ICC U19 World Cup 2024: Two most recent champions the teams to watch in Group A

Bangladesh

Brimming with confidence following their triumph in the ACC U19 Asia Cup, Bangladesh will be looking to carry forward their momentum into the U19 Men’s CWC 2024.

In keeping with the overall progress of Bangladesh cricket over the past decade, their U19 team has mirrored this success, reaching the quarterfinals twice, making the semi-finals once, and securing the trophy once in the last four editions.

The pinnacle of their success came in the 2020 edition in South Africa, when they secured their maiden U19 World Cup, the first-ever ICC trophy won by Bangladesh, defeating India in a thrilling final.

In the upcoming tournament, the responsibility rests on the shoulders of Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby and his teammates to further the U19 team's commendable journey and build on the positive strides they have made in recent years.

Squad

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

Fixtures

20 January: v India, Bloemfontein
22 January: v Ireland, Bloemfontein
26 January: v USA, Bloemfontein

Watch out for

Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby

Following Bangladesh's tradition of producing left-hand batsmen and left-arm orthodox all-rounders, Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby has emerged as a standout performer with both bat and ball in the past year. In a total of 20 matches, Rabby showcased his skills by scoring 367 runs and claiming an impressive 32 wickets.

Leading Bangladesh to triumph in the U19 Asia Cup, Rabby not only captained effectively but also ended as the second-highest wicket-taker (9 wickets) for the team.

His noteworthy performances have garnered attention, leading to his recent debut in List A cricket during the Bangladesh Cricket League One-Day competition. 

What they said

Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby, Bangladesh captain: “We will go there to win the World Cup. Bangladesh has done that before and there is no reason why we can't carry the momentum from the Asia Cup to South Africa.”