Messi’s sublime control and finish for his seventh goal at this tournament in four games put the defending champions in command, but the Blue Sharks doggedly refused to go away.

Deroy Duarte’s strike on the hour mark forced Argentina to expand more energy than they would have wanted in the sapping Miami heat.

Lisandro Martinez briefly restored Argentina’s lead early in extra time before Sidny Lopes Cabral’s stunning shot rocketed into the top corner.

Another Argentina corner finally got the job done when Cristian Romero rose highest to head Messi’s corner, the ball going in off a deflection from Diney Borges for an own goal.

La Albiceleste will face Egypt on Tuesday in Atlanta, but there were concerns for Lionel Scaloni on his 100th match in charge despite what appears a favourable draw.

Scaloni said it “would have been madness” to lose to the underdogs.

“A very tough match; you always have to take the positives-this team (Argentina) never gives up,” he said.

“We have to congratulate the opponent. When people say there are no easy opponents, they proved today that they are a great team,” he added.

“We finished very tired… they gave it their all.”

Cape Verde had served warning of what they were capable of by holding European champions Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws in Group H to reach the knockout stages in their first World Cup appearance.

The Blue Sharks coach Bubista said the meeting with the world champions would be “the game of our lives” and it showed in a spirited display that had Argentina sweating.

On his return to the city where he plays his club football for Inter Miami, Messi’s every move was greeted like a god by the nearly 65,000 crowd, mainly in Argentina shirts.

– Moments of magic –

The 39-year-old produced a moment of magic with a feather-like touch from Lisandro Martinez’s pass to set up a high finish past Vozinha to open the scoring.

In doing so Messi also extended his own record of scoring in eight consecutive World Cup games and opened up a two-goal cushion once more over France’s Kylian Mbappe in the battle to be the competition’s all-time top goalscorer.

Emi Martinez had been a spectator in the first half, but the Aston Villa goalkeeper was forced into a smart save by Duarte as Cape Verde started the second period with more attacking intent.

Martinez was powerless for the equaliser moments later when Duarte was picked out by Ryan Mendes and rifled a low shot into the far corner.

Cape Verde’s 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha became an internet sensation after his man-of-the-match showing against Spain last month.

His nearly 18 million Instagram followers will have enjoyed him winning a one-on-one battle with Messi when the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner seemed certain to restore Argentina’s lead.

Irish-born Pico Lopes was next to be a Cape Verdean hero with a crucial intervention to deny Enzo Fernandez a tap-in after more inspiration from Messi created an opening.

Lisandro Martinez’s rising drive after a corner fell the Manchester United defender’s way two minutes into extra-time looked to have swung the momentum decisively in Argentina’s favour once more.

But again Cape Verde refused to bow and levelled with one of the goals of the tournament when Lopes Cabral smashed into the top corner.

The full-back ran off into the stands to celebrate with his partner.

Elsewhere around the crowd, the boisterous atmosphere that had accompanied most of the evening gave way to nervous tension as penalties approached.

Scaloni could only wipe his furrowed brow with relief when Messi’s corner was turned in for an own goal by the unfortunate Borges.

Yet an exhausted Argentina still had to ride their luck from a Cape Verde onslaught in the final seconds.

Emi Martinez this time won the battle with Lopes Cabral by tipping over another sweet strike that was headed for the top corner.

Organized under the leadership of the Managing Director & CEO, the Annual Sports Celebration 2026 marked a significant milestone for EDCL. It was the company’s largest and most participatory sports event to date, bringing together employees from all levels in a spirit of unity, teamwork, and healthy competition. The programme provided a unique platform for strengthening camaraderie and fostering a vibrant organizational culture.

The ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by a colorful parade of participating teams and the formal inauguration of the sports festival.
In his inaugural address, Mr. AKM Ashrafuzzaman emphasized that sports are essential not only for maintaining physical fitness but also for developing discipline, leadership, teamwork, mutual cooperation, and motivation in the workplace. He highlighted the importance of organizing regular sports and cultural activities to promote a healthy and positive working environment.

The Managing Director & CEO encouraged all participants to compete with fairness, discipline, integrity, and the true spirit of sportsmanship. He also reaffirmed the management’s commitment to continuing employee-friendly initiatives that enhance teamwork, well-being, and organizational excellence.

The Annual Sports Celebration features a variety of sporting events and friendly competitions involving officers, staff, and workers from different departments. The programme is expected to strengthen interpersonal relationships, improve teamwork, and contribute to a healthier and more productive workplace.
The ceremony concluded with Mr. AKM Ashrafuzzaman officially declaring the EDCL Annual Sports Celebration 2026 open.

A significant amount of time of the Test lost to rain, before Bangladesh put
them on the front foot with 179 runs lead after the end of Day 4.

