Time for the young guns to fire

When Bangladesh will go into the semifinal of the Champions Trophy at Edgbaston on June 15 they will desperately need the junior members of the team to come to the party if they are to take their dream to the next level.

Bangladesh's passage to the semifinal has so far been on the back of a collective contribution of the experienced players. Opener Tamim Iqbal hit a majestic century and followed it up with an incredible 95 in the first two games of the tournament. Mushfiqur Rahim hit a fantastic fifty against England. Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudulah Riyad struck magnificent hundreds in an amazing 224-run fifth-wicket stand in that seminal victory against New Zealand.

But both the two young top-order batsmen -- Soumya Sarkar and Sabbir Rahman have so far lived up to their reputation. Soumya has scored 3, 3, 28 and 0 in his last four innings. The young left-handed opener has been struggling to cope with the seam bowling in these conditions. He could have been out on a number of occasions before being adjudged leg-before off Tim Southee in the last game, where Bangladesh lost their first four wickets for 33 runs.

Sabbir has also failed to prosper, first lower down the order and then at his usual number three position in the last game. His last four innings were almost a telephone number with 8, 8, 24 and 0. Although his 24 against England could be considered a good effort since he could bat only a few overs, he has also struggled against the new-ball like Soumya.

Among the bowlers Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Rubel Hossain bowled well. Rubel has so far been outstanding. But the biggest disappointment in the tournament has so far has been young left-arm pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman. With his cutters not effective in these condition where the ball does not grip that much, he has failed to make any impact. In the three games he has taken only one wicket and conceded 129 runs in 23 overs. It was very expensive considering the lofty standards he set when he arrived on the big stage.

However, skipper Mashrafe defended his young brigade and said that this was something that his young pace bowler should accept and adjust to.

“This trip is a learning curve for all the young members of the team. This conditions are new for them. I want them to enjoy and learn as much as possible so that when they return here in two years' time for the World Cup they are well equipped to deliver,” said the inspirational Tigers captain.

He also said that he was against putting the young players into any undue pressure going into the semifinal, where a collective performance would be very important if Bangladesh are to win the game.

Young pace bowler Taskin Ahmed also talked to reporters before boarding the team bus.

“As young members of the team we are very excited. I'm more excited because when we came here I said that we will make it to the semifinals. And by the grace of the almighty we will also make it to the final. I'm ready to give my best if I get an opportunity to play the next game,” said a beaming Taskin, who played the New Zealand game and claimed two wickets.