U-19s to face Afghan challenge

Bangladesh Under-19s' wait for international matches is finally set to end as Afghanistan Under-19s will arrive on September 25 to play five Youth ODIs against them at Sylhet and Mirpur.

The first four matches will take place at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (SICS) while the fifth and final match will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

The Bangladesh Under-19 team had a tremendous build-up to the last ICC Under-19 World Cup, which took place in Bangladesh in January 2016 and, under the leadership of Mehedi Hasan Miraz, the home side achieved their best result in the tournament by finishing third.

With another World Cup fast approaching, the Bangladesh Under-19s were lacking in international matches, which can provide valuable experience ahead of the looming challenge in New Zealand in January next year, although the youths have started their preparations for the mega event more than 10 months ago. The board also hired Australian Damien Wright to fill the position of head coach and nurture them.

The Bangladesh Under-19s will play against England, Namibia and Canada in the Group C matches of the World Cup which will start from January 13 next year.