Speaking after the day’s play, Salman made it clear Pakistan would not settle
for a draw if given enough time and a manageable target.

“We will definitely go for the win,” Salman said. “If they give us around 70
overs and a target near 260, we will absolutely chase it. But I don’t think
they will take that risk.”

Salman, however, said that they would try to wrap up Bangladesh’s second
innings as quicker as possible to leave them enough time to chase down the
target.

“Tomorrow should be a very exciting day of Test cricket. Our first target is
to bowl them out as early as possible,” he remarked.

Salman believes that Bangladesh will likely to focus first on batting
Pakistan out of the contest.

“I’m not saying Bangladesh are not brave but I just think their best option
is to take us completely out of the game before giving us a target. But if
they leave us 70 overs and set 260 or 270, then we also have a chance,” he
pointed out.

At the same time, he said, Pakistan also would approach similarly if they are
set the target.

“If we were in that position, we would first try to make sure the opposition
had no chance of winning and then set a target,” he said.

Pakistan came close to withdrawing from the tournament in solidarity with Bangladesh, who pulled out after refusing to play in India, citing security concerns.

The Pakistan government eventually cleared the team’s participation but it barred them from facing India in Colombo in a blockbuster clash on February 15.

With two points for a win, a forfeit of the match will leave Pakistan with no margin for error if they are to progress as one of the top two from a five-team Group A.

It means they must win their opening game against the Netherlands in Colombo on Saturday and beat the United States three days later to stay in contention.

Their final group game will be against Namibia on February 18.

Captain Salman Agha said the move to boycott the India game was out of the team’s hands.

“That is not our decision. We have to follow what our government decides,” he said.

The Pakistan government has not said what their stance might be if the team were to end up facing India again in the semi-finals or final. Agha was not thinking about that.

“Our job is to win, and we are capable of doing that,” he said.

Pakistan will be keen to avoid a repeat of the last T20 World Cup in 2024, where a shock super over defeat to co-hosts the United States led to them failing to get out of the group.

The side has since faced criticism for failing to adapt to the modern demands of T20 cricket, with the batting, particularly Babar Azam’s low strike rate, under scrutiny.

The criticism was fuelled by Pakistan’s record last year, where 21 of their 34 T20 international wins came against lower-ranked opponents.

– Confidence restored –

Against elite teams, the results were sobering: three losses to India in the Asia Cup and a 4-1 series defeat to New Zealand.

However, Agha believes recent performances have restored confidence.

Pakistan beat South Africa 2-1, won a home tri-series, and then completed a 3-0 sweep of an under-strength Australia.

“We’ve had good preparation by beating Australia. We have the luxury of quality spinning all-rounders like Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan and Saim Ayub.

“We’re ticking most boxes and believe we can win the World Cup,” Agha said.

The spin department has been strengthened by Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq, the latter known for his unusual, slingy action and exaggerated pause at the crease.

The pace attack is led by the experienced Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah.

Faheem Ashraf provides seam-bowling all-round support and newcomer Salman Mirza has been impressive.

Batting remains Pakistan’s most volatile component.

When openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan provide strong starts, the side can post competitive totals, but collapses remain a constant threat.

Head coach Mike Hesson has added another layer of risk by leaving out experienced wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan because of poor form, opting instead for makeshift options in Usman Khan, Khawaja Nafay and Farhan.

For Pakistan, the ingredients for a deep run are present, but with points potentially forfeited, there is little room left for error.

It marked the second BPL triumph for a Rajshahi-based franchise, having previously lifted the trophy in the 2019–20 season under the name Rajshahi Royals.

Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul handed the BPL trophy to Rajshahi captain Najmul Hossain Shanto as chief guest.

A scintillating century from opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim steered the Rajshahi to a formidable 174-4, a total that proved far beyond Chattogram’s reach.

Rajshahi’s bowlers then tore through the Royals’ batting lineup, wrapping them up for just 111 in 17.5 overs, with Sri Lankan pacer Binura Fernando leading the demolition with superb figures of 4-9.

Put in to bat first, Rajshahi got off to a flying start through Tanzid and fellow opener Sahibzada Farhan.

The duo stitched together an 83-run opening stand, with Tanzid taking the attacking route. Farhan was dismissed for a run-a-ball 30 by pacer Mukidul Islam Mugdho, bringing an end to the threatening partnership.

Kane Williamson then provided able support to Tanzid to keep the innings on track. The New Zealand star played a brisk knock of 24 off 15 balls before falling to Shoriful Islam while attempting a big hit.

Tanzid, however, carried on in commanding fashion. He brought up his third T20 century off 61 balls with a single, showcasing a blend of power and composure. His superb knock finally ended on 100 off 62 deliveries, an innings studded with six fours and seven sixes, as Mugdho struck again.

