NEW DELHI: Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s innings in the Under-19 Asia Cup 2024 final was cut short as Bangladesh executed their plans against the swashbuckling batter to perfection. Suryavanshi failed to fire on the big day, managing just 9 runs in the title clash. Bangladesh’s seam-bowling all-rounder Rizan Hossan, who was part of last year’s victorious campaign, remains confident that his team has enough firepower to stop the devastating youngster.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The 14-year-old from Bihar has been in ominous form. He recently smashed a breathtaking century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, becoming the youngest player in the tournament’s history to score a hundred. Playing against Maharashtra at Eden Gardens, the left-hander hammered an unbeaten 108 off just 61 balls, an innings laced with seven fours and as many sixes.
"Why not? (On stopping Suryavanshi). We have star players in the side. Every single player in the side is a match-winner. We all backed each other in every moment last year, and that's why we went on to win the title. I am confident Bangladesh will win their second title on the trot this year," Hossan said.
"Suryavanshi is a star cricketer. We have seen his performances in recent times. He is in brilliant form. But we have players who can stop him. We just want to go to the middle and perform our best. Last year's celebration is still alive for all of us. We still feel that moment. But that is the past now. This is a fresh journey and I am confident that Bangladesh will come with flying colours," he said.
In the final, India, riding on a stupendous bowling display from Yudhajit Guha (2/29), Chetan Sharma (2/48) and Hardik Raj (2/41), bowled out Bangladesh for 198 in 49.1 overs.
However, in reply, India crumbled in the low-scoring contest, being dismissed for 139 in 35.2 overs to lose the title clash by 59 runs.
"I am confident Bangladesh will reach the final. The only team we want to face in the final is India, and we want to beat them again," Hossan said.
Though their meeting with India is scheduled for the later stages of the competition, Bangladesh will first face Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal in their Group B matches.
Hossan’s cricketing journey began in Tangail district.
He represented his district, then moved up to the divisional level, followed by the Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 teams. He is now part of Bangladesh’s Under-19 setup.
"I admire Ben Stokes. I love his aggression and his game-changing skills with both bat and ball. The ultimate dream is to play for the senior team," Hossan, who scored 47 runs and claimed one wicket in Bangladesh's title win last year, said.
Bangladesh will start their campaign against Afghanistan at Dubai’s ICC Academy Ground on Saturday.
(Watch ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 on Sony Sports Network)
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