BanglaCricket Article

Perennial underachievers, the junior Tigers enter this edition of the Youth World Cup with perhaps the lowest level of expectation in the past several years. While it's almost universally accepted that the 2006 squad featuring Test regulars like Shakib al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, and Mushfiqur Rahim was our strongest, the relative modesty of the current bunch might provide the perfect medium for an inspiring performance. Inexperience might explain the apparent weakness of this side: almost half the squad has made their U19 debuts this year. 

 

While previous star-studded Bangladesh teams blew most of their opponents away with top performances from its big names, the current bunch rely more on team effort. With back to back matches against Sri Lanka and South Africa, the young cubs have their work cut out for them. South Africa have a very strong side and Sri Lanka recently beat Bangladesh comfortably in an Asia Cup fixture a few weeks ago. The following is a list of the squad and what to look out for.

 

Mohammad Anamul Haque (RHB, WK, captain)

Probably Bangladesh's finest batting prospect, young Bijoy has already earned an unofficial national cap in the recent T20 series in Zimbabwe. Though he had disappointing returns, his consistent output at every other level indicates that he is a fine talent in the classical mold who prefers to get set before going after the bowling. Despite opening in nearly all formats, from the practice games so far, it appears as though he will be slotted in at the # 3 position, a position to which he seems to be naturally inclined.

 

Youth ODI stats (Avg: 31.00, SR: 78.89, 7 50s, 1 100)

List A stats (Avg: 16.28, SR: 74.26, 1 50)

 

Nurul Hasan (RHB, vice-captain)

Listed as an all-rounder, Nurul seems to be player underperforming with the bat. As an automatic pick, he must provide more when called upon, if Bangladesh are to perform at optimal strength. 

 

Youth ODI stats (Avg: 17.83, SR: 74.04)

List A stats (Avg: 14.33, SR: 69.35)

 

 

 

 

Soumya Sarkar (LHB)

Soumya is one of the best prospects from the 2012 class. He was consistent in the home series against England, and single handedly destroyed Qatar with an innings of 209 in the last Asia Cup. His will be a key wicket for the opposition. 

Youth ODI stats (Avg: 28.55, SR: 76.94, 1 50)

List A stats (Avg: 6.50, SR: 100.00)

 

Liton Kumar Das (RHB, WK)

Has only appeared in 3 matches at U-19 level, but has been impressive. Opening with Soumya, Das could provide solidity for Bangladesh's top order. 

Youth ODI stats (Avg: 34.00, SR: 63.35, 1 50)

List A stats (yet to debut)

 

Asif Ahmed (RHB, OB)

Ratul can be an explosive scorer when he gets going. Although he has little problem making vital contributions, he seems to be having trouble cracking really big scores. However, his strokeplay lends hope in his ability to boost our total if he carries his bat till the end. He can also bowl some tidy off spin as a more than useful part-timer. 

Youth ODI stats (Avg: 25.36, SR: 69.05, 2 50s, Wkt: 7, Avg: 31.14, Econ: 4.24)

List A stats (Avg: 26.42, SR: 80.08, Wkt: 8, Avg: 33.87, Econ: 5.21)

 

Mosaddek Hossain (RHB, OB)

The 16 year old has already proven that he is the bedrock of this middle order with his impressive average and solid strike rate. Along with Soumya, he was Bangladesh's leading run scorer during England's tour last winter. He is also a very capable spin bowler, and can be counted on to stem the flow of runs as well as make crucial breakthroughs. He may not have the big name as Anamul or Asif, but he may be the single most important player on this team. 

Youth ODI stats (Avg: 54.00, SR: 81.61, 3 50s, Wkt: 8, Avg: 26.75, Econ: 4.68)

List A stats (yet to debut)

 

Mohammad Al-Amin (RHB, OB)

Not quite as good as Mosaddek, Al-Amin is still a very crucial member of the side and one who has, in the past, taken Bangladesh to solid totals. He is yet another off break option for his skipper and as such might even challenge Noor Hossain as the leading spinner in the side. 

Youth ODI stats (Avg: 29.28, SR: 81.34, 2 50s, Wkt: 9, Avg: 21.22, Econ: 3.47)

List A stats (yet to debut)

 

Salman Hossain (RHB)

His performance at this level hasn't been as good as he would have hoped for, but there is no better time than the World Cup to make amends. That being said, on performance alone, he deserves to warm the bench for the first couple of matches. 

Youth ODI stats (Avg: 24.50, SR: 58.50, 2 50s)

List A stats (yet to debut)

 

Taskin Ahmed (RFM)

He will be the spear-head of the attack, and despite making limited appearances, seems to be a genuine prospect. He has a aesthetically pleasing action, and with his natural pace and height could be a handful on Australian wickets. He might be a bit wayward, but his solid strike rate of 31 means he can be counted on to take wickets up front.

Youth ODI stats (Wkt: 5, Avg: 29.80, Econ: 5.73)

List A stats (Wkt: 1, Avg: 31.00, Econ: 7.75)

 

Abu Haider (LFM)

At 16, he just tips Mosaddek as the youngest fella in this squad. He could be a really special bowler for us. A left arm seamer is always rare in Bangladesh and if he gets in the right rhythm he could be a destructive force. He will always be remembered for being the guy took 9-16 against Qatar to bowl them out for just 35.

Youth ODI stats (Wkt:0, Avg: N/A, Econ: 5.20)

List A stats (yet to debut)

 

Dewan Sabbir (RFM)

He has been a solid bowler thus far and also performed well in the last match against Sri Lanka. He will likely share the new ball with Taskin, being the most experienced amongst the pace attack, albeit not by many matches. His big hitting at the death will also be crucial if Bangladesh wish to progress out of the group stage.

Youth ODI stats (Wkt: 6, Avg: 26.66, Econ: 4.70)

List A stats (yet to debut)

 

Abu Jayed (RMF)

Has tended to be expensive in the few matches he's played, going for a combined 0-72 from just 11 overs in two innings against England this year. He will likely only provide injury cover if one of the three frontline quicks goes down. 

Youth ODI stats (Wkt: 0, Avg: N/A, Econ: 6.55)

List A stats (Wkt: 1, Avg: 30.00, Econ: 4.28) 

 

Mohammad Noor Hossain (LB)

It's rare for Bangladesh to produce much in the spin department apart from an endless supply line of left arm spinners. In this context, finding a talented leggie is very exciting. As with most wrist-spinners, Munna can be expensive and this tournament provides the best chance for him to redeem himself after a poor performance against Afghanistan that may have very well cost his team the match. Bangladesh will count on his vast experience in the crucial middle overs. 

Youth ODI stats (Wkt: 37, Avg: 21.51, Econ: 4.03)

List A stats (Wkt: 26, Avg: 30.00, Econ: 5.00)

 

Nasum Ahmed (SLA)

No Bangladeshi squad is complete without an SLA and for this trip we've made sure to pack a couple of them. Nasum has solid stats and along with Noor, Naeem Jr, and Mosaddek, Bangladesh will have more than enough capable spinners to handle most conditions. 

Youth ODI stats (Wkt: 9, Avg: 24.66, Econ: 3.52)

List A stats (yet to debut)

 

Naeem Islam Jr (SLA)

Yet another SLA, Naeem Jr also has the backing of solid statistics behind him. One might question why so many spinners have been picked on a tour to Australia, but perhaps the answer speaks about the lack of quality seamers in the ranks. 

Youth ODI stats (Wkt: 8, Avg: 22.25, Econ: 3.51)

List A stats (yet to debut)