Bangladesh have always produced exciting cricketers without a doubt, but the country remain without any global success as far as the trophy cabinet of the youth team is concerned. For the second time, after 2004, the biggest stage for the youths are set to roll in Bangladesh as the ICC Under-19 World Cup with the participation of 16 nations will begin tomorrow in the port city Chittagong. With the positive wave in cricket at its peak in Bangladesh, the home side are considered as a strong contender for the trophy. The Young Tigers will be oozing with confidence as they raise the curtain of the global event against South Africa tomorrow. Here Mazhar Uddin picks three cricketers from the Bangladesh U-19 team who are potential talents for the future and are expected to create the difference in the upcoming tournament.
Mehedi Hasan Miraz
One of the most experienced player in the Bangladesh line-up Mehedi Hasan Miraz will lead the hosts in the global event. The 18-year-old is amongst the five cricketers retained from the previous World Cup in UAE, 2014, and his contributions usually make an enormous difference.
A genuine all-rounder, Mehedi is a middle-order batsman and bowls effective off-spin. He is rated as the next Shakib al Hasan for his similarities of bowling spin and batting with authority.
Hailing from Khulna, Mehedi has been a consistent performer all around in the age-level tournaments and has also showed a glimpse of his ability in the domestic arena recently.
Last 10 U19 matches
Batting: Right-handed
Bowling: Right-arm off-break
Runs: 216
Wkts: 14
BBI: 3-12 v England U19
Nazmul Hossain Shanto
Another retained player from the previous World Cup, left-handed Nazmul Hossain Shanto can be termed as the ‘new generation’ top-order batsman who has an array of stroke-play up his sleeves.
The 17-year-old Rajshahi-born youngster possesses the ability to play long innings while making it look easy when he shifts gear and starts clobbering the ball to all corners.
His contribution at the top will make it easier for Pinak Ghosh, Joyraj Sheikh and Saif Hasan to just play along and take their side to safety.
Shanto’s ultimate goal is to play for the senior Tigers and this atge remains a big test for the youngster.
Last 10 U19 matches
Batting: Left-handed
Bowling: Right-arm fast
Runs: 431
Avg: 61.57
HS: 102 v Zimbabwe U19
Saleh Ahmed Shawon Gazi
Bangladesh’s biggest strength in the tournament is their spin department and when an opponent will sit for identifying threats, Shawon Gazi will be a must name they will look to defuse. He holds the ability to bowl economical spells and will be a headache for any opponent with his wicket-taking quality.
The18-year-old left-arm spinner from Patuakhali has no blood relation with national cricketer Sohag Gazi, but is a big fan of the off-spinner who also belongs to the same region. Shawon, however, idolizes the brave-heart Mashrafe bin Mortaza and eyes to be the second cricketer from Patuakhali to represent Bangladesh national team in future. Much of that will depend on his exhibition in the next one month.
Last 10 U19 matches
Batting: Left-handed
Bowling: Slow left-arm orthodox
Wkts: 21
BBI: 6-10 v Afghanistan U19
Source: Dhaka Tribune