Uncapped batsman Tom Bruce has been called into New Zealand's Twenty20 squad for their three-match series against Bangladesh next month, while left-arm pace bowler Ben Wheeler has been recalled to the national side.

Bangladesh have been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate against New Zealand during the first ODI yesterday.

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza said had the bowling been disciplined and the fielding up to the mark the first one-day international against New Zealand could have been a closely-fought game.

Bangladesh's 77-run loss to New Zealand in the first ODI at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch yesterday should come as no surprise.

Fakirerpool Youngmen's Club took solo lead in the Marcel Bangladesh Championship League with a single-goal win over T&T Club at the Birshreshtha Shaheed Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur yesterday.

National player-studded Bangladesh Navy clinched the title of Marcel Victory Day Hockey tournament with a 3-2 win in tiebreaker over Bangladesh Army in the final at the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium yesterday.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes a little more luck on the injury front is all that is separating his team from Premier League leaders Chelsea as the Reds prepare to face Stoke City on Tuesday.

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza said had the bowling been disciplined and the fielding up to the mark the first one-day international against New Zealand could have been a closely-fought game.

Mushfiqur Rahim suffered a strain in his left hamstring during the first ODI between Bangladesh and New Zealand at Hagley Oval, Christchurch today.

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

New Zealand set aside Christmas festivities to pack in a final training session on Sunday before their Boxing Day series opener against Bangladesh in Christchurch.

Antonio Conte's first few months as Chelsea manager could hardly have gone any better as his side head into the holiday period six points clear at the Premier League summit.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes winger Raheem Sterling has recaptured his best form in time for the club's hectic festive programme in the Premier League.

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.

On-going fitness issues have forced Juan Martin del Potro out of next month's Australian Open and his planned warm up event in New Zealand, organisers of the Auckland Classic announced Saturday.

Controversial footballer Joey Barton is alleged to have placed over 1000 football bets over a ten-year period and has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association.

Star-studded Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Army moved into Monday's final of the Marcel Victory Day Hockey tournament with convincing wins in their respective semifinals at the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium yesterday.

JB Bangladesh Premier League resumes today at the Bangabandhu National Stadium after a five-day break following Victory Day programme as well as national athletics championship at the country's premier sports venue.

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.