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Should UConn be favorites to repeat as NCAA champions?

Should UConn be favorites to repeat as NCAA champions?

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As February advances, we are getting closer and closer to March… and therefore March Madness! Last year, UConn women’s basketball defied the odds and won the National Championship, the program’s first since 2016. It was also a significant moment for the eventual No. 1 WNBA Draft pick Paige Bueckers, who spent five seasons at UConn, and persevered through injury in hopes of winning a championship before leaving for the pros.

Despite Bueckers’s departure, this UConn team may be even better this season. Led by redshirt senior Azzi Fudd and superstar sophomore Sarah Strong, UConn has been ranked No. 1 all season and are the last undefeated women’s program in the country at 25-0. They won’t face another ranked opponent now until March Madness, and seem to be steamrolling toward a possible undefeated season and back-to-back National Championships.

They are so powerful in the Big East Conference that the Huskies even kept Strong out for rest in one of their recent games — something that is unheard of in women’s college basketball. Strong is averaging 19.2 points per game in just 27.4 minutes, leading the country in win shares and second nationally in points per scoring attempt (1.38). She very likely leads the Player of the Year conversations as a sophomore despite playing less than 30 minutes per game.

UConn’s other star, Azzi Fudd, likely won’t be held out for rest anytime soon. Fudd is in her fifth and final college season, with sights set on declaring for the WNBA draft this spring. After an injury-filled college career, Fudd’s goal in returning to UConn this season was to get as much playing time as she could in order to show WNBA scouts her full potential as a player. She could very well be drafted No. 1 overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft, with UConn sending two No. 1 picks in a row to the WNBA (and Dallas Wings) after Bueckers last year. Fudd is also being strategically deployed by her coach, averaging 17.4 points in just 28.2 minutes per game.

As the only ranked team in the Big East, UConn is already set to win the regular-season title, is the favorite for the conference tournament, and will likely get the No. 1 seed in the March Madness bracket. Are they a lock for back-to-back National Championships, though? Will other teams be able to keep up with a group that hasn’t even had to put in 100% effort yet? Is there a specific team you think could beat them?

Let’s chat in the comments below!

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Deadspin | Heat, Hawks clash with major playoff implications Feb 20, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) shoots over Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images The Miami Heat are guaranteed a fourth straight year in the play-in round, but — with one game left in the regular season — there’s still something for Miami to chase. On Sunday night, the Heat (42-39) will host the Atlanta Hawks (46-35). If Miami beats Atlanta and Charlotte loses at the New York Knicks, the Heat will have home-court advantage against the Hornets in a do-or-die play-in game next week. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he would’ve preferred to have made the playoff round outright, but … “We’re there (in the play-in),” he said. “We still have an opportunity to get home court (against Charlotte). We want to maximize that opportunity.” On Friday, the Heat broke a two-game losing streak with a 140-117 win at Washington. The Heat are just 4-10 over their past 14 games but are 7-1 in games in which they make at least 20 3-pointers. Indeed, Miami shot 20 of 37 from deep on Friday, and the Heat did that despite playing without several key players who are injured: Tyler Herro (right foot), Norman Powell (groin), Davion Mitchell (right shoulder), Dru Smith (right foot), and Nikola Jovic (left ankle). Their status for the game vs. the Hawks is uncertain, but the Heat have solid depth, as they showed on Friday with Simone Fontecchio and Pelle Larsson scoring 24 points each, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. adding 23. Bam Adebayo contributed 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Fontecchio, who has played 70 games this season, got just his ninth start of the campaign on Friday, and he earned praise from Spoelstra. “He has always kept himself ready,” Spoelstra said. “He’s done a lot of things that have made me take notice. He’s one of our better rebounders. He gives us positional size, and he’s ignitable as a shooter. If he sees a couple go down, it can be an avalanche from there.” Meanwhile, the Hawks have clinched their first playoff berth since 2023. Atlanta, the Southeast Division champion, will be seeded either fifth or sixth. The team’s first-round opponent will be either the Cavaliers if Atlanta holds on to the fifth seed, or the Knicks if the Hawks slip to sixth. Atlanta, which has not won a playoff series since 2021, is led by Jalen Johnson, a first-time All-Star this season. He tops the Hawks in scoring (22.5 points per game), rebounds (10.3 per game), and assists (7.9). Johnson had 18 points, nine rebounds, and two assists in just 25 minutes in Atlanta’s 124-102 playoff-clinching win over visiting Cleveland on Friday. Dyson Daniels, CJ McCollum, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are three more Hawks players to watch. Daniels had his second career triple-double on Friday with 13 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds. For the season, he averages 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists and a team-high 2.0 steals. Alexander-Walker is second on the Hawks in scoring (20.8 ppg), and McCollum is third (18.7). McCollum scored a game-high 29 points on Friday. “These guys believed we could do this,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said when asked about making the playoffs. “This year is about building a foundation. That, regardless of what happens going forward, is a win. We’re excited.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Heat #Hawks #clash #major #playoff #implicationsFeb 20, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) shoots over Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Miami Heat are guaranteed a fourth straight year in the play-in round, but — with one game left in the regular season — there’s still something for Miami to chase.

