Bangladesh’s women’s volleyball team won the bronze medal at the CAVA Cup held in the Maldives, defeating Afghanistan 3–0 in straight sets. The victory secured third place for Bangladesh, marking the best achievement in the country’s women’s volleyball history. Four teams participated in this year’s tournament, where Bangladesh lost to the Maldives in the semifinals before claiming the bronze in the third-place match. The team was coached by experienced trainer Shafiqul Islam Russell.

Bangladeshi women have been playing volleyball since 1973 and have represented the country internationally for 52 years. However, this is the first time they have finished third in an international competition. Officials of the Bangladesh Volleyball Federation expressed great satisfaction with the result. Executive member Sohel Rana described the success as commendable and a sign of progress for women’s volleyball in the country, expressing hope for even better performances in the future.

On the opening day of the Boxing Day Ashes Test in Melbourne, a total of 20 wickets fell as Australia took a narrow lead. England’s Josh Tongue produced a five-wicket haul to bowl out Australia for 152 runs in their first innings. However, England’s batting collapsed even more dramatically, managing only 110 runs in reply. By the end of the day, Australia reached 4 without loss in their second innings, leading by 46 runs overall.

Australia’s innings unraveled early, losing wickets rapidly after reaching 27 runs. Michael Neser top-scored with 35, while Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey contributed 29 and 20 respectively. For England, Harry Brook scored 41, Gus Atkinson added 28, and captain Ben Stokes made 16, but the rest fell cheaply. Australia’s Michael Neser took four wickets, Scott Boland three, and Mitchell Starc two.

The first day’s play left Australia in a stronger position, holding a modest but valuable lead heading into the second day of the Test.

Indian teenage cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi stunned the cricket world by scoring a 36-ball century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, setting multiple world records. Playing for Bihar against Arunachal Pradesh, the 14-year-old left-handed opener reached 150 runs off just 59 balls and finished with 190 from 84 deliveries, including 16 fours and 15 sixes. His explosive innings made him the youngest player ever to score a century in List A cricket at 14 years and 272 days, surpassing Pakistan’s Zahoor Elahi, who held the record since 1986.

Suryavanshi’s century was India’s second-fastest in List A history and the fourth-fastest globally, behind Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk’s 29-ball record. His 59-ball 150 also broke AB de Villiers’ 2015 record of reaching the milestone in 64 balls. The performance drew widespread attention, overshadowing the returns of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to domestic cricket after long absences. Analysts hailed Suryavanshi as a prodigious talent, with expectations rising for his future in Indian cricket.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that the board will lodge a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the behavior of Indian players during the Under-19 Asia Cup final. Pakistan defeated India by a massive 191-run margin, but the victory was overshadowed by allegations of excessive sledging and unsportsmanlike conduct by the Indian team.

Naqvi stated that Indian players repeatedly provoked Pakistani cricketers throughout the match, calling the incidents contrary to the spirit of the game. Pakistan’s U-19 coach Sarfaraz Ahmed echoed the sentiment, describing India’s actions as “against cricketing ethics,” while emphasizing that his team maintained professionalism after the win. The PCB leadership stressed that politics and sports should remain separate.

The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry has long been marked by heightened tension. Similar disciplinary concerns arose during the senior Asia Cup final earlier, when players from both sides faced ICC reprimands. The latest episode may prompt the ICC to review conduct guidelines for youth tournaments.

Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team has received a major financial reward following their emphatic 191-run victory over India in the Youth Asia Cup final. The win marked a significant achievement for Pakistan, whose senior team has struggled to defeat India in recent years. The young squad’s dominant performance brought renewed pride to the nation’s cricketing community.

Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had declared a reward of 10 million Pakistani rupees (approximately 4.3 million Bangladeshi taka) for each player. During a meeting with the team, Sharif praised the players and coaching staff for their dedication and outstanding performance, expressing hope that these young cricketers would continue to bring glory to Pakistan.

The victory and subsequent recognition are seen as a morale boost for Pakistan’s cricket system, highlighting the potential of its youth development programs. Analysts suggest the success could strengthen the country’s future talent pipeline and rekindle optimism among fans ahead of upcoming international tournaments.

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman delivered a match-winning spell for Dubai Capitals in the UAE’s International League T20, claiming three wickets in a single over against Gulf Giants. His figures of 3.5 overs, 34 runs, and 3 wickets earned him his first Player of the Match award of the tournament as Dubai Capitals secured a six-wicket win in Abu Dhabi.

