|| CF DESK ||

Bangladesh's U-19 team are ready for their upcoming challenge as they aim to become champions of the U-19 World Cup after their recent success in the Asia Cup win, as stated by selector Hannan Sarker.

Bangladesh team held a photo session at the Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) in Mirpur on Saturday ahead of the U-19 World Cup in South Africa.

Bangladesh are placed in Group A along with India, Ireland and the USA. Tigers will kick off with an opening match against India on January 20.

"Obviously we are hoping for a semifinal berth. Then a win in that knockout game will take us to the final. Two wins will make us champions. The target is always to become champions,” said selector Hannan Sarker.

U-19 captain Mahfuzur Rahman was optimistic for his side and believe they can achieve great results if they can stick together as a team.

“The bonding is very strong in the team, Alhamdulillah. We have been together for the last two years. Whatever we do, we do it together. Everyone respect each other. If this bond remains strong then we will surely great things,” said Mahfuzur.

The Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby-led side will face Sri Lanka and Australia on 14 and 17 January respectively in their World Cup warm-up matches before the main event.

Squad:

Ashiqur Rahman Shibli, Jishan Alam, Chowdhury Md Rizwan, Adil Bin Siddik, Mohammad Asrafuzzaman, Ariful Islam, Shihab James, Ahrar Amin (vc), Sheikh Parvez Jibon, Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby (c), Md Rafi Uzzaman Rafi, Rohanat Doullah Borson, Iqbal Hasan Emon, Wasi Siddiquee, Maruf Mridha

Stand by: Nayeem Ahmed, Md Rizan Hossan, Ashraful Hasan, Tanvir Ahammed, Akanto Sheikh