Shanto scores 77 but Bangladesh manage 236-9 against New Zealand

Top-order batsman Saud Shakeel said Pakistan must be better in every facet after a six-wicket defeat to arch-rivals India left the hosts on the brink of a Champions Trophy exit.

Legendary Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram blasted Pakistan after their six-wicket defeat to India in the ICC Champions Trophy Group A match yesterday, comparing the team’s bowling attack to associate nations like Oman and USA and calling for a massive overhaul in the team.

Hosts Pakistan went down by six wickets in Dubai for their second defeat in the 50-over tournament to all but bow out of the semifinal race.

Kohli's 51st ton in the format in Dubai led India to a comfortable victory over their arch-rivals and to the brink of the semifinals.

"For large parts of the Indian innings, a good number of people turned their backs to the match -- facing their friends instead of the screen, such was the disappointment," said the 45-year-old in the city of Karachi.

Bangladesh take on New Zealand (3pm, Bangladesh Time) in a clash that proves utterly crucial for both of these sides, albeit for different reasons.

“Bangladesh’s got a good bowling attack, that’s what I like about them. But big concern is about the batters,” Pakistan’s head curator Tony Hemming said this yesterday when asked about Bangladesh’s chances in today’s match against New Zealand.  

Soon after he tendered his resignation to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) abruptly in last year’s July, renowned curator Tony Hemming joined the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on a two-year contract.

"I think they've always had the spin department covered, but now they've got some very good quick bowlers coming through."

The archrivals face off in Dubai today at 3pm (Bangladesh Time) with the blockbuster clash expected to draw a packed house as the two teams only meet in multi-nation events due to political tensions.

Bitter neighbours India and Pakistan clash in a Champions Trophy blockbuster in Dubai today at 3pm (Bangladesh Time).

India prevailed in seven of the eight completed ODIs in the last decade against rivals they play only in multi-team events because of a strained political relationship between the two countries.

Inglis hammered an unbeaten 120 off 86 balls as Australia pulled off the biggest chase in a men's tournament held by the International Cricket Council.

Ahead of the crucial ICC Champions Trophy contest against New Zealand on Monday, the Bangladesh contingent in Islamabad heaved a sigh of relief yesterday as the experienced campaigner Mahmudullah completed his first net session since sustaining a calf injury in Dubai.

He may be 52 years old, but Dravid has shown that his love for playing the sport hasn’t diminished a bit, teaming up with his younger son Anvay (16) in a Sri Nassur Memorial Shield 3rd division game on Saturday.

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has signed with Legends of Rupganj for the upcoming edition of the Dhaka Premier League (DPL).

The cricket world is eagerly waiting for the high-voltage India-Pakistan match that is set to take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The current ODI world champions suffered huge blows ahead of the 50-over tournament when they lost fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood to ankle and hip injuries respectively and Mitchell Starc, who is out due to personal reasons.

Jaker Ali, who made a hard fought 68 off 114 balls and was involved in a record 154-run stand with Towhid Hridoy, talked to a few journalists immediately after the India game where he remained optimistic about his team’s chances of reaching the knockout phase. Here are the excerpts: