Four-team series in U-19 Asia Cup buildup

LUCKNOW: A quadrangular U-19 tournament, starting here at the Ekana International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday will provide an opportunity for teams to warm up for the Asia Cup U-19 event in Dhaka.

The series, a 50-over format, will see participation of four teams with hosts India fielding two teams — India A and India B. Afghanistan and Nepal are the other two sides.

India A captain Pavan Shah will also lead the team in Asia Cup U-19 starting in Dhaka from September 29.

India, who won the title twice after sharing honours with Pakistan in the opening edition in 2012, would be keen to bring back the trophy.

DRAVID TO KEEP A CLOSE WATCH

India U-19 chief coach Rahul Dravid, who is the brain behind this four-team event ahead of the Asia Cup, will be observing his players closely during the event over the next week.

All five full members — India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan along with Nepal, Hong Kong and UAE will be part of Asia Cup.

In the previous Asia Cup in Malaysia, Nepal U-19 defeated India, creating quite a stir. Afghanistan defeated Pakistan twice en route winning the trophy.

The tournament brought accolades for Afghanistan’s Mujeeb ur Rahman and Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane.

It was an achievement for the war-torn country, and the success will inspire the Sadiqullah-

led side this year too. FIXTURES

Sept 12: India A vs Afghanistan; Nepal vs India B

Sept 14: Nepal vs India A; India B vs Afghanistan.

Sept 16: India A vs India B; Nepal vs Afghanistan.

Sept 18: Final; 3rd-4th (play-off)