Mominul Haque hit 92 and powered Abahani Limited to a 80-run victory over Brothers Union in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League at Savar. Meanwhile, Prime Bank Cricket Club suffered a shocking collapse against Gazi Group Cricketers, managing only 89 in their chase of 184 and falling to a 94-run defeat. Abahani posted a strong total of 310 for 8 in 50 overs, built around Mominul's 92 off 74 balls. His innings laced with seven fours and four sixes was the backbone for Abahani’s effort. He found solid support from Mohammad Mithun, who batted during the middle overs with 71. Despite a shaky start where they lost three wickets for just 53 runs, Abahani recovered well, thanks to a 143-run stand between Mominul and Mithun. Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby added a quick 28 off 28 balls in the lower order to push the score past 300. Al Amin Hossain took two for 41 for Brothers. Chasing 311, Brothers Union never looked settled despite a fighting 84 from skipper Myshukur Rahaman. The top order crumbled, losing four wickets inside 28 overs for just 106 runs. Mizanur Rahman tried to hold things together with a 45-run knock, but the required run rate kept climbing. Abahani’s disciplined bowling attack kept things tight. Mosaddek Hossain was particularly effective, taking 2 for 12 in his seven overs, while young spinner SM Meherob also picked up two wickets. Brothers Union managed 230 for 7 in their 50 overs, falling well short of the target. At another venue in Savar, Gazi Group Cricketers registered a 94-run win over Prime Bank, thanks to an all-round show from Abu Hasim. Batting first, Gazi Group struggled initially but managed to put up 183, thanks to a 48 from captain Anamul Haque and a 35 from Aminul Islam. Prime Bank’s bowlers, led by Arafat Sunny (3 for 22) and Nahidul Islam (3 for 46), had kept the opposition in check, but their batting lineup completely fell apart. In the chase, Prime Bank suffered a horror start, losing their first wicket on the very first ball of the innings. The collapse continued as wickets tumbled, with none of the batters finding their rhythm. The team was eventually bowled out for just 89 in 23.2 overs. Abu Hasim, who was named Player of the Match, starred with 3 for 12 and also took two catches.

An all-round performance from Mehidy Hasan Miraz helped Mohammedan Sporting Club secure a big 94-run win over Legends of Rupganj in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League at Mirpur.   Miraz, who was named Player of the Match, contributed 25 runs with the bat before delivering a decisive spell of 4 for 38, dismantling Rupganj’s batting lineup as they folded for just 159 in response to Mohammedan’s 253 for 9.   Towhid Hriody was the highest run-getter for Mohammedan after being put to bat first. The right-handed batter hit three fours and two sixes. Contributions from Mahidul Islam Ankon (42) and Rony Talukdar (36) provided stability, but the side struggled for acceleration in the middle overs. Shoriful Islam was the standout bowler for Rupganj, claiming 4 for 54, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib chipped in with 2 for 70. For Rupganj, Shoriful Islam was the best bowler taking four for 54 runs, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib took two for 70.  While chasing 254, Rupganj lost wickets at regular intervals. Taskin Ahmed removed Soumya Sarkar for a duck. Mehidy took double wickets in quick succession, removing Tanzid Ha/ssksan, and Afif Hossain to leave Rupganj struggling.  Despite some resistance from Mahedi Hasan, who top-scored with 43 off 49 balls, the rest of the batting lineup failed to build partnerships. Taskin (3 for 33) and Mohammad Saifuddin (2 for 15) provided excellent support as Mohammedan wrapped up the win inside 38 overs.

Dhaka, Mar 15 (UNB)- Bangladesh secured the gold medal in the floorball event at the Special Olympics, defeating Ukraine 4-2 in the final held in Italy's Turin on Saturday. Shorna, Fatema, Fabia, and Tamallin each scored a goal in the final to lead the Red and Green Bangladesh to victory. In the semifinals on Friday, Bangladesh advanced to the final by eliminating Trinidad and Tobago, while Ukraine reached the final by defeating India.      