On Sunday night, the Heat (42-39) will host the Atlanta Hawks (46-35). If Miami beats Atlanta and Charlotte loses at the New York Knicks, the Heat will have home-court advantage against the Hornets in a do-or-die play-in game next week.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he would’ve preferred to have made the playoff round outright, but …

“We’re there (in the play-in),” he said. “We still have an opportunity to get home court (against Charlotte). We want to maximize that opportunity.”

On Friday, the Heat broke a two-game losing streak with a 140-117 win at Washington. The Heat are just 4-10 over their past 14 games but are 7-1 in games in which they make at least 20 3-pointers.

Indeed, Miami shot 20 of 37 from deep on Friday, and the Heat did that despite playing without several key players who are injured: Tyler Herro (right foot), Norman Powell (groin), Davion Mitchell (right shoulder), Dru Smith (right foot), and Nikola Jovic (left ankle).

Their status for the game vs. the Hawks is uncertain, but the Heat have solid depth, as they showed on Friday with Simone Fontecchio and Pelle Larsson scoring 24 points each, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. adding 23. Bam Adebayo contributed 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.

Fontecchio, who has played 70 games this season, got just his ninth start of the campaign on Friday, and he earned praise from Spoelstra.


“He has always kept himself ready,” Spoelstra said. “He’s done a lot of things that have made me take notice. He’s one of our better rebounders. He gives us positional size, and he’s ignitable as a shooter. If he sees a couple go down, it can be an avalanche from there.”

Meanwhile, the Hawks have clinched their first playoff berth since 2023. Atlanta, the Southeast Division champion, will be seeded either fifth or sixth. The team’s first-round opponent will be either the Cavaliers if Atlanta holds on to the fifth seed, or the Knicks if the Hawks slip to sixth.

Atlanta, which has not won a playoff series since 2021, is led by Jalen Johnson, a first-time All-Star this season. He tops the Hawks in scoring (22.5 points per game), rebounds (10.3 per game), and assists (7.9).

Johnson had 18 points, nine rebounds, and two assists in just 25 minutes in Atlanta’s 124-102 playoff-clinching win over visiting Cleveland on Friday.

Dyson Daniels, CJ McCollum, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are three more Hawks players to watch.

Daniels had his second career triple-double on Friday with 13 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds. For the season, he averages 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists and a team-high 2.0 steals.

Alexander-Walker is second on the Hawks in scoring (20.8 ppg), and McCollum is third (18.7). McCollum scored a game-high 29 points on Friday.

