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Under- 19s look to build on success

Sports Reporter
Bangladesh Under-19 team are looking not only to carry their impressive run of form into the tri-nation series in Sri Lanka but have also set a target of getting their batting in shape ahead of the World Cup.
The series, also invoking hosts Sri Lanka Under-19s and Pakistan Under-19s, is the last opportunity for preparation for the youth team ahead of the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand in January next year. Bangladesh have been drafted in a group along with Papua New Guinea, West Indies and Pakistan.
"I am satisfied with the progress of the team. We have achieved seventy percent and hope the rest will be achieved during the tri-nation compe-
tition. Our bowling and fielding is ok but still we have to maker some improvement in our batting, specially we need consistency in the middle order." opined head coach Minhazul Abedin before the departure of the team last night.
Bangladesh Under-19sgo into the tri-nation tournament on the back of four consecutive one-day series victories over Zimbabwe 5-0 (at home). England 5-2 (at home) and 2-1 (away) and Sri Lanka 4-1 (at home).
"I should say that our preparations for the World Cup is on right track. We have continued to gel as a unit. The team is more balanced right now. The key is to keep winning games which would put us in a vet)’ confident frame of mind when we play the World Cup. Nothing boosts confidence more, than winning." said captain Mahmudul Hasan while speaking at a press conference at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium inMirpuryesterday.
The all-rounder also believes that the tri-series gives them a chance to look into their World Cup opponents Pakistan. "We are in a tough group with two Test playing nations (Pakistan and the West Indies) and we also have Papua New Guinea. Pakistan, as we have heard are also in fine form and have recently defeated Zimbabwe 4 -1. In Sri Lanka, well get an idea about their strength which could be quite significant."
Question was raised whether too much cricket may backfire in the tournament proper as Bangladesh Under 19 teams have always performed well in the lead up to World Cups but have never made it to the last four in the main tournament, and some believe the reason is the
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fatigue from playing excessive number of matches while preparing.
"We have been very careful with our scheduling so that fatigue doesn't set in. You will notice that we are not playing too many games within a short period of time. The boys are getting sufficient rest," said team manager and age group selector Sajjad Ahmed.
He said that the boys will get enough break after the trination tournament as they are scheduled to fly for New Zealand on January 5.