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✈️ Mission Africa Begins
The Bangladesh Under-19 cricket team is all set to embark on a dual tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe as part of their preparations for the ICC U19 World Cup 2026.
The month-long tour includes:
✅ 3 Youth ODIs vs South Africa in Benoni
✅ Tri-Nation Series in Zimbabwe (vs Zimbabwe & Namibia)
✅ Up to 10 official matches under international conditions
📋 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗱 – 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 & 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹
| Role | Player(s) |
|---|---|
| Captain | Azizul Hakim Tamim |
| Vice-Captain | Zawad Abrar |
| Batsmen | Rizan Hossain, Kalam Siddiki Aleen, Emon |
| All-Rounders | Samiun Basir Ratul, Farjan Ahmed Alif, Shadhin Islam |
| Wicketkeepers | Rafi Uzzaman, Mohammad Abdullah |
| Pacers | Debashis Sarkar, Farid Hasan Faysal |
| Spinners | Sanjid Mojumder, Shariar Al Amin |
| Backups | Shahriar Ahmed, Shahriar Ajmir, Mohammad Sobuj, Farhan Shahriar |
💡 Key Insight: The squad mixes leadership experience with raw, explosive talent — ideal for adapting to bouncy South African tracks and spinning Zimbabwean pitches.
📊 Tour Schedule at a Glance
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| July 17 | 1st Youth ODI vs SA U19 | Benoni, SA |
| July 19 | 2nd Youth ODI vs SA U19 | Benoni, SA |
| July 22 | 3rd Youth ODI vs SA U19 | Benoni, SA |
| July 25–Aug 8 | Tri-Nation League (9 matches) | Harare, Zimbabwe |
| August 10 | Tri-Series Final | Harare, Zimbabwe |
📌 Warm-up matches begin mid-July before official fixtures start on July 17.
🔍 Players to Watch
⭐ Azizul Hakim Tamim – Captain
Calm-headed leader with a knack for stabilizing the innings at No. 3.
🔥 Farjan Ahmed Alif – X-Factor
Versatile all-rounder who can bowl tight overs and finish strong with the bat.
🎯 Debashis Sarkar – Lead Pacer
Sharp outswinger, key weapon in early overs against SA top-order.
🧠 Why This Tour Is Crucial
🏏 World Cup Prep: Builds core experience before 2026 ICC U19 WC
🌍 Foreign Conditions: Key exposure to bounce (SA) & turn (ZIM)
👀 Selection Filter: Last major assignment before WC squad finalization
🧾 Editor’s Take
Bangladesh U19 are entering a defining stretch. This tour is more than just practice — it’s a talent test under pressure. The Tigers have the tools. Now it’s time to find out who can roar when it matters most.
The road to the U19 World Cup starts in Africa — and the journey begins now. 🐅
