Bangladesh Under 19 captain Azizul Hakim Tamim believes his side’s sustained success, accumulated experience and growing squad depth can drive them toward a third straight Asia Cup title as they prepare to travel to Dubai with confidence and clarity.
The reigning back to back champions have not lost a bilateral series in recent months, a run Tamim sees as central to their belief. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, he said, “We are winning almost every series and the last few have been drawn. We have not lost a series. So we have belief that we will do something good, Inshallah.”
For Tamim, the most significant shift has been experience. The Under 19s have played an unusually heavy volume of cricket this year, something he feels has accelerated development across the group. “The change is experience,” he said. “We have played so many matches that I do not think any other team in the world has played as much. Everyone here is experienced. Jibon has joined the team too. In that sense, Inshallah something good will happen.”
The captain highlighted the benefit of multiple tough series and the presence of players who featured at the last Under 19 World Cup. “We have probably played more than 30 matches this year,” he said. “Our players have gained good experience. Two World Cup players, Emon and Jibon, are in the squad. Inshallah, let us see, Allah willing.”
With the opportunity to complete a historic hat trick of titles, Tamim said the ambition exists but insisted the squad remains process driven. “Of course it is there inside us that we want to become champions,” he said. “But we believe in the process. The hope for a hat trick is there, Inshallah, but we believe in doing things step by step.”
Tamim also addressed his own form and mindset, focusing on patience and trust in routine rather than reacting to short term fluctuations. “Since the England and South Africa series my average was around 30 to 40,” he said. “There were a few fifties, but still people were concerned. I discussed a lot with the coaches. They told me to take my time. The first two dismissals were a matter of luck, they said. I am trying to believe in my process. I always do that. Inshallah, the results come when you keep faith.”
Bangladesh will enter the Asia Cup as favourites again, carrying expectation but also the conviction of a team that has been built on continuity, competition and an unbroken stretch of performances that their captain believes has prepared them for the biggest youth tournament in the region.
