Azizul Hakim Leads Bangladesh U19 WC Charge

Bangladesh have unveiled a battle-hardened squad for the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026 in Zimbabwe and Namibia, with Azizul Hakim named captain and Zawad Abrar as his deputy. This experienced lineup, announced by the Bangladesh Cricket Board on January 3, banks on domestic prowess and youth ODI form to challenge powerhouses. Facing India in their opener on January 17, the Tigers aim to build on their 2020 triumph and erase recent knockout heartbreaks. With prolific batsmen and wicket-taking pacers, Bangladesh signals serious intent in a high-stakes Group B.

Azizul Hakim brings substantial domestic experience, partnering with Zawad Abrar to amass over 1,000 runs in Youth ODIs since the last World Cup. Kalam Siddiki adds firepower with 857 runs in the same period, forming a top-order engine. The bowling spearhead features Iqbal Hossain (45 wickets) and Al Fahad (43 wickets), ideal for pace-friendly Zimbabwe pitches, backed by left-arm spinner Samiun Basir (29 wickets). This squad mirrors Bangladesh's 2020 champions, blending maturity with raw talent in a tournament where they've historically punched above weight.

Experience Fuels Bangladesh's U19 Ambitions

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The selection strategy emphasizes proven performers, with Azizul and Abrar's 1,000+ run haul underscoring batting depth—comparable to Shoriful Islam's leadership in the 2020 title win. Pacers Iqbal Hossain and Al Fahad's 88 combined wickets since 2024 eclipse many rivals, echoing Bangladesh's seam dominance in past youth events. In Group B alongside India, New Zealand, and USA, three teams advance to Super Sixes; this attack could exploit seaming conditions, much like their 2020 semi-final run.

Group B Battle and Tournament Stakes

Placed in a gauntlet Group B, Bangladesh must navigate India's batting might early, where a win could propel them to Super Sixes and semis. This squad's experience trumps youth squads like recent editions, potentially mirroring Ireland's 2024 upsets. Success here catapults players to senior pathways, vital for Bangladesh's rebuilding post-2020 highs and recent quarter-final exits.

"We've banked on experience and current form to select a strong squad." - Bangladesh Cricket Board official

Road to Glory in Zimbabwe-Namibia

Bangladesh departs Dhaka Sunday, targeting a deep run amid co-host dynamics. Watch Azizul Hakim's captaincy in the India clash—can this pace battery dismantle top orders? With standbys ready, flexibility abounds; fans should track this for future Tiger stars emerging in 2026's narrative.