Youths exude confidence

Bangladesh youth team leaves for the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo today with a pronounced intention of making a bigger impact than they did in South Africa when the World Youth Cricket Championship begins in the emerald islands from January 10.

After pushing their way into the spotlight in South Africa two years ago, where they lifted the Plate title and defeated eventual champions England, the youngsters of Bangladesh appeared confident to cross the first round barrier and play in the elite eight-team super league, a feat they have never achieved.

"The success in South Africa was certainly a big achievement for us. But this time around we are keen to better our performance. We finished ninth in South Africa but now we are looking forward to playing in the Super League if not going all the way to win the trophy", said the coach of the team Dipu Rai Chowdhury while talking to this reporter at the BKSP yesterday.

Placed in Group B of the sixteen-nation meet, which includes youth teams from all the nine Test-playing countries, Bangladesh will play their first match against India on January 12.

Bangladesh, who made it to the finals as winners of the Asian youth championships in Singapore last year, will play their second match against New Zealand on January 14. Bangladesh take on Holland in their last league match on January 18. Top two finishers from the four groups will advance into the Super league while the remaining eight will fight it out for the consolation Plate title.

It is however a tough group fixture for Bangladesh where India are tipped as favourites. But Dipu feels that in an age group tournament the strength of the participating teams do not vary to the extent it does at the senior level.

"We are mentally tough enough to play against any opponent. I think that would be the motivating factor for us," said Dipu.

Terming his side as an extremely talented one, the former national left-arm seamer said that batting would be the real strength of his team. Dipu however admitted that experience could be the vital ingredient missing in the team apart from the lack of match practice. The coach preferred to look on the positive side.

"This is true that we are not carrying experienced and over aged players like Al-Shahriar and Mehrab Hossain this time. I think this is a significant step and a victory for the team", Dipu claimed.

Bangladesh over the years have earned the dubious distinction of fielding over-aged players in age-limit competitions. This is for the first time the BCB is sending a genuine youth team.

Apart from skipper Hannan Sarker, the squad doesn't have any player who made the trip to South Africa two years ago.

Hannan, who played for Abahani last year, admitted that the present team will certainly miss the services of seasoned cricketers like Al-Shahriar and Mehrab, but looked determined to face the challenge.

"The presence of Al-Shahriar and Mehrab in South Africa was a great help for us. We will definitely miss their experience. But I think this is a more talented side then the previous one", said Hannan.

Replying to a query Hannan said that the wickets in Sri Lanka wound be more conducive for his team then the fast and bouncy pitches in South Africa.

"The South African wicket suited teams like New Zealand last time around. But this time they will find it extremely difficult negotiating with the slow and turning wickets of the sub-continent", said Hannan while elaborating his teams chances of making it into the Super League.

" We are capable of defeating Holland. The toughest match for us in the first round should be against India", felt the Bangladesh captain.