“These guys believed we could do this,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said when asked about making the playoffs. “This year is about building a foundation. That, regardless of what happens going forward, is a win. We’re excited.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Heat #Hawks #clash #major #playoff #implications">Deadspin | Heat, Hawks clash with major playoff implications Feb 20, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) shoots over Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images The Miami Heat are guaranteed a fourth straight year in the play-in round, but — with one game left in the regular season — there’s still something for Miami to chase. On Sunday night, the Heat (42-39) will host the Atlanta Hawks (46-35). If Miami beats Atlanta and Charlotte loses at the New York Knicks, the Heat will have home-court advantage against the Hornets in a do-or-die play-in game next week. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he would’ve preferred to have made the playoff round outright, but … “We’re there (in the play-in),” he said. “We still have an opportunity to get home court (against Charlotte). We want to maximize that opportunity.” On Friday, the Heat broke a two-game losing streak with a 140-117 win at Washington. The Heat are just 4-10 over their past 14 games but are 7-1 in games in which they make at least 20 3-pointers. Indeed, Miami shot 20 of 37 from deep on Friday, and the Heat did that despite playing without several key players who are injured: Tyler Herro (right foot), Norman Powell (groin), Davion Mitchell (right shoulder), Dru Smith (right foot), and Nikola Jovic (left ankle). Their status for the game vs. the Hawks is uncertain, but the Heat have solid depth, as they showed on Friday with Simone Fontecchio and Pelle Larsson scoring 24 points each, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. adding 23. Bam Adebayo contributed 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Fontecchio, who has played 70 games this season, got just his ninth start of the campaign on Friday, and he earned praise from Spoelstra. “He has always kept himself ready,” Spoelstra said. “He’s done a lot of things that have made me take notice. He’s one of our better rebounders. He gives us positional size, and he’s ignitable as a shooter. If he sees a couple go down, it can be an avalanche from there.” Meanwhile, the Hawks have clinched their first playoff berth since 2023. Atlanta, the Southeast Division champion, will be seeded either fifth or sixth. The team’s first-round opponent will be either the Cavaliers if Atlanta holds on to the fifth seed, or the Knicks if the Hawks slip to sixth. Atlanta, which has not won a playoff series since 2021, is led by Jalen Johnson, a first-time All-Star this season. He tops the Hawks in scoring (22.5 points per game), rebounds (10.3 per game), and assists (7.9). Johnson had 18 points, nine rebounds, and two assists in just 25 minutes in Atlanta’s 124-102 playoff-clinching win over visiting Cleveland on Friday. Dyson Daniels, CJ McCollum, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are three more Hawks players to watch. Daniels had his second career triple-double on Friday with 13 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds. For the season, he averages 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists and a team-high 2.0 steals. Alexander-Walker is second on the Hawks in scoring (20.8 ppg), and McCollum is third (18.7). McCollum scored a game-high 29 points on Friday. “These guys believed we could do this,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said when asked about making the playoffs. “This year is about building a foundation. That, regardless of what happens going forward, is a win. We’re excited.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Heat #Hawks #clash #major #playoff #implications

Deadspin | Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper power Phillies past D-backs Apr 11, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Bryce Harper (3) hits a home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper hit back-to-back home runs to highlight the Philadelphia Phillies’ 4-3 victory over the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday afternoon. Taijuan Walker (1-2) bounced back after a rough first inning to get the Phillies through five frames. He gave up two runs – both in the first – on four hits and two walks, striking out six to help Philadelphia snap a three-game slide. Adrian Del Castillo had three hits and Ketel Marte homered for Arizona, which had won five of its previous six games. Diamondbacks starter Brandon Pfaadt (0-1) gave up four runs – three earned – and five hits over six innings, walking three and striking out six. Arizona got off to a great start, as Marte hit Walker’s third pitch of the game over the wall in right-center field for a 1-0 lead. Corbin Carroll followed with a walk and advanced on a groundout. The next hitter was Del Castillo, who delivered an RBI single to make it 2-0. Philadelphia went down quietly against Pfaadt in the first and second innings before an error by shortstop Geraldo Perdomo led to a four-run rally in the third. After Alec Bohm reached on Perdomo’s miscue, Justin Crawford singled and Trea Turner struck out. Pfaadt then tried to get a 1-0 changeup past Schwarber, who launched it into the seats in right field to put the hosts ahead. Two pitches later, Harper sent a fastball into the Phillies’ bullpen in right-center, making it 4-2. Schwarber’s fourth home run and Harper’s third of the season proved to be enough support for Walker, who induced a double play to get through the fifth. Tim Mayza, Orion Kerkering and Jose Alvarado combined to get through the sixth and seventh innings. Brad Keller ran into some two-out trouble in the eighth, as he allowed a walk and two hits – including Jose Fernandez’s single that sliced Arizona’s deficit to 4-3. However, Keller struck out Nolan Arenado with the tying run on third base to end the inning. Jhoan Duran had no issues in the ninth, retiring the side in order for his fifth save. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kyle #Schwarber #Bryce #Harper #power #Phillies #DbacksApr 11, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Bryce Harper (3) hits a home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper hit back-to-back home runs to highlight the Philadelphia Phillies’ 4-3 victory over the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday afternoon.