Mugdho and Shoriful were the standout bowlers for Chattogram, claiming two wickets each, but the damage had already been done.

Chattogram’s chase never really took off after Binura Fernando delivered an early double blow, dismissing Naim Sheikh (9) and Mahmudul Hasan Joy for a duck within three balls.

Left-arm spinner Hasan Murad, who returned figures of 3-15 from four overs, further dented the chase by removing Hasan Nawaz, and from there it became a one-way contest.

Rajshahi kept striking at regular intervals, choking the flow of runs and piling on the pressure. Opener Mirza Baig tried to resist, but his laborious 39-run knock ended when he was stumped off Hasan Murad, leaving Chattogram struggling at 92-6.

Asif Ali played a brief cameo of 21 off 16 balls, hitting one four and two sixes, to take the side past 100, but it only reduced the margin of defeat as Rajshahi sealed a comprehensive victory to lift the trophy.

BPL ins and out
Player of the tournament: Shoriful Islam
Player of the final: Tanzid Hasan Tamim
Highest wicket-taker: Shoriful Islam (26 wickets)
Highest run-getter: Parvez Hossain Emon (395 runs)
Best fielder: Shoriful Islam
Emerging player of the tournament: Ripon Mondol

BPL Roll of Honor
Year    Winner           Runner UP
2026 Rajshahi Warriors    Chattogram Royals
2025 Fortune Barishal     Chittagong Kings
2024 Fortune Barishal     Comilla Victorians
2023 Comilla Victorians   Sylhet Strikers
2022 Comilla Victorians   Fortune Barishal
2019-20 Rajshahi Royals   Khulna Tigers
2018 Comilla Victorians   Dhaka Dynamites
2017 Rangpur Riders       Dhaka Dynamites
2016 Dhaka Dynamites      Rajshahi Kings
2015 Comilla Victorians   Barisal Bulls
2013 Dhaka Gladiators     Chittagong Kings
2012 Dhaka Gladiators     Barisal Burners

“There is no scope to change our decision. We believe we did not receive justice from the ICC, but we still hope the ICC will reconsider its decision,” he told reporters after a meeting with Bangladesh cricketers and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials at a city hotel.

He said the meeting with the players was arranged to provide them with a first-hand briefing on the situation following the ICC’s rejection of the BCB’s request to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka.

“The ICC claims that the security situation in India is good enough to host cricket, but what we see is that the situation remains unchanged. Our security concerns did not arise out of thin air; they stemmed from a real incident,” he said.

Referring to national team pacer Mustafizur Rahman, the adviser added, “One of our players was withdrawn from playing in the IPL because the organisers could not ensure his proper security when faced with pressure from extremist groups.”

“When the security of a single player cannot be guaranteed, how can security be ensured for an entire contingent that includes players, officials, journalists, and other stakeholders?” he questioned.

Asif Nazrul also expressed dissatisfaction with how the ICC handled the issue, stating that the governing body focused on standard security protocols while ignoring the incident that triggered Bangladesh’s grievances.

According to him, neither the ICC nor the Indian government made any effort to address Bangladesh’s security issues.

“There were no outreach, no apology, no explanation of the measures being taken, and no effort to reassure the safety of our players, journalists, or spectators,” he said.

The match kicks off at 4 pm (BST).

Bangladesh currently stand second position in the points table with seven points from four matches while Pakistan following Bangladesh closely also with seven points playing the same number of matches.

Earlier, the Bangladesh team played to a fighting 4-4 goals draw with India in their tournament opening match, suffered 6-1 goal defeat to Maldives in their second match.

However, Bangladesh fought back to register a 4-1 victory over Nepal in their third match and inflicted a massive 5-1 defeat on Sri Lanka in their fourth match.

While Pakistan lost to Maldives 7-1, beat Bhutan 4-2, defeated Sri Lanka 5-2 and played out to a 4-4 draw with Nepal.

After Pakistan, Bangladesh will play the last match of the championship against Nepal on Saturday (Jan 24) at the same venue.

The table toppers at the end of all seven rounds of matches will be crowned the first-ever SAFF Men’s Futsal champions.

প্রথমে ব্যাট করে নিউজিল্যান্ড ৫০ ওভারে ৯ উইকেটে ২২৭ রান করে। জবাবে ৩৯.৫ ওভারে ১২৭ রানে গুটিয়ে যায় বাংলাদেশ। নিজেদের প্রথম ম্যাচে পাকিস্তানের বিপক্ষে ৭ উইকেটের জয় দিয়ে বিশ্বকাপ শুরু করেছিল টাইগ্রেসরা। তবে পরের ম্যাচে ইংল্যান্ডের কাছে ৪ উইকেটে হেরে যায় নিগার সুলতানার দল। ৩ ম্যাচে ২ পয়েন্ট নিয়ে টেবিলের ষষ্ঠ স্থানে আছে বাংলাদেশ।

