Hosts Bangladesh are looking to undo their past mistakes and make their presence felt in the upcoming ICC Under-19 World Cup as the junior Tigers skipper Mehedi Hasan Miraz believes this is their best opportunity to make an impact in the global event.
Poor run-rate failed Bangladesh in reaching the second round of previous World Cup in UAE, but Miraz is hopeful of lifting the age-level glory this time at home.
“Ever since I was selected for the Bangladesh Under-19 side my dream was to win the title, but we never reached the semi-final of the tournament. But this time we have the home advantage and if we can play our best cricket it’s possible to get a positive result,” said Miraz yesterday.
The tournament will kick-off with the home side taking on defending champions South Africa on January 26, providing the youths enough practice time. As part of preparation they will also be playing a three-match series against West Indies this month before the two World Cup official warm-ups against Zimbabwe and England.
Miraz said his side’s experience in the last World Cup will keep them extra alert. “We have usually played good cricket in a series, and even if we lost a game there was a chance to make a comeback in the series. But small mistakes always let us down in World Cups. Like, we were quite sure of making it to the second round in the previous World Cup but unluckily we were left out after our defeat to Australia due to poor run-rate,” he added.
