The much talked about Under19 World Cup Cricket tournament in cricket frenzied Bangladesh is set to take off from tomorrow. 48 matches to be played across eight venues of four cities Dhaka ,Chittagong ,Sylhet and Cox’s bazar from 27 January to 14 February. Citing security concerns Australia pulled out from the tournament much to the frustrations of the host Bangladesh which in the past very successfully organized several bilateral and international world tournaments. The intensive security arrangement of host Bangladesh is well up to the satisfaction of ICC. They were prompt in announcing the participation of Ireland in place of absentee Australia. ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup is a perfect platform for the overall development of young cricketers from all over the world. Absence of Australia will no doubt affect the competitiveness a little as Aussie teens could be one of the leading competitors for the championship race.
The following 16 teams in four groups will play in the preliminary round.
Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand,Pakistan,,South Africa,Sri Lanka,West Indies,Zimbabwe,Afghanistan,Namibia,Canada,Fiji,Scotland,Nepal and Ireland
Host Bangladesh is grouped with reigning Champion South Africa, Scotland and Namibia
This is the second time Bangladesh is hosting U-19 world cup. The previous world cup was held in Dubai. The biggest setback for the tournament is that Australia have withdrawn their name from the world cup owing to security reasons. Australia has proved to be the favorite team and certainly a very tough competition for other teams as well. In place of Australia , Ireland U-19 team is included in the tournament.
Host Bangladesh has never played in the final round so far .But this time along with India, Pakistan and reigning champion South Africa are considered favorites. Bangladesh teenagers in recent time won series against Sri Lanka and then against South Africa both in Bangladesh and South Africa. Though it finished runners up to India in its recent tour but at home tiger teens are proving very strong. They white washed West Indies and then went on rolling over Zimbabwe and England in warm up matches.
Captain all rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraj leading the team second time in world tournament is a world class batsman and more than useful spinner. The vice captain Nazmul Hasan Shanto is another key player a very dependable top order batsman .There other players Saeed Sarker , opening batsman Joyraz Sheikh and Wicket keeper Zakir Hasan are the other three players who played in the last world cup. Among the new players Saif Hasan and Sanjit Saha are believed to attract limelight in the tournament.
The very strong bowling attack will be manned by quality spinners Saleh Ahmed Shawon and Saha, along with pacer Abdul Halim and left-arm quick Mehedi Hasan Rana
Bangladesh Under-19 squad:
Mehedi Hassan Miraz (capt), Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Joyraj Sheik, Pinak Ghosh, Saif Hassan, Zakir Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Shafiul Hayat, Saeed Sarkar, Mehedi Hasan Rana, Abdul Halim, Sanjit Saha, Saleh Ahmed Shawon, Ariful Islam, Jaker Ali
In Bangladesh South Africa, New Zealand, England or West Indies are not expected to challenge the South Asian teams. Home teams must take one match at a time and create winning momentum. The first match is very important as Bangladesh starts its campaign against reigning champion South Africa. Wins against South Africa in recent times must give them enough confidence. Bangladesh must set its target for qualifying in the final round and then take it from there. India and Pakistan may be more difficult opposition. However, high expectations must not burden the young shoulders .We Bangladesh must let them play stress free and enjoy. They definitely have the potential for glorifying Bangladesh in the moth of glorious language movement.
BDST: 0914 HRS, JAN 26, 2015
AKA
