U-19s face tough task against hosts

The stern test of nerve awaits the Bangladesh Under-19s today as the young Tigers face hosts South Africa in the Super League quarter final of the ongoing ICC Under-19 World Cup at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom.

The young Tigers, who entered the mega event with high hopes, made their way to the last 16 by topping Group C. However, the young Tigers were lucky to have topped their group as rain saved their blushes during their last group encounter against Pakistan when Bangladesh were struggling on 106 for nine.

“It is going to be a challenging game [against South Africa]. We need to do well in both batting and bowling if we are to beat a decent side like South Africa. We batted poorly against Pakistan. We played some bad shots and we are trying to reduce the number of mistakes. We are focusing more on our batting and our aim in bowling is to bowl tightly in the first and final Powerplay,” said skipper Akbar ahead of the clash yesterday.

The young Tigers have a few injury concerns -- allrounder Mohammad Mrittunjoy Chowdhury has already been ruled out of the World Cup due to a labral tear of the left shoulder. He has been replaced by another allrounder SM Meherob Hasan. 

Akbar, however, did not seem very concerned about the injuries as the young skipper said that they would have to fight with whatever ammunition they have.

“We actually can’t do anything about injuries. We need to fight with whatever we have.”