Bangladesh’s U-19 cricket team returned home carrying more than just a trophy. After winning a one-day series in South Africa and a tri-nation tournament in Zimbabwe, the young side say their eyes are now firmly on the 2026 World Cup.
The final in Harare belonged to allrounder Rizan Hossain, who struck 95 and took five wickets for 34.
Captain Azizul Hakim Tamim didn’t hold back his praise.
“When we were struggling, Ratul won us two matches. That means a lot. And Rizan’s performance in the last match—when the team needed it most—was outstanding,” he said.
Tamim sees signs of growth in recent weeks. “Our middle-order batters like Abdullah and Rizan have been doing well. Alhamdulillah, overall it’s been a good team performance with contributions from everyone,” he said.
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The Under-19 World Cup will be held in January in Zimbabwe and Namibia. For Tamim, preparation is already in motion. “Everything is in Allah’s hands, but we’ve been working for a year now—mentally and physically—with the World Cup in mind,” he said.
The wins in Africa, he believes, are not the finish line. “It’s encouragement,” he said, “but the real work is still ahead.”