The Giants were cruising at 110 for 3 after 13 overs before Mustafizur’s second over changed the game’s momentum. He dismissed James Vince, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Abarshan Dickson in quick succession, reducing the Giants to 156 all out. Dubai Capitals chased down the target in 19.2 overs. The left-arm seamer has now taken 14 wickets in seven matches with an economy rate of 8.29, ranking just behind teammate Waqar Salamkheil, who leads with 15 wickets.

Mustafizur’s consistent form in the ILT20 strengthens his reputation as a dependable T20 specialist and could boost his prospects for upcoming international assignments with Bangladesh.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continues to capture global football fans’ attention as key group-stage matches air live this weekend. Broadcasters have lined up several high-profile fixtures, including Mali vs Zambia, South Africa vs Angola, and Egypt vs Zimbabwe, offering fans a packed schedule of continental action. Matches will be streamed across major sports networks and digital platforms such as FanCode and Bet365.

The tournament, known for its passionate crowds and unpredictable outcomes, remains Africa’s most prestigious football competition. Sports analysts note that this year’s edition features a strong mix of emerging talents and established stars, with several teams aiming to secure early qualification for the knockout rounds. Broadcasters report strong viewership from both African and international audiences.

As the group stage intensifies, attention will turn to powerhouse nations like Egypt and South Africa, whose performances could shape the tournament’s later stages. Fans worldwide are expected to tune in for the high-stakes matches leading into the new year.

Harry Kane has achieved a new milestone in the German Bundesliga, becoming the fastest player to reach 100 goal contributions. The Bayern Munich striker reached the mark with a goal in a 4–0 victory over Heidenheim, helping his team strengthen their lead at the top of the table by nine points. Kane scored in stoppage time after earlier goals from Josip Stanisic, Michael Olise, and Luis Díaz.

This record underscores Kane’s remarkable consistency since joining Bayern. In the current season, he has scored 30 goals in 25 matches across all competitions, including 19 in the Bundesliga. His 81 goals and 19 assists in league play make him the quickest to achieve a century of goal involvements, surpassing Dutch legend Arjen Robben, who needed 119 matches to reach the same feat.

The record further cements Kane’s status as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards. Bayern’s strong form positions them well for the new year, with Kane’s performance continuing to drive their domestic and continental ambitions.

New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway made cricket history in Mount Maunganui by each scoring centuries in both innings of the ongoing Test against the West Indies. Latham struck 137 and 101, while Conway compiled 227 and 100, marking the first time in Test or first-class cricket that two openers have achieved twin centuries in the same match. Their partnership propelled New Zealand to declare their second innings at 306 for 2, setting a commanding 462-run target.

The West Indies, led by Kavem Hodge’s earlier century of 123 not out, reached 43 without loss by the end of the fourth day. Despite their strong first-innings total of 420, the visitors now face a daunting chase on the final day. Cricket analysts have hailed Latham and Conway’s feat as a rare display of consistency and mental strength, underscoring New Zealand’s batting depth.

The record-setting performance strengthens New Zealand’s position in the series and adds a new chapter to Test cricket’s statistical history, with attention now turning to whether the West Indies can resist defeat on the final day.

The Bangladesh Ethnosport team achieved notable success at the Tuguzkumalak and Mangala Asian Cup 2025, held in Ankara, Turkey, from December 16 to 22. Competing in the open category, Bangladeshi player Md. Rezaul Karim Molla secured third place, marking a significant milestone for the nation in the traditional mind-sport arena.

The event featured participants from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Russia, and Mongolia, making it a highly competitive and prestigious tournament. The opening ceremony was attended by Ankara’s Sincan District Governor Levent Kilik and Mayor Murat Eras, while dignitaries including Bangladeshi diplomat Dr. Muhammad Shahanur Alam and international federation officials joined the award ceremony. The three-member Bangladesh delegation was led by Md. Al Mamun, president of the International Ethnosport Bangladesh Association.

Observers believe this achievement will enhance Bangladesh’s reputation in global ethnosport competitions and inspire greater participation in future international events, promoting the country’s cultural and intellectual sporting heritage.

