Bangladesh U-19s Md Abdullah played a crucial role in the final of the tri-nation series against South Africa, helping them to win the series and secure their third consecutive series victory since their U-19 Asia Cup triumph. In an interview with 抖阴精品鈥檚 Tarif Akhlaq, the middle-order batter stated that his side now aims to lift the forthcoming U-19 World Cup trophy, scheduled for next year. He holds the ambition to be an impactful middle-order batter and revealed veteran Tamim Iqbal as his idol, who coincidentally shares the same jersey number. Here are the excerpts:
抖阴精品: After the Asia Cup, you won series against Sri Lanka, South Africa, and finally the Tri-nation series. How was your overall experience?
Md Abdullah: The experience was really good. We have been playing together since we were very young鈥攗nder-14, 16, and 17 levels. About 12 to 13 of us have been together all this time, so our communication is very good. That experience really helped us. We support each other, and everyone believes that if a few of us play well, we can win matches. We played a lot in Sylhet and before the Sri Lanka tour, so we didn鈥檛 have much experience outside Asia. But training in Sylhet helped us prepare for bouncy wickets. That gave us confidence. We learnt how to adapt to different conditions, and that experience was very valuable.
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NA: The next World Cup is in Zimbabwe and Namibia. How much will this Tri-Nation series and your experience in South Africa help?
Abdullah: It will help a lot. We鈥檝e already played in Zimbabwe, so we know the wicket conditions there. In Namibia, we haven鈥檛 played, but we can learn from our seniors who have experience there. By the grace of God, we learnt many things in Zimbabwe, like how the wicket behaves at different times, which will help us in the World Cup.
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NA: What kind of role have your coaches played?
Abdullah: They are always supportive. Naveed Nawaz sir helps our team a lot, especially the batters. He always tells us to score big, to never give up, and to keep trying until the last ball. That mentality really helped us in the final when we made a comeback. Richard Stonier, sir, helps us a lot mentally鈥攚hether it鈥檚 fitness, batting, or game sense. He makes us mentally strong in every session, and others are also very supportive.
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NA: You made an unbeaten 38 in the final. Are you happy with your individual performance?
Abdullah: Alhamdulillah, yes. Since it was a big tour, most of us contributed with runs. My goal is always to help the team. The more I can do for the team, the more it matters to me. As a middle-order batter, I always want to achieve something bigger from that role.
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NA: You also finished with the highest average in the team. Are you satisfied?
Abdullah: The key is to play according to the situation and keep a cool head. In 50-over games, if two or three early wickets fall, I have to go in. Mostly, Rizan and I bat together, and our plan is always to try to play the full 50 overs. If we do that, the runs will come naturally. Staying calm and patient is the most important thing.
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NA: Your role in the middle order is a lot like Mahmudullah in the national team. Do you see that similarity?
Abdullah: I don鈥檛 think too far ahead. For me, the team and the country always come first. But of course, Mahmudullah Bhai and Mushfiq Bhai have been holding the middle order for 20 years, scoring big and stabilising the innings. Inshallah, I hope I can build that confidence and do similar things for Bangladesh in the future.
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NA: Who is your cricketing idol?
Abdullah: From childhood, I鈥檝e looked up to Shakib al Hasan, Tamim bhai, and Mushfiq bhai. Since I鈥檓 a left-hander, I would say Tamim Bhai has always been my idol.
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NA: What are your future plans?
Abdullah: Inshallah, I want to make it to the national team next and secure my place there as a middle-order batter. That鈥檚 my goal.
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NA: How is the competition within your team?
Abdullah: Alhamdulillah, our team is very strong. We have three or four quality all-rounders, which gives us an advantage. Our batting line-up is also deep, up to number seven or eight. Even if the top order collapses, the middle order can finish well, and if the top order plays well, the later batters can make the total even bigger. By the grace of God, we don鈥檛 have weaknesses in any area.
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NA: What is your goal for the World Cup?
Abdullah: The goal is always to bring the trophy home for the country. Just as we won the Asia Cup, we will fight to achieve the same again. Please keep us in your prayers.