DHAKA: If anyone in Bangladesh was asked who he/she would have preferred as opponent at the very important semi-final match of ICC Under-19 World Cup 2016, we are sure about 90 percent would have said West Indies.

They have stormed into the semi-final sweeping away the Pakistan Under-19s in one sided quarter-final match on Monday (February 08).

Caribbean scrapped into the quarter-final through a controversial last ball win in their last group match against Zimbabwe. Caribbean youths were comprehensively whitewashed by host Bangladesh few days before the tournament got going. Psychologically that advantage puts Bangladesh ahead in the semi-final.

But cricket is a funny game, especially, in limited over’s gamble international teams can turn around and spring surprises. Hosts need to produce their “A” game to get across the Caribbean sea.

On the sub-continental wickets the south Asian teams enjoy some territorial advantage as they are better suited to the slow low turning tracks. But ICC global tournaments have wickets prepared by curators engaged by ICC.

The wickets   on which the Under-19 World Cup is being played are mostly sporting. West Indies possess three top quality pacers. The few weeks stay in Bangladesh has given them more time than any visiting teams adjusting with Bangladesh condition. They have feel of the wickets and better understanding of the condition. They will be expected to give much stronger challenges to the hosts.

Though the young tigers know every member of the visiting team yet they have to play out of their skins and produce the best to get the better out of their own. There would be no room of complacency. Bangladesh must consider the match as the final and leave nothing unturned.

Three south Asian teams -- Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka -- are in the top four. West Indies is the only non-Asian team reaching the crunch stage. Quality pace attack has given them distinct advantage. If these Caribbean pacers get the opportunity for bowling first they will definitely test Bangladesh top order. But at the same time West Indian batting especially against quality spin appears thin. Hence, the toss will be very crucial.

There may be suggestions for opting to field even after winning the toss. But we have strong feelings that batting first will still be the right choice. Bangladeshi openers should weather the early challenge of Caribbean pacers to let their very strong quality middle order put up at least 250 plus target for the visitors. Very strong Bangladesh bowling a good blend of pace and spin can defend that score.

We hope that one of the top three Saif Hasan, Pinak Ghosh and Joyraz Sheik must stay at the wicket laying a solid foundation for talented Shanto, Miraz and Zakir to build thereupon. West Indian pacer will bowl at pace and move. The first 10 overs must be negotiated carefully without taking undue risks. Pakistani youths were threatened by barrage of short lifting deliveries. Bangladesh must target playing out the first 10 overs with minimum damage.

Josef and Holder are fast and furious. If they can be deprived of early wickets they may lose focus. But if they get early taste of blood they may create avalanche.

In all four matches that Tiger juniors played either Shanto or Miraz had to bail them out. Zakir produced a great innings in the quarter-final against Nepal. A big innings from Pinak and Joyraz is very much expected. Shanto and Miraz have already demonstrated their skills and temperament. They are cool customers. But Bangladesh fans would expect that Shanto and Miraz can play in a better situation of playing their normal aggressive strokes.

West Indian spin attack is not that great to bother Bangladesh middle order. If Bangladesh does not loose too many wickets in the first 20 overs we find no reason why they must not score 250 plus if batting first or chase anything below 250. It is the semi-final in a major global tournament. Bangladesh will be playing for the first time. So there will be nerves.

Bangladesh has very high quality spin attack. Miraz is already an international quality all-rounder. Good batsman and very good off-spinner. Shawon, Arif and Saeed are also quality spinners. They can keep the West Indian batsmen under leash.

West Indies have so far relied heavily on their bowling and superior fielding strength to get this far. Their batsmen looked very ordinary against quality Bangladesh bowling in the bilateral series. Having said that, Bangladesh must not take things for guaranteed. They have to put their best to get across Caribbean barrier.

If Bangladesh wins and goes into the final they will have more than even chance of winning the title. If that happens that will be a precious gift to the nation in the month of glory for Bangladeshi nation.

We, however, can not say West Indies are easier opponents than Pakistan in the semi-final especially the manner they rolled over the Pakistan youths.

BDST: 1041 HRS, FEB 09, 2016
SR