'We may already have an idea about the pipeline': U-19 coach Sarkar sees bigger win

The Bangladesh Under-19s walked away with the GD Trophy, but for head coach Hannan Sarkar, the tournament's true success was the spotlight it provided of the country's cricketing pipeline.

“We may already have an idea about the pipeline, especially those who work directly with age-group teams,” Sarkar reflected, highlighting the deeper significance of the U-19s' title victory over the U-23 side in a rain-abandoned final at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday.

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The U-19s were officially crowned champions by virtue of their superior position in the group stage standings, where they had secured three wins.

Before the weather definitively intervened, the final itself offered a clear glimpse of that pipeline.

U-19 bowler Tafiul Alam delivered a standout performance, bagging six wickets for just 36 runs to bowl the U-23 side out for 245.

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Rain then began to impede proceedings during the U-19 run chase. The youngsters were handed a revised target of 161 in 23 overs under the DLS method. They battled their way to 99 for five in 17.2 overs before another heavy shower forced the match to be abandoned entirely.

The successful, albeit wet, conclusion to the tournament delivered on the vision of BCB president Tamim Iqbal, who stated before the event that it was specifically arranged to give youngsters vital exposure and match experience.

Echoing the BCB president’s sentiments, Sarkar emphasised just how critical the spotlight was for his young squad.

“The exposure and recognition they gained through this tournament is a big experience for the boys,” Sarkar said. “Through this tournament, I’m sure many journalists and people in the media have now gained a better understanding of who is in the Under-19 team and who these players are. So, it was certainly a very big platform for them.”

That developmental focus extended to both dugouts. Despite missing out on a full final to test his players, U-23 pace-bowling coach Tareq Aziz viewed the tournament as a crucial stepping stone.

“It’s about focusing on what they can control,” Aziz said. “At this age, everyone is developing through the game, so the key is to learn from the experience and keep improving.”