Bangladesh Krira Shikka Protisthan (BKSP) earned a commanding 18-0 goals victory over Rangpur DSA in the 11-team BRAC Bank Women's Development Cup Hockey Tournament at the Maulana Bhashani National Stadium in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon. Orpita Paul and Kona Akhter both netted four goals each, completing hat-tricks, while Nadira Talukder Ima and Irin Akter Riya scored two goals apiece for the BKSP team. BKSP clinch top slot in Int'l Women’s Day Archery In other matches on the same day, Dinajpur, Jashore, and Kishoreganj DSAs all secured victories. Dinajpur defeated Patuakhali by 2-0 goals, Jashore outplayed Chattogram by 6-0 goals while Kishoreganj beat Thakurgaon by 5-1 goals. The tournament will have a rest day on Sunday, March 16. Kabaddi Series: Hosts Bangladesh wins five-match test series outplaying Nepal by 53-29 points in 4th match

Russian teen star Mirra Andreeva advanced to the BNP Paribas Open final, beating defending champion Iga Swiatek 7-6 (1), 1-6, 6-3 in chilly conditions Friday night to become the tournament's youngest finalist since 2001. The 17-year-old Andreeva, seeded ninth, will face top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka in the final. Sabalenka routed fifth-seeded Madison Keys 6-0, 6-1 in the second semifinal. Andreeva and Swiatek both finished the match wearing pullovers, with the temperature dipping into the 50s in the final set. It was in the mid-50s when Sabalenka finished off Keys. Andreeva ran her tour winning streak to 11 matches and ended Swiatek's 10-match run in the California desert The Russian won her first WTA Tour title last month in Dubai to become the youngest player to win a WTA 1000 event. Kim Clijsters also was 17 in 2001 when she lost to Serena Williams in the final. Swiatek, also the 2002 Indian Wells champion, was seeded second. Sabalenka ended Keys’ 16-match winning streak and got some revenge for her loss to the American in the Australian Open cfinal. Keys beat Sabalenka in three sets in January at Melbourne Park, denying Sabalenka a third consecutive title. On Saturday in the men’s semifinals, two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz — the No. 2 seed — will face 13th-seeded Jack Draper, and fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev will play No. 12 Holger Rune.  

Fast bowler Mark Wood is set to miss England’s highly anticipated Test series against India this summer following knee surgery. The 35-year-old pacer suffered his latest setback last month during England’s disappointing Champions Trophy campaign in Pakistan. Returning from an elbow stress injury, Wood experienced discomfort during the loss to Afghanistan. Despite receiving treatment, he continued to bowl in visible pain, prompting concerns that he had worsened an ongoing issue. The England and Wales Cricket Board later confirmed the injury had persisted for over a year. Wood’s eighth career operation revealed significant ligament damage in his left knee, ruling him out for at least four months. Teammates pay tribute as Mahmudullah retires from international cricket Although Wood is targeting a return by late July, the final match of England’s five-Test series against India begins on July 31 at The Oval, making his participation highly unlikely. He will also miss six white-ball matches against the West Indies and a one-off Test against Zimbabwe in May. “I’m gutted to be out for so long after playing for England across all formats since the start of last year,” Wood said. “But I’m confident I’ll be back at full strength now that my knee has been properly addressed.” Former Australian cricketer Stuart MacGill convicted in cocaine supply case Renowned for his express pace, reaching speeds of up to 97 mph (157 kph), Wood is considered an invaluable asset for England. His absence comes in a crucial year as the team looks to rebuild its struggling limited-overs side, challenge India, and reclaim the Ashes in Australia. Source: With input from news agency  

Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi found the net as Inter Miami secured a 2-0 victory over Jamaica’s Cavalier SC on Thursday, advancing to the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals. Suarez, the 38-year-old Uruguayan forward, scored from the penalty spot in the 11th minute. Messi, who entered early in the second half, sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal, ensuring a 4-0 aggregate triumph for Miami. Inter Miami will now face Los Angeles FC in the quarterfinals, aiming for their first-ever semifinal appearance in the tournament. “Lio hadn’t played regularly in the last three or four games. We wanted him on the field, but we had to choose the right moment. Tonight was that moment,” Miami coach Javier Mascherano said. “He felt good, and the fans in Jamaica got to see him. It was a fantastic night for everyone.” Messi’s official debut in the Caribbean generated significant excitement. Upon arrival, he and his Miami teammates were welcomed by Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia Grange. Real Madrid beats Atletico on penalties in Champions League Cavalier SC, which typically plays in a 3,000-seat venue, relocated the match to the 35,000-capacity National Stadium to accommodate the enthusiastic crowd. “The reception from the people here was incredible,” Mascherano added. “I’m pleased with our performance—it was a big step forward for us.” Jamaican fans erupted in celebration when Messi, the World Cup-winning Argentine, capped the match with a close-range goal in the final minute, converting a cross from Santiago Morales. Source: With input from news agency

