In spite of stiff resistance from the middle order batters, Bangladesh fell short by 77 runs chasing 341 against New Zealand at Hagley Oval, Christchurch today

Bangladesh’s pace sensation Mustafizur Rahman bowled in the Hagley Oval wicket with good pace today.

Although pace bowlers usually struggle to put on a positive spin when toiling on the subcontinent, Bangladesh's latest fast-bowling sensation is so far an exception to the rule.

Out-of-form Australia batsman Nic Maddinson has been granted a reprieve with his captain Steve Smith confirming his side would be unchanged for the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan.

A strong fourth innings fightback that had nearly clinched a remarkable record run chase in the first Test loss to Australia in Brisbane had given Pakistan the confidence they needed for the rest of the series, captain Misbah-ul-haq has said.

A thrashing at the hands of Australia had been a salutary lesson for New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and his side would be far more aggressive when their one-day series starts against a confident Bangladesh team on Monday.

Bangladesh have not won a single match in their previous visits to New Zealand. So, ahead of their latest bout against the Black Caps that starts with the Boxing Day ODI at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Monday, questions were asked about whether the Tigers could end the long-standing jinx this time around.

Pakistan say they have the momentum heading into the Boxing Day Melbourne Test after giving Australia a mighty fright during an epic run-chase in the opening clash of the series.

The result of Bangladesh's tour match against New Zealand XI at the Cobham Oval in Whangarei yesterday was a three-wicket defeat for the tourists, but it was a fruitful outing for Mashrafe Bin Mortaza's team ahead of the first ODI at Christchurch on Boxing Day.

Bangladesh's bowling department has been significantly boosted for their tour of New Zealand. Talented left arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman has been included in the 15-strong squad, who start the limited-overs leg of their tour with the first ODI at Christchurch on Boxing Day.

England captain Alastair Cook heads home for Christmas with calls for his resignation ringing in his ears after what turned into an embarrassing subcontinental tour.

England openers Alastair Cook and Keaton Jennings survived some nervy moments on the final morning of the fifth Test against India on Tuesday as the tourists look to bat out the day and prevent a 4-0 series defeat.

Australia head to Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan with some festive cheer after winning the series opener in Brisbane but Steve Smith's side will not find many Christmas presents under the tree from local media.

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq hailed Asad Shafiq's defiant century as among the "classiest" he had ever seen after the knock of 137 all but drove Pakistan to a famous victory over Australia in the first Test in Brisbane on Monday.

India's Karun Nair struck his maiden Test century to keep the hosts on course for a handy first-innings lead against England on day four of the final Test on Monday.

Australia prevented a world-record, 490-run chase by Pakistan on Friday to win a gripping first Test by just 39 runs and preserve their 28-year unbeaten streak at Brisbane's Gabba ground.

Afif Hossain and Mohammad Rakib took Bangladesh to 230 after 50 overs against Pakistan during the Asian Cricket Council Under-19s Asia Cup, Group B match at Galle International Stadium today.

India's makeshift opening pair of Lokesh Rahul and Parthiv Patel struck fifties to lead the hosts' strong reply to England's first innings total of 477 on day three of the fifth and final Test on Sunday.

Younis Khan and Azhar Ali batted through the first session as Pakistan stonewalled Australia's push for victory on the fourth day of the day-night first Test at the Gabba on Sunday.

Bangladesh chased down 84 in 6.4 overs losing three wickets in the rain-curtailed practice match against Sydney Sixers at North Sydney Oval today.