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BCB President Faruque Ahmed confirmed that Najmul Hossain Shanto has stepped down as Bangladesh’s T20I captain but will continue to lead the team in Tests and ODIs. In an interview with local newspaper Prothom Alo on Thursday, Faruque shared that Shanto had informed the board of his decision, and the BCB fully respected it. With […]
BCB President Faruque Ahmed confirmed that Najmul Hossain Shanto has stepped down as Bangladesh’s T20I captain but will continue to lead the team in Tests and ODIs. In an interview with local newspaper Prothom Alo on Thursday, Faruque shared that Shanto had informed the board of his decision, and the BCB fully respected it. With no T20I series on the horizon, the board has decided not to consider a new T20I captain for the time being.
This decision puts to rest the ongoing captaincy debate, which started after Shanto expressed reluctance to lead all formats back in October. At that time, Faruque had persuaded Shanto to continue as captain across all formats. However, an injury sustained during an ODI against Afghanistan in November had kept Shanto from participating in the West Indies tour, further complicating the situation.
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During Bangladesh’s tour of the West Indies, the Test and ODI captaincy was handed to Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The visitors drew the Test series 1-1 but suffered a 3-0 defeat in the ODIs. Litton Das then took over the T20I side and led them to a 3-0 series win. While it’s unclear if this T20I success influenced the BCB’s decision regarding Shanto, the fact that Mehidy and Litton were considered strong candidates for leadership roles was a positive sign for Bangladesh cricket, indicating a solid leadership pool for the future.
Shanto was appointed Bangladesh’s all-format captain in February 2024, following strong performances against New Zealand, both at home and away, during Shakib Al Hasan’s absence. However, Bangladesh’s T20I performances under Shanto were inconsistent, with the team losing bilateral series against Sri Lanka and the USA. Although they reached the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup in June, they failed to win a match in that round, raising questions about Shanto’s leadership in the format.
Shanto’s personal form also dipped, as he struggled with the bat in T20Is, managing just one fifty in his 24 matches as captain, averaging only 18.76. Despite improved performances after the 2022 T20 World Cup, his struggles have cast doubt on his future in the T20I side. Much of his continued inclusion depends on his performances in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Bangladesh’s next T20I series is likely to be a three-match series against Zimbabwe in March, with Litton potentially a frontrunner for the captaincy, though his recent struggles with the bat in white-ball cricket could influence that decision.
Chris Lynn delivered a standout performance, scoring his highest BBL score since the 2019-20 season and his first half-century of this campaign, as Adelaide Strikers secured a crucial five-wicket win over Melbourne Renegades. Moving up from No. 3, Lynn dominated the opening partnership with D’Arcy Short, putting on 104 runs to set the foundation for the win at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.
Lynn’s explosive knock of 88 off just 51 balls featured 10 fours and 4 sixes, leading Adelaide to a comfortable chase of 143 for 5 in 17.1 overs. The victory ended the Strikers’ four-game winless streak and handed them a much-needed boost in the competition.
Chris Lynn’s explosive 88 runs off 51 balls, including 10 fours and 4 sixes, marked his highest BBL score since the 2019-20 season and his first half-century of this campaign. His blistering knock helped Adelaide Strikers secure a much-needed five-wicket win over Melbourne Renegades, improving their record to 2-4. The Strikers, who were second-last before Thursday’s game, moved up in the standings, while the Renegades remained fifth at 2-3.
The partnership between Lynn and D’Arcy Short laid the foundation for the win, with the two putting on 104 runs for the first wicket. Lynn dominated early, blasting 37 runs off the first four overs while Short struggled to score, facing only three balls. Short eventually opened his account in the fifth over but fell for 27 in the 11th over, bowled by Tom Rogers. Lynn was on course for a century but fell just short, hitting Adam Zampa straight to Laurie Evans at cover. Lynn’s frustration was evident as he threw his head back after missing the milestone.
Despite wickets falling steadily for Adelaide Strikers, the result was never in doubt thanks to the hefty contributions from Chris Lynn and D’Arcy Short. After losing the toss and struggling early at 40 for 2, Melbourne Renegades looked to rebuild through opener Josh Brown, who played a blistering knock of 66 off 41 balls, including five fours and six sixes. At the halfway mark, the Renegades were in a strong position at 80 for 2. However, the game turned when legspinner Cameron Boyce dismissed Brown in the 14th over, caught at long-off, which shifted momentum firmly in Adelaide’s favour.
From a solid 100 for 4, the Renegades lost steam as no other batsman managed to score more than 21. Henry Thornton was the standout bowler, claiming 3 for 20, while spinner Lloyd Pope, despite a rough start, finished with 2 for 34 from three overs. The Renegades’ middle order collapsed, and a key blow came when Pope had Jack Sutherland caught behind for 18 after a successful video review. Alex Ross captained the Strikers in place of Matthew Short, who was sidelined with a toe injury, as Adelaide wrapped up a comfortable victory.
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