Gulshan Cricket Club managed a six-wicket victory over Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Thursday. Gulshan Cricket Club batted after winning the toss and scored a moderate 228 runs for 9 wickets in the stipulated 50 overs, with opener Amit Majumder contributing the match-highest 88 runs off 108 balls. Asaduzzaman Payel grabbed four Rupganj wickets for 53 runs in his 10 overs and was adjudged the player of the match, while Nihaduzzaman also took three for 45 runs. Teammates pay tribute as Mahmudullah retires from international cricket Chasing a target of 229 runs, Gulshan Cricket Club scored 232 runs for the loss of four wickets in 46.5 overs to win the match convincingly. Opener Zawad Abrar (67), one down Khalid Hasan (43), and another opener cum captain Azizul Hakim (40) were the notable scorers for Gulshan CC. Mahmudul Hasan claimed three Gulshan CC wickets for 47 runs. In the day’s other match, Gazi Group Cricketers outplayed Shinepukur Cricket Club by eight wickets at BKSP ground-3 in Savar on Thursday. Sent into bat first, Shinepukur CC were all out for 161 runs in 45.2 overs with lower order Zubaer Hossain scoring the match-highest 46 runs off 59 deliveries, hitting three fours and two sixes. BCB pays tribute to Mahmudullah Riyad’s illustrious career Shamim Mia and Tofeal Ahmed captured three wickets each, giving away 22 and 24 runs, respectively. Later, Shamim Mia was adjudged the player of the match. In reply, Gazi Group Cricketers easily reached their target, scoring the match-winner 162 runs for the loss of two wickets in just 17.5 overs, featuring 92 runs in the opening stand. National coloured opener cum team captain Anamul Haque contributed the match-highest 52 runs off just 27 deliveries, featuring eight fours and two sixes, while another opener, Sadikur Rahman, scored 50 runs off 31 balls with eight fours and one six. Al Fahad and Rafiuzzaman Rafi took one wicket each, conceding 37 and 42 runs, respectively. In the day’s other match, Agrani Bank CC beat Shiekh Jamal Dhanmondi Club by five wickets. Batting first, Sheikh Jamal DC were all out cheaply for 115 runs in 33.5 overs. In reply, the bankers,team scored 120 runs for five wickets in 38.5 overs.

Mahmudullah Riyad’s retirement from international cricket has drawn emotional tributes from his long-time teammates, who reflected on his contribution to Bangladesh cricket. Former captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, who led Mahmudullah for most of his career, shared a heartfelt message on social media, recalling their journey together and the milestones Mahmudullah achieved. “Congratulations on a great international career, Riyad,” Mashrafe wrote. “The numbers beside your name are just statistics, but to us, you are much bigger than that. We know how important you were to the team and how deeply you committed yourself to it.” Mahmudullah Riyad announces retirement from int’l cricket Mashrafe reminisced about Mahmudullah’s iconic centuries in Adelaide and Cardiff, particularly his historic ton in the 2015 World Cup, the first by a Bangladeshi in the tournament. “No one can take away your achievement of being Bangladesh’s first centurion in a World Cup. I hope many from our country will follow your example and surpass your record of four ICC event centuries. You have shown how to step up on the biggest stage, and generations will learn from you.” Mahmudullah opts out as BCB’s new contract announced Tamim Iqbal, another of Mahmudullah’s long-time teammates, described him as one of the pillars of Bangladesh cricket. “You have been an inspiration both on and off the field. I will cherish the memories we shared in the dressing room. Thank you for your contribution to the country’s cricket, and best wishes for the days ahead,” Tamim wrote. Shakib Al Hasan echoed similar sentiments, calling it a privilege to play alongside Mahmudullah. “You led by example, both on and off the field. Your dedication, resilience, and love for the game and the country have made the nation indebted to you,” Shakib wrote. “May Allah bless you and guide you on your new journey.” Mushfiqur Rahim, another close teammate of Mahmudullah, expressed his admiration for the veteran all-rounder. “It has truly been an honor to share the field with you all these years. Thank you for your guidance and the countless memories we’ve made together. I am incredibly proud of all you’ve achieved for the nation,” Mushfiqur said. Mahmudullah’s departure marks the end of an era in Bangladesh cricket. While his absence will be deeply felt, his legacy as one of the country’s most dependable performers will continue to inspire future generations.  

Bangladesh has been elected vice president of South Asian Para Sports Federation. The election was held recently at Taj Palace Hotel in India’s New Delhi. Asian Women's Kabaddi: Bangladesh team due to fly for Iran tonight India was elected president, while Maldives secured the position of secretary general; Pakistan followed the position of Bangladesh, with Nepal and Bhutan becoming treasure and director-at large respectively. The newly elected committee will perform duty for next three years. Majid Rashid, president of Asian Paralympic Committee, conducted the election.