THE INAUGURAL Under 19 Women’s World Cup is just around the corner, with 16 countries set to battle it out in South Africa this month for the chance to be crowned the inaugural champion.

Ahead of the tournament, we here at Rookie Me Central will be previewing all the countries competing at the tournament, looking at their squads, their fixtures and how things might go for them.

In this preview, we take a look at Bangladesh.

Like many of the countries at this year’s Under 19 World Cup, Bangladesh has struggled for a long time at senior level, so it will be hoping it is not the same at Under 19 level.

Of all the groups it could have ended up in for the initial stage of the tournament, it has not ended up in the worst one, but in the Super 6s stage and beyond, that is where things might get difficult.

It is in Group A alongside Australia, Sri Lanka and the USA.

The odds may be against it to go far in the tournament, but it should realistically make the second stage of the tournament. Just finish above either the Americans or the Sri Lankans and it will make the Super 6s stage.

One other factor in their favour is that they get arguably the hardest game (the one against Australia) over and done with first, and their fixtures get progressively easier.

Bangladesh will be led at the tournament by bowling all arounder Disha Biswas, with Shorna Akter as her deputy.

There are four members of Bangladesh’s Under 19 World Cup squad that have made international senior sides for their country, while three of them have gone on to make their senior international debut.

The captain Biswas, as well as Rabeya, Marufa Akter and Dilara Akter were all part of the side that toured New Zealand.

Bangladesh Squad

Disha Biswas (C), Shorna Akter (VC), Rabeya, Marufa Akter, Dilara Akter, Misty Rany Saha, Reya Akter Shika, Sumaiya Akter, Afia Humaira Anam Prottasha, Mst Unnoti Akter, Mst Dipa Khatun, Leky Chakma, Asrafi Yeasmin Arthy, Jannatul Maoua, Mst Eva

Bangladesh Fixture

January 14 – Australia

January 16 – Sri Lanka

January 18 – USA