Barcelona strengthened their grip on the La Liga title race with a comfortable 2–0 victory over ten-man Villarreal on Sunday night. Under coach Hansi Flick, the Catalan side regained a four-point lead over Real Madrid, with goals from Raphinha and teenage forward Lamine Yamal sealing the win at Estadio de la Cerámica.

The match turned in Barcelona’s favor early when Villarreal’s Renato Velga was sent off in the 39th minute for a reckless tackle on Yamal. Raphinha had earlier converted a penalty after being fouled in the box. The victory keeps Barcelona top of the table with 46 points from 18 matches, while Real Madrid remain second with 42.

In England, Aston Villa delivered a surprise 2–1 win over Manchester United, adding further pressure on Erik ten Hag’s side. The result highlights contrasting fortunes for two European giants as Barcelona continue their dominance while United struggle for consistency.

England’s Ashes campaign ended in disappointment after losing the series to Australia within just 11 days. Captain Ben Stokes admitted the team’s dream had collapsed following the defeat in Adelaide, calling the result ‘devastating’ but vowing that England would continue to fight in the remaining matches. The loss marked a major setback for coach Brendon McCullum’s side, which had entered the tour with high hopes of reclaiming the Ashes.

Australian skipper Pat Cummins, meanwhile, expressed his determination to complete a series whitewash, emphasizing that his team would not relax despite already securing the trophy. However, Cummins hinted that he might miss the upcoming Melbourne Test due to a lingering back injury, saying he would reassess his fitness before the final matches. His possible absence could open opportunities for Australia’s pace reserves.

The remaining two Tests will determine whether England can salvage pride or if Australia will achieve a clean sweep. Both teams now face strategic decisions regarding player rotation and injury management ahead of the next fixtures.

Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team clinched the 2025 Youth Asia Cup title with a commanding 191-run victory over India in Dubai. Batting first at the ICC Academy Ground, Pakistan posted a massive 347 for eight, powered by opener Samir Minhas’s stunning 172 off 113 balls, featuring 17 fours and nine sixes. Ahmed Hossain added 56, while Usman Khan contributed 35, setting India a daunting target.

In reply, India’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure, managing only 156 runs in 26.2 overs. Dipesh Devendran top-scored with 36, as Pakistan’s bowlers dominated — Ali Raza took four wickets, while Mohammad Sayem, Abdul Subhan, and Huzaifa Ahsan claimed two each. The victory marked Pakistan’s second Youth Asia Cup triumph, following their shared title with India in 2012.

Samir Minhas was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series for his outstanding performance. The result reinforces Pakistan’s growing strength in youth cricket and sets the tone for the next generation of international players from the region.

Real Madrid returned to winning form in La Liga with a 2–0 victory over Sevilla, led by goals from Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé. The French forward’s late penalty not only sealed the win but also allowed him to equal Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record of 59 goals in a calendar year. The result brought Madrid to 42 points from 18 matches, just one point behind league leaders Barcelona, who have played one game fewer.

Mbappé’s goal-scoring consistency continues to define Real’s season, with 18 goals in 18 league matches making him La Liga’s top scorer. His celebration mirrored Ronaldo’s signature gesture, symbolizing both respect and rivalry with the Portuguese legend. Sevilla, meanwhile, remain in ninth place with 20 points from 17 matches.

The win strengthens Madrid’s title challenge as the season approaches its midpoint. With Mbappé and Bellingham in top form, Carlo Ancelotti’s side appears poised to maintain pressure on Barcelona in the coming fixtures.

Australia sealed the 2025 Ashes series with a commanding 82-run victory over England in Adelaide, taking an unassailable 3–0 lead with two matches remaining. Pat Cummins’ side wrapped up the contest on the fifth day, dismissing England’s final hopes early in the morning session. The win marked Australia’s first home Ashes triumph in record time — the series concluded within just 11 days, the second-fastest in Ashes history.

Travis Head’s 170 and Alex Carey’s consistent batting, including a century in the first innings, powered Australia’s dominance. Cummins reached his 150th Test wicket as captain, while Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon contributed key breakthroughs. England’s “Bazball” approach under Brendon McCullum faltered again, with Zak Crawley’s 85 and Jamie Smith’s 60 proving insufficient.

The defeat extends England’s 14-year wait for an Ashes win in Australia, last achieved in 2010–11. With two Tests left, Cummins’ men now eye a 5–0 whitewash, while England face growing scrutiny over their aggressive strategy and inconsistent batting lineup.