Bangladesh U-19 team flies to NZ first time after attack
Bangladesh Under-19 cricket team flew to Christchurch, New Zealand from Dhaka to play a bilateral series. This is the nation's first tour since their first team Test players narrowly escaped the deadly mosque attacks in Christchurch earlier this year. A 15-member squad left Dhaka to play five youth One-Day Internationals from September 29 onwards. Here are the details.
Earlier this year, the third Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh was cancelled after 51 people were killed when gunmen opened fire on two mosques in Christchurch. The shooting incident took place at the Al Noor mosque on Deans Avenue and Linwood Masjid. The Bangladesh cricket team narrowly avoided a shooting at a mosque in Christchurch and it left the players shocked.
"New Zealand gave us a formal guarantee, which we worked out and sent it to our government," said Bangladesh Cricket Board chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury.
Bangladesh Under-19 skipper Akbar Ali said the players were positive and focused. "I think everybody is thinking positively. I don't think anyone is concerned about security... There are five one-dayers in this series and everyone is thinking about how we can win it," Akbar said. Ahead of the series, there will be a warm-up match at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln on September 27.
Recently, Bangladesh youth Tigers played two big tournaments. They were involved in the tri-nation series in England and Youth Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. They finished runners-up after losing to India on both occasions. Even though the young team didn't lift any crown, the players managed to impress one and all by their recent performances.
