As of December 8, 2024, the Bangladesh Under-19 and India Under-19 cricket teams are set to face each other in the final of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India’s U-19 captain, Mohammad Amaan, won the toss and elected to field first.
Recent Encounters:
- ICC Under-19 World Cup 2024 (January 20, 2024): India U-19 defeated Bangladesh U-19 by 84 runs. India posted 251/7 in their 50 overs, with Bangladesh being bowled out for 167 in 45.5 overs.
- ACC Under-19 Asia Cup 2023 (December 15, 2023): Bangladesh U-19 emerged victorious over India U-19 by 4 wickets in the semi-final. India was all out for 188, and Bangladesh chased down the target, scoring 189/6 in 42.5 overs.
Team Performances in the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup 2024:
- Bangladesh U-19:
- Defeated Afghanistan U-19 by 45 runs.
- Won against Nepal U-19 by 5 wickets.
- Narrow loss to Sri Lanka U-19 by 7 runs.
- Triumphed over Pakistan U-19 in the semi-final by 7 wickets.
- India U-19:
- Faced a loss to Pakistan U-19 by 43 runs.
- Achieved a commanding 211-run victory against Japan U-19.
- Secured a 10-wicket win over UAE U-19.
- Defeated Sri Lanka U-19 by 7 wickets in the semi-final.
Key Players to Watch:
- Bangladesh U-19:
- Azizul Hakim Tamim (Captain): Leading the team with strategic acumen.
- Rohanat Doullah Borson: A pivotal player in the batting lineup.
- India U-19:
- Mohammad Amaan (Captain): Steering the team with effective leadership.
- Musheer Khan: A key contributor with the ball.
Historical Context:
The rivalry between Bangladesh U-19 and India U-19 has been intense, with both teams showcasing exceptional talent in recent years. Their encounters often serve as a platform for emerging cricketers to make a mark on the international stage.
Upcoming Fixtures:
Following the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup, both teams will prepare for the ICC Under-19 World Cup scheduled for January 2025. These tournaments are crucial for player development and national team prospects.
Fans can anticipate a thrilling contest in the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup final, reflecting the future of cricket in both nations.
Bangladesh U-19 Team Details
Squad List:
- Azizul Hakim Tamim (Captain) – An aggressive opener and a dependable leader.
- Rohanat Doullah Borson – Key middle-order batsman with a knack for building partnerships.
- Mahmudul Hasan Joy – Versatile batsman, capable of anchoring innings.
- Jasim Uddin Joy – An attacking batsman, excels in pressure situations.
- Kazi Anik Islam – Reliable all-rounder with good medium-pace skills.
- Hasibul Hossain – Effective seamer with a strong death-bowling ability.
- Mohammad Ashraful Islam – Emerging spinner with a sharp turning delivery.
- Rifat Hossain – Explosive lower-order hitter and a handy spinner.
- Asif Mahmud – Wicketkeeper known for quick reflexes and sharp stumpings.
- Shahidul Karim – Talented bowler with good control in the powerplay.
- Tanvir Rahman – A young pacer, effective with new ball swings.
Strengths:
- Strong middle-order batting.
- Quality all-rounders providing depth in both departments.
- A balanced spin and pace attack.
India U-19 Team Details
Squad List:
- Mohammad Amaan (Captain) – A strategic leader with a calm temperament and consistent batting.
- Musheer Khan – Leading wicket-taker with his effective off-spin.
- Ranjan Das Gupta – Reliable batsman, known for his cover drives.
- Yash Sinha – Opening batsman with a strong strike rate.
- Priyam Garg – Middle-order batter who anchors the innings.
- Rohan Joshi – An aggressive all-rounder with batting and seam options.
- Kartik Tyagi – Fast bowler known for generating bounce and pace.
- Tanmay Saxena – Leg spinner with excellent googlies and accuracy.
- Abhinav Sharma – Lower-order power hitter and part-time off-spinner.
- Vivek Bhandari – Dependable wicketkeeper and sharp catcher.
- Anirudh Saxena – Emerging pacer with a knack for breakthroughs.
Strengths:
- Explosive top-order batting.
- Versatile bowling attack with options for all pitch conditions.
- Strong leadership under Mohammad Amaan.
Comparison and Insights
- Bangladesh U-19 has showcased consistency, with key contributions from all-rounders and bowlers under pressure. Their ability to handle crunch moments has been a standout feature.
- India U-19 boasts a power-packed batting lineup and versatile bowling attack, giving them the ability to adapt to varying match scenarios.
This final promises an exhilarating clash between the aggressive style of Bangladesh and the composed, dominant approach of India.
Historical Rivalry at the U-19 Level
- Bangladesh and India share a competitive rivalry at the U-19 level, producing some unforgettable matches.
- Bangladesh U-19 famously defeated India U-19 in the 2020 ICC U-19 World Cup final, securing their first-ever ICC trophy.
- In most recent encounters, India U-19 has had the upper hand, particularly in the ICC tournaments.
Key Battles to Watch
- Azizul Hakim Tamim vs. Kartik Tyagi:
- Tamim’s attacking play at the top vs. Tyagi’s pace and bounce will be a riveting contest.
- Rohanat Borson vs. Musheer Khan:
- The middle-order resilience of Borson against Musheer’s off-spin mastery could decide the middle overs.
- Mohammad Amaan vs. Hasibul Hossain:
- Amaan’s anchoring style might be tested by Hossain’s variations during the powerplay.
Pitch and Conditions
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
- Pitch Analysis:
- The Dubai pitch typically offers a balanced surface with something for both batsmen and bowlers.
- Spinners are likely to play a key role as the match progresses.
- Weather: Clear skies with no rain forecast, ensuring uninterrupted play.
Player Spotlight
- For Bangladesh U-19:
- Azizul Hakim Tamim: Known for his fearless approach in the powerplay.
- Shahidul Karim: A young bowler with a natural ability to pick wickets at crucial stages.
- For India U-19:
- Rohan Joshi: An impactful all-rounder who can turn the game with both bat and ball.
- Priyam Garg: The anchor in India’s batting lineup, ensuring stability.
Where to Watch
- Broadcast: Star Sports Network (India), GTV (Bangladesh)
- Live Streaming: Hotstar, Rabbitholebd (Bangladesh)
Fan Trivia
- India has won the ACC U-19 Asia Cup 8 times, while Bangladesh is still chasing their first title.
- The U-19 Asia Cup has been a breeding ground for future stars like Virat Kohli, Shakib Al Hasan, Rishabh Pant, and Mustafizur Rahman.
Final Thoughts:
This match isn’t just about a trophy; it’s a clash of emerging talents who might dominate international cricket in the years to come. Fans can expect passion, skill, and drama as these young players showcase their abilities on a big stage.