আজ ভারতের গৌহাটিতে টস জিতে প্রথমে ব্যাট করতে নেমে ৫০ বলে ৩৫ রানের সূচনা করে নিউজিল্যান্ড। ইনিংসের নবম ওভারে দ্বিতীয়বারের মত আক্রমণে এসে নিউজিল্যান্ডের উদ্বোধনী জুটি ভাঙেন বাংলাদেশ লেগ স্পিনার রাবেয়া খান। নিউজিল্যান্ড ওপেনার জর্জিয়া প্লামারকে ৪ রানে থামেন।

একই ওভারের চতুর্থ বলে সুমাইয়া আকতারের দারুণ থ্রোতে রান আউটের শিকার হন নিউজিল্যান্ডের আরেক ওপেনার সুজি বেটস। ৬টি চারে ২৯ রান করেন তিনি।

১১তম ওভারে বাংলাদেশকে তৃতীয় উইকেট উপহার দেন রাবেয়া। তিন নম্বরে নামা অ্যামেলিয়া কেরকে ১ রানে দারুণ ডেলিভারিতে বোল্ড করেন রাবেয়া। ৩৮ রানে ৩ উইকেট তুলে নিয়ে নিউজিল্যান্ডকে চাপে ফেলে দেয় বাংলাদেশ।

কিন্তু চতুর্থ উইকেটে জুটি বেঁধে উল্টো এরপর বাংলাদেশের উপর চাপ সৃষ্টি করেন নিউজিল্যান্ড অধিনায়ক সোফিয়া ডিভাইন ও ব্রুক হালিডে। তাদের ১১২ রানের জুটিতে দেড়শতে পৌঁছে যায় নিউজিল্যান্ড।

৩৯তম ওভারে হালিডেকে থামিয়ে বাংলাদেশকে ব্রেক-থ্রু এনে দেন লেগ স্পিনার ফাহিমা খাতুন। ৫টি চার ও ১টি ছক্কায় ৬৯ রান করেন হালিডে।

কিছুক্ষণ পর নিউজিল্যান্ডের আরেক সেট ব্যাটার ডিভাইনকে শিকার করেন অফ-স্পিনার নিশিতা আকতার নিশি। ২টি করে চার-ছক্কায় ৬৩ রান করেন ডিভাইন।

দলীয় ১৭৯ রানের মধ্যে হালিডে ও ডিভাইন ফিরলে নিউজিল্যান্ডের বড় সংগ্রহের আশা শেষ হয়ে যায়। তবে পরের দিকে ম্যাডি গ্রিন ২৫, উইকেটরক্ষক ইসাবেল গাজে-লিয়া তাহুহু ১২ রান করে করলে ৫০ ওভারে ৯ উইকেটে ২২৭ রানের লড়াকু পুঁজি পায় কিউইরা। বাংলাদেশের বিপক্ষে এটিই সর্বোচ্চ রান নিউজিল্যান্ডের।

রাবেয়া ৩০ রানে ৩টি, মারুফা-নাহিদা-নিশি ও ফাহিমা ১টি করে উইকেট নেন।

জবাবে ব্যাটারদের ব্যর্থতায় ১৪তম ওভারের মধ্যে ৩৩ রানে ৬ উইকেট হারিয়ে লড়াই থেকে ছিটকে পড়ে বাংলাদেশ। রুবাইয়া হায়দার ৪, শারমিন আকতার ৩, অধিনায়ক নিগার সুলতানা ৪, সোবহানা মোস্তারি ২, সুমাইয়া আকতার-স্বর্ণা আকতার ১ রান করে করেন।

সপ্তম উইকেটে ৩৩ রানের জুটি গড়ে উইকেট পতন ঠেকান ফাহিমা খাতুন ও নাহিদা আকতার। নাহিদা ১৭ রানে থামার পর অষ্টম উইকেটে রাবেয়া খানের সাথে ৪৪ রানের জুটিতে দলের রান ১শ পার করেন ফাহিমা। দলীয় ১১০ রানে অষ্টম ব্যাটার হিসেবে বিদায় নেন রাবেয়া। ২৫ রান করেন তিনি।

শেষ ব্যাটার হিসেবে ফাহিমা আউট হলে ৩৯.৫ ওভারে ১২৭ রানে অলআউট হয় বাংলাদেশ। দলের পক্ষে সর্বোচ্চ ৩৪ রান করেন ফাহিমা। নিউজিল্যান্ডের জেস কের ও লিয়া ৩টি করে উইকেট নেন। ম্যাচ সেরা হন হালিডে।

আগামী ১৩ অক্টোবর নিজেদের চতুর্থ ম্যাচে দক্ষিণ আফ্রিকার মুখোমুখি হবে বাংলাদেশ।