Tigers and Lions look back with satisfaction

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka players consider the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup as the best possible opportunity for cricketers to hone their skills as they approach senior-level cricket and advise them to grab every chance at the upcoming edition of the tournament, which showcases future stars every two years.
Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal, who played along with Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan, and pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman, whose batch included Mehedi Hasan and Mosaddek Hossain, take pride in their respective sides, which they feel competed well against the best.
Sri Lanka Test captain Dinesh Chandimal considers the U19 CWC a very important step towards the development of an international cricketer while Dimuth Karunaratne feels players can learn important tactics and how to win matches during this tournament.
Bangladesh players reflect on the U19 CWC:
Tamim Iqbal (played in 2006): “I remember England visited us just before the tournament. I think we beat them 5-0 and eventually we got beaten by them in the quarterfinals. That is a memory that I have, which is not a very nice one, but the team that we had during that Under-19 World Cup was probably one of the best that Bangladesh has ever produced.”
ALSO READ: SA and Zim players recall Under-19 World Cup
“We got all the facilities that the national team was getting in those days and we learnt a lot. My message to players is to play hard, play fair, it’s a fantastic tournament and the best part is that if you do well, the world will know.
Mustafizur Rahman (played in 2014): “Seven of us from the squad of 15 have so far represented the Bangladesh national team. It is always special to find someone from the 2014 Under-19 World Cup alongside me in the Bangladesh team. It means the investment and belief in us is paying off.
“Playing in the tournament possibly allowed me to fit in more comfortably when I made my international debut. My message to players is to be very proud because you are among the best youth players in your country. Play your natural game and enjoy the tournament.”
Sri Lanka players reflect on the U19 CWC:
Dinesh Chandimal (played in 2008): “It’s a really big thing growing up as a player – it’s a really big opportunity for them. It’s the turning point if you are becoming an international cricketer, I think that is the first stage, that is the starting time.
“My memory is of the time I was named man of the match against Australia. I scored only seven runs – I was keeping wickets and took seven catches, had one stumping and one run out. I was surprised that I got man of the match and I think that was the first time a wicketkeeper got the award in such a manner in the Under19 World Cup.”
Dimuth Karunaratne (played in 2006): “When you play the Under-19 World Cup, you learn a lot of things – how you play international cricket, how you play with different countries and in major tournaments. It’s a huge thing in your life and you learn your game-plans, pressure situations, how you win and lose.
“Most of the players who represent their countries play in the Under-19 World Cup. It’s a huge thing for your life – grab your opportunity, don’t think it is just another tournament – it is not easy but take the opportunity with both hands.”
Latest
-
News
Women’s snooker stars Reanne Evans and Ng On-yee offered professional tour cards
The agreement has been hailed as one of the most significant days in the history of women’s snooker.
-
News
What next for England following the Test series defeat to India?
The tourists head straight into the white-ball leg of the tour which begins this week.
-
News
Chris Silverwood admits Jofra Archer elbow problem may need long term management
The England fast bowler was unavailable for the second and fourth Tests of the series against India due to pain in his right elbow.
-
News
How England’s players rated in their Test series against India
See how the England players rated during the series defeat.
-
News
England storm to T20 series whitewash over New Zealand
Wicketkeeper Amy Jones completed three stumpings and Katherine Brunt took two for 19 in England’s 32-run victory.
-
News
Joe Root promises England will learn lessons from India rout
An innings defeat in Ahmedabad rounded off a 3-1 series loss.
-
News
India v England, day 3: Tourists left in a spin once again as series slips away
Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel continued their outright domination of England and helped seal a 3-1 series win.
-
News
England left to lick their wounds as India condemn them to another defeat
Joe Root’s men had no answers.
-
News
More woe for England as India’s spin twins push hosts towards series victory
Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel claimed three wickets each as the tourists slumped to 91 for six at tea.
-
News
England’s top order crumble once again as India take a firm grip on fourth Test
The tourists were reduced to 30 for four having conceded a first-innings lead of 160.