The Bangladesh Under-19 cricket team began their ICC Under-19 World Cup mission on Friday with an intense camp at the BKSP to prepare them for the mega event starting on February 8 in Dubai.
The team is looking to step up and showcase their talent, leaving behind the dismal performance last month at the Asia Cup, where they were eliminated in the group stage.
The youth team began their preparation with a home series against Sri Lanka early last year before playing several tournaments and bilateral series, with their focus firmly on the upcoming showcase event.
‘I think it is time to deliver,’ skipper Mehedi Hasan told reporters at the BCB National Academy premises before leaving for the camp.
‘We have been preparing for a long time with this tournament in mind, and now all our effort will go in vain if we don’t perform there.’
The skipper was optimistic about his team’s chances given their recent experience in Dubai.
‘I think the Asia Cup experience will definitely help as we have the experience of playing over there,’ said Mehedi.
‘We fared badly, but it was an education as well,’ he added.
A change in the team management was made by Bangladesh Cricket Board, who decided to replace Australian coach Richard McInnes with Mizanur Rahman.
Bangladesh will begin their campaign against Afghanistan on February 15.
-With New Age input
