DHAKA, September 2, 2019 (BSS) – Bangladesh Under-19 team, led by Akbar Ali, left the country for Colombo to take part in the Asia Cup with an aim to keeping their good work in the U19 tri-nation series in England.
Bangladesh became runners-up in that tri-nation, that also involved hosts England, after losing the final to India.
But in four matches in group phase, the result between Bangladesh and India was locked at 1-1 with the rest of the two matches being washed out. Bangladesh beat England thrice while the other match was rained off in group phase.
However the skipper Akbar Ali said that they are taking inspiration from their just concluded England tour as they left the country for the Asia, starting on September 5-14 in Sri Lanka.
”It was a special achievement to defeat India and England in England. We can use that this experience in Asia Cup, in the next series and even in the World Cup too,” Akbar said here on Monday.
“We just lost the final in England series. Except that final we played well in the tournament. We went to the final leading the table but we lost in the final. We had a very successful tour in batting, bowling and fielding,” he said.
He added that they are well aware that spin will be vital in Sri Lanka.
”Of course Sri Lanka we will face a different condition. We might have a spin wicket there. We have worked on our spin for Asia Cup. I hope who will get their chance, can show their potential,” he said keeping his confidence on the spin trio of Rakibul-Siyam and Mijanur.
Towhid Hridoy, who was the second highest scorer in the tournament making 320 runs that includes an unbeaten century and two half century with a staggering average of 80 runs also echoed the same sentiment.
England series was a very good. We could not achieve our goals as we lost in the final to India. It was a disappointing final for us. If we could have won the final than it would have been better,” said Towhid.
”It was a tough condition for us. We played there. I personally feel Sri Lanka series will be much easier than England,” he said.
”Every cricketer batted and bowled well in England and we are pretty confident. I believe we could use these experiences in Asia Cup,” he said.
”My first target is to get settle in the wicket in Sri Lanka. I have heard from big brother if u get settled in wicket its gets easier to bat. Then it will be lot of fun in batting. If I can settle in the wicket than I will have opportunity to score heavily,” he concluded.
Squad: Tanzid Hasan Tanim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Anik Sarker, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Towhid Hridoy (vice-captain), Shamim Hossain, Shahadat Hossain, Akbar Ali (captain), Rakibul Hasan, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury Nipun, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shahin Alom, Minhazur Rahman, Ashraful Islam Siam.
Stand By: Hasan Murad, Amite Hasan, Avishek Das, Rishad Hossain, Prantik Nawrose Nabil.