The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Visiting South African cricket team Monday played a friendly match with the orphan children of Sir Salimullah Orphanage, who were part of Warid Telecom team, at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

As a goodwill gesture, the South African team agreed to play the 10-over match against the combined team comprising the youngsters from Sir Salimullah Orphanage and staff of Warid Telecom.

Winning the toss, Warid team, led by Rezaul Hossain, DGM (Indirect Sales) of Warid Telecom, scored 94 for 5 with Razib Siddiqui top scoring 51 runs. In reply, Graeme Smith-led South Africa team reached 99 for the loss of eight wickets.

According to the rules agreed before the match, the South Africans were to score double the runs (189 runs) of their amateur opponents to earn a victory. As the visitors failed to reach the target, Warid team was later declared the winner.

Pacer Albie Morkel of South Africa and actor Monir Khan Shimul conducted the match.

After the match, Graeme Smith said this must remain as a sweet memory for the orphan children. "We are happy to be associated with the match."

Chief Executive Officer of Warid Telecom Muneer Farooqui handed over token souvenirs to both the captains. General Manager (HR & Admin) Mumtaz Ahmad Khan and Senior Manager (Marketing) Zeeshan Kingshuk Huq were present.

Warid Telecom organised the match on the sidelines of `Warid Cricket Series' to inspire the underprivileged kids to the game of cricket and give them some happy moments mingling with the South African cricket stars.

Meanwhile, both the Bangladesh and South African team returned to the capital from Chittagong on Monday morning after playing the 2nd test and the first ODI of the series in the port city.

National Men's Handball reaches semi-final stage

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh Rifles, Police, Ansar and Rajshahi DSA emerged group champions to reach the semi-finals of the Exim Bank 18th National Men's Handball Championship winning their respective matches at the Outer Stadium handball ground on Monday.

In the semis on Wednesday, Bangladesh Police will play Bangladesh Ansar at 3pm, while Bangladesh Rifles meet Rajshahi DSA at 4:10pm at the same venue.

Private satellite channel ATN Bangla will telecast live both the semi-final matches and also the final match on Thursday.

In the Monday's last group matches, Bangladesh Rifles crushed Faridpur DSA by 31-4 goals, Rajshahi DSA beat Dhaka DSA 27-20, Bangladesh Ansar defeated Chapainawabganj 34-18 and Bangladesh Police beat Chittagong 30-16 in the morning session.

In the afternoon session, Bangladesh Rifles outplayed Natore DSA 38-11, Bangladesh Ansar defeated Chittagong Metropolitan team 30-14, while Bangladesh Police beat Jessore DSA 37-11.