meant to provoke anyone. “Hasina was deeply involved with cricket. We had a relationship through that, even before politics. I wished her from that point of view. There was no other motive, or trying to instigate anyone” said Shakib Al Hasan.
On the cricketing front, Shakib last represented Bangladesh in Tests against Pakistan and India in 2024 but has been out of the national setup for over a year. Despite his absence from the international stage, he has remained active in franchise leagues around the world.
Australia have won their eighth T20I out of their last nine, with a solid 85 by Mitch Marsh leading his team to a 1-0 series lead over New Zealand in difficult conditions in Mount Maunganui.
It was a magnificent show of power-hitting by the Australian captain. He smashed nine fours and six sixes in his 43-ball stay, putting his team in a commanding position by the end of the powerplay. By the time he was dismissed, Australia were 157/3 in the 15th over and cruising towards the 182-run target.
Marsh and fellow opener Travis Head put on 67 in 5.3 overs to kickstart Australia’s chase. In the post-match presentation, Marsh spoke of the importance of getting off to a good start and setting the tone for the strong batting lineup to follow.
“It’s really important in a three-match series to start off with a win. Nice to contribute. Heady and I have a great relationship off the field and tonight was a lot of fun with him,” said the Australian captain.
Earlier, New Zealand found themselves in massive trouble after just 10 balls. The hosts fell to 6/3, so the fact they were able to reach 181/6 was a fine effort. Central to that was Tim Robinson, who smashed his first-ever T20I century to give his team something to bowl at. He finished with an unbeaten 106 off 66 balls; an innings sure to give him confidence as New Zealand look for strong batting options for next year’s T20 World Cup.
“Tim Robinson played beautifully. He and Daryl [Mitchell] took the game on from a difficult position,” said Michael Bracewell in the post-match presentation.
NZ vs AUS 1st T20I Reactions: Marsh 85 too good as Australia smash New Zealand
Australia reached the target in just 16.3 overs. Along with Marsh, Travis Head (31 off 18), Matt Short (29 off 18) and Tim David (21* off 12) were also impactful. In the end, Australia’s dominance in the powerplay with bat and ball proved vital.
“In the powerplays in both innings we fell behind in the game,” Bracewell said. “We did well as a batting unit to put a competitive total on the board. Ultimately Mitch and Travis took the game away from us.”
Here are some of the reactions to Australia’s resounding win in cold and windy conditions in Mount Maunganui.
T20 batting is going up a notch or two over the last 18 months – if your top 3 arent getting you >100 in the first 10 overs then you are going to be far behind in the game…the pitches and boundaries have moved the game to this… #NZvAus
When you play well you deserve to be appreciated. Well done Mitchell Marsh. Great innings 🙏👏 Batted wonderfully. Put the New Zealand bowlers under pressure right from ball one. pic.twitter.com/z34laoER16
