Sharmin Akhter’s half-century and a disciplined bowling performance earned Bangladesh a comfortable 21-run win over the USA in their opening Group B encounter of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier at the Mulpani Cricket Ground in Kathmandu, Nepal today.

“We’ve received definitive assurances that we won’t move from the original schedule. We’re definitely playing the Group Stage in Sri Lanka,” a Cricket Ireland official told Cricbuzz.

“I don’t really think too much about pace, because it’s something that is partly God-gifted.”

As previously announced, Wayne Madsen will lead the European outfit for the tournament.

He was in a coma for eight days, but miraculously pulled through and is now back home.

Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl first against India in their opening Group A match of the ICC Under-19 World Cup at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe today.

Bangladesh will begin their ICC Under-19 World Cup campaign today against India in what promises to be a fiery contest at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe with rain threat looming large.

Zimbawbe are in Group B alongside Australia, Ireland, Oman and Sri Lanka.

A delegate from the International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to arrive in Dhaka on Saturday for a meeting with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), a board official confirmed.

Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh withdrew its boycott late last night following a meeting with Bangladesh Cricket Board officials, opening the door for the Bangladesh Premier League to resume from today after a day of disruption triggered by a standoff between players and board.

Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul weighed in on the ongoing controversy over Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Najmul Islam, criticing him for his “insulting remarks” about cricketers and said the board will take appropriate action against him.

BCB director and media committee chairman Amzad Hossain told The Daily Star that the fate of the tournament now hinges on whether teams appear for the second match of the Dhaka phase after the opening fixture could not be held.

Bangladesh arrive with quiet determination and thorough preparation.

The Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) has demanded the immediate resignation of Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB’s) director and financial committee chairman M Najmul Islam, threatening to boycott all forms of cricket including Thursday’s BPL matches, if he does not step down.

Tickets for the Dhaka phase are now available exclusively online at www.gobcbticket.com.bd, with prices ranging from Tk 200 to Tk 2,000.

As a mark of her status in Australia, Healy was never defined by her relationship with her uncle, Australia wicketkeeping great Ian, nor her husband, Test paceman Mitchell Starc.

BCB had sent a second letter to the ICC outlining its security concerns about sending the Bangladesh contingent to India, as the ICC had asked it to do in response to the board’s first letter seeking relocation.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul recently reiterated that the board will remain steadfast on its stance over the security of the Bangladesh contingent for the ICC T20 World Cup.

The tournament will begin on February 7.

He praised Kohli’s hunger, intensity, and passion, calling him the closest batter to challenge Sachin Tendulkar’s records.