Taijuan Walker (1-2) bounced back after a rough first inning to get the Phillies through five frames. He gave up two runs – both in the first – on four hits and two walks, striking out six to help Philadelphia snap a three-game slide.

Adrian Del Castillo had three hits and Ketel Marte homered for Arizona, which had won five of its previous six games. Diamondbacks starter Brandon Pfaadt (0-1) gave up four runs – three earned – and five hits over six innings, walking three and striking out six.

Arizona got off to a great start, as Marte hit Walker’s third pitch of the game over the wall in right-center field for a 1-0 lead.

Corbin Carroll followed with a walk and advanced on a groundout. The next hitter was Del Castillo, who delivered an RBI single to make it 2-0.

Philadelphia went down quietly against Pfaadt in the first and second innings before an error by shortstop Geraldo Perdomo led to a four-run rally in the third.


After Alec Bohm reached on Perdomo’s miscue, Justin Crawford singled and Trea Turner struck out. Pfaadt then tried to get a 1-0 changeup past Schwarber, who launched it into the seats in right field to put the hosts ahead.

Two pitches later, Harper sent a fastball into the Phillies’ bullpen in right-center, making it 4-2.

Schwarber’s fourth home run and Harper’s third of the season proved to be enough support for Walker, who induced a double play to get through the fifth.

Tim Mayza, Orion Kerkering and Jose Alvarado combined to get through the sixth and seventh innings.

Brad Keller ran into some two-out trouble in the eighth, as he allowed a walk and two hits – including Jose Fernandez’s single that sliced Arizona’s deficit to 4-3. However, Keller struck out Nolan Arenado with the tying run on third base to end the inning.

Jhoan Duran had no issues in the ninth, retiring the side in order for his fifth save.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kyle #Schwarber #Bryce #Harper #power #Phillies #Dbacks">Deadspin | Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper power Phillies past D-backs Apr 11, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Bryce Harper (3) hits a home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper hit back-to-back home runs to highlight the Philadelphia Phillies’ 4-3 victory over the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday afternoon. Taijuan Walker (1-2) bounced back after a rough first inning to get the Phillies through five frames. He gave up two runs – both in the first – on four hits and two walks, striking out six to help Philadelphia snap a three-game slide. Adrian Del Castillo had three hits and Ketel Marte homered for Arizona, which had won five of its previous six games. Diamondbacks starter Brandon Pfaadt (0-1) gave up four runs – three earned – and five hits over six innings, walking three and striking out six. Arizona got off to a great start, as Marte hit Walker’s third pitch of the game over the wall in right-center field for a 1-0 lead. Corbin Carroll followed with a walk and advanced on a groundout. The next hitter was Del Castillo, who delivered an RBI single to make it 2-0. Philadelphia went down quietly against Pfaadt in the first and second innings before an error by shortstop Geraldo Perdomo led to a four-run rally in the third. After Alec Bohm reached on Perdomo’s miscue, Justin Crawford singled and Trea Turner struck out. Pfaadt then tried to get a 1-0 changeup past Schwarber, who launched it into the seats in right field to put the hosts ahead. Two pitches later, Harper sent a fastball into the Phillies’ bullpen in right-center, making it 4-2. Schwarber’s fourth home run and Harper’s third of the season proved to be enough support for Walker, who induced a double play to get through the fifth. Tim Mayza, Orion Kerkering and Jose Alvarado combined to get through the sixth and seventh innings. Brad Keller ran into some two-out trouble in the eighth, as he allowed a walk and two hits – including Jose Fernandez’s single that sliced Arizona’s deficit to 4-3. However, Keller struck out Nolan Arenado with the tying run on third base to end the inning. Jhoan Duran had no issues in the ninth, retiring the side in order for his fifth save. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kyle #Schwarber #Bryce #Harper #power #Phillies #Dbacks

Bangladesh named an unchanged squad on Saturday for the first two matches of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, the first announcement by a newly formed selection panel.

