While Markram’s second-innings century set the stage for a historic chase, it was Rabada’s fiery spells-- nine wickets across both innings-- that laid the foundation.
His positive intent, smart footwork, and assuredness set the tone for a dominant start to Bangladesh’s new WTC campaign.
The contest carries added significance as it marks the final appearance of veteran Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews in Test cricket — a swansong fittingly staged at the venue where his storied career began 15 years ago.
Mathews, 38, confirmed that the series will mark the end of what he called a “dream run” in the longest format.
The Dutch posted 152 for seven and appeared set for the win as Nepal required 16 runs from the final over, but Nandan Yadav scored a boundary on the last ball to force a Super Over.
Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto hopes that his side would start the upcoming ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle on the right foot as they prepare to take on hosts Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series, scheduled to get underway on Tuesday in Galle.
“Cricket teams need to be run by cricket people,” Kirsten said, adding: “Once I was taken off selection and asked to take a team I hadn’t helped shape, it became very difficult to have any sort of positive influence.”
Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews on Monday said that he holds no grudges over getting timed out by Bangladesh in the 2023 ODI World Cup a day before facing the familiar foes in his final ever Test match in Galle.
Bangladesh will shuttle between Sri Lanka and India four times for their round robin matches of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, which will be held in those two neighbouring countries from September 30 to November 2.
The full Test squad, however, returned to action on Monday, with newly-appointed pace bowling coach Shaun Tait taking charge of the seamers for the first time.
England opener Duckett blasted 10 fours and two sixes as he set a frenetic pace in the hosts' score of 248-3 from 20 overs in Southampton.
Rabada tested positive for cocaine in January, which was only revealed in April, and served a one-month ban while competing in the Indian Premier League.
Pooran hit 13 half-centuries in 106 Twenty20 Internationals and amassed 2,275 runs to become West Indies' leading scorer in the shortest format.
Former England captain Michael Atherton said "everyone knows the WTC in its present guise is flawed".
"I hadn't hit a ball since I missed a full toss off Mohammed Shami in the Champions Trophy. "I've hit so many balls over my career, what do they say, it's like riding a bike, I suppose, in a way."
Indian police arrested two people including a senior executive at Royal Challengers Bengaluru, reports said Friday, after 11 fans were crushed to death during celebrations for the team's first IPL title.
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc is comfortable with his decision to leave the Indian Premier League (IPL) following the India-Pakistan clashes last month regardless of any repercussions, the 35-year-old said.
Walter, 49, was most recently coach of South Africa's one-day international and Twenty20 teams but knows New Zealand cricket well after stints in charge of provincial teams as well as his time overseeing a Black Caps "A" tour of India in 2022.
Jamie Overton was on Thursday handed a surprise recall to the England squad for the first Test against India while Jacob Bethell's return creates a top-order selection headache.
