With the aim of qualifying for the Super Eights of the ongoing ICC Under-19 World Cup, hosts Bangladesh will take on Scotland today in a Group A encounter at the Sheikh Kamal International Cricket stadium.
The junior Tigers made a flying start to the tournament, winning their opening game against defending champions South Africa. Scotland, in contrast, should be a much weaker opponent but the home side are in no mood to take any team lightly.
In the previous 10 editions, Bangladesh only managed to qualify for the quarter-finals twice. This time however, expectations are sky-high given that Bangladesh are hosting the tournament. The fans therefore, are unlikely to settle for anything else other than a title win.
The Bangladesh team management is likely to keep their winning combination intact. However, there are slight concerns with regards to the inclusion of right-arm spinner Sanjit Saha. The 18-year old was reported for a suspect bowling action by the International Cricket Council following the tournament opener against the junior Proteas.
A report on Sanjit’s action was due yesterday night which would determine his availability in the remainder of the tournament. No report though was circulated on Sanjit when this article was filed.
Left-arm spinner Ariful Islam Jony is the most likely replacement if Sanjit’s bowling action is found to be illegal.
Scotland on the other hand must win if they are to keep alive their hopes of progressing to the Super Eights. They lost their opening match against Namibia and the clash against the home side is likely to be a much tougher one for the Scottish youngsters.
