Samsul Arefin Khan

The 31-year-old fast bowler's experience and quality remain indispensable to the Tigers.

Pacer Nahid Rana delivered a fiery spell in the final session of the opening Test to claim career-best figures and guide Bangladesh to a 104-run victory over Pakistan, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the two-match series at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium yesterday.

4.5 overs, two maidens, 10 runs, and four wickets. This was the match-winning bowling spell produced by Nahid Rana after he was brought back into the attack for his second spell in the final session of the opening Test against Pakistan in Mirpur on Tuesday. The spell proved decisive as Bangladesh thrashed Pakistan by 104 runs to secure their first-ever Test victory over the neighbouring nation on home soil.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to begin in just 33 days, but there is a strong possibility that Bangladeshi viewers may face a World Cup blackout, as no broadcaster in the country has secured telecast rights for the global showpiece event as of yesterday.

Amite Hasan’s maiden national team call-up for the first of two Tests against Pakistan next month marks the culmination of seven years of consistent performances in the domestic circuit, with selectors placing their trust in one of the most reliable performers. In a recent conversation with The Daily Star’s Samsul Arefin Khan, Amite spoke about maintaining a simple mindset, expressed deep gratitude for his family’s unwavering support, and shared his excitement about the prospect of sharing a dressing room with his idol, Mushfiqur Rahim, among other topics. The excerpts are as follows:

The 2002 FIFA World Cup is remembered as a tournament of shocks and surprises. Traditional powerhouses like France and Argentina crashed out in the group stage, while emerging sides such as South Korea and Turkey defied expectations to reach the semifinals.

The year 2002 was widely tipped as Argentina’s moment to end their 16-year wait for a FIFA World Cup title. Few teams entered the tournament in Korea and Japan with greater expectation.

Unless the domestic structure is prioritised and revitalised, Bangladesh may find themselves perpetually playing catch-up.