The four-member panel, led by Habibul Bashar Sumon, opted to stick with the same group that featured in the ODI series against Pakistan last month, citing continuity and overall team performance.

Bangladesh beat Pakistan 2-1 in the home ODI series.

“Our policy is to give adequate opportunities to anyone who comes into the team. We believe in continuity, which is why we did not change the team for this series,” Habibul, who took over last month, told reporters.

The selectors also backed out-of-form opener Saif Hassan, who managed just 52 runs in three matches in the Pakistan series.

“We want to give him more opportunities before making a decision. We do not want to go into a chop-and-change approach,” he said.

READ: Virat Kohli signs Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s cap, pens sweet message

New Zealand is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on Monday for the white-ball tour, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is.

The opening two ODIs will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on April 17 and 20, followed by the third on April 23 at Chattogram.

The T20I series will begin in Chattogram with matches on April 27 and 29, before concluding in Dhaka on May 2.

SQUAD

Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mahidul Islam, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.

Published on Apr 11, 2026

#Bangladesh #retains #squad #Zealand #ODIs">Bangladesh retains squad for first two New Zealand ODIs Bangladesh named an unchanged squad on Saturday for the first two matches of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, the first announcement by a newly formed selection panel.The four-member panel, led by Habibul Bashar Sumon, opted to stick with the same group that featured in the ODI series against Pakistan last month, citing continuity and overall team performance.Bangladesh beat Pakistan 2-1 in the home ODI series.“Our policy is to give adequate opportunities to anyone who comes into the team. We believe in continuity, which is why we did not change the team for this series,” Habibul, who took over last month, told reporters.The selectors also backed out-of-form opener Saif Hassan, who managed just 52 runs in three matches in the Pakistan series.“We want to give him more opportunities before making a decision. We do not want to go into a chop-and-change approach,” he said.READ: Virat Kohli signs Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s cap, pens sweet messageNew Zealand is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on Monday for the white-ball tour, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is.The opening two ODIs will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on April 17 and 20, followed by the third on April 23 at Chattogram.The T20I series will begin in Chattogram with matches on April 27 and 29, before concluding in Dhaka on May 2. SQUAD Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mahidul Islam, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman. Published on Apr 11, 2026 #Bangladesh #retains #squad #Zealand #ODIs

Virat Kohli signs Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s cap, pens sweet message

New Zealand is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on Monday for the white-ball tour, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is.

The opening two ODIs will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on April 17 and 20, followed by the third on April 23 at Chattogram.

The T20I series will begin in Chattogram with matches on April 27 and 29, before concluding in Dhaka on May 2.

SQUAD

Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mahidul Islam, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.

Published on Apr 11, 2026

#Bangladesh #retains #squad #Zealand #ODIs">Bangladesh retains squad for first two New Zealand ODIs

Bangladesh named an unchanged squad on Saturday for the first two matches of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, the first announcement by a newly formed selection panel.

The four-member panel, led by Habibul Bashar Sumon, opted to stick with the same group that featured in the ODI series against Pakistan last month, citing continuity and overall team performance.

Bangladesh beat Pakistan 2-1 in the home ODI series.

“Our policy is to give adequate opportunities to anyone who comes into the team. We believe in continuity, which is why we did not change the team for this series,” Habibul, who took over last month, told reporters.

The selectors also backed out-of-form opener Saif Hassan, who managed just 52 runs in three matches in the Pakistan series.

“We want to give him more opportunities before making a decision. We do not want to go into a chop-and-change approach,” he said.

READ: Virat Kohli signs Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s cap, pens sweet message

New Zealand is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on Monday for the white-ball tour, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is.

The opening two ODIs will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on April 17 and 20, followed by the third on April 23 at Chattogram.

The T20I series will begin in Chattogram with matches on April 27 and 29, before concluding in Dhaka on May 2.

SQUAD

Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mahidul Islam, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.

Published on Apr 11, 2026

#Bangladesh #retains #squad #Zealand #ODIs

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