Pinak Ghosh - The exciting young talent from Bangladesh

The cricketing fraternity in Bangladesh is still bemused regarding the back-to-back defeat against Zimbabwe in the four-match Twenty20 series which ended few days back. Bangladesh were expected to essay yet another Banglawash, but the Zimbabweans bounced back in style to level the series, which shocked the fans who were preparing to celebrate 2016 with a bang. Sadly, the tourists spoiled the party of the Bangladesh cricket fans.

At present, majority of the fans and experts in Bangladesh are quite excited about the upcoming Asia Cup and World Twenty20. They are still not gripped by the euphoria of the ICC Under-19 World Cup which is hosted by Bangladesh this year. As the tournament kicks off, I guess, people will get involved with this mega-event more and more.

One must not forget that, Bangladesh as a host has a lot to prove as because, the venue of the Under-19 World Cup was at risk due to security reasons and Australia’s refusal to participate in the tournament had been a big blow for Bangladesh. Despite all the hindrances and doubts, finally, the tournament will commence in this country and of course, this event is expected to catch the imagination of the people of Bangladesh and rest of world cricket.

Bangladesh have named a very strong team for this year’s event. Their captain, Mehedi Hassan Miraz is already a star in this part of the world and dubbed as the next Mashrafe Mortaza. Youngsters like Joyraz Sheik, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Zakir Hasan, Abdul Halim, Mehedi Hasan Rana and charismatics like Saif Hasan and Sanjit Saha are tried and tested customers who are hungry for success and provides not only stability within the team, but the much needed x-factor as well.

Among these prominent names, there is a 17-year old boy who has the temperament and skill to catch the attention of the world. Pinak Ghosh is still a school going boy, but his appetite for runs leaves one astonished. He has the power to hit big sixes and fetch boundaries in a staggering fashion which gives one the impression that the boy is born to bat.

Pinak hails from Netrokona, which is situated in the northern part of Bangladesh, near the Meghalayan border. It’s a part of Mymensingh divison. While studying in Mukul Niketon school in Mymensingh, he notched up a hundred and his talent was spotted by the local coaches which helped him to earn a ticket to play cricket for the Bangladesh Under-16 side couple of years back. He fared well there and his manner of scoring runs and batting style earned him a place in the Bangladesh Under-19 side.

Pinak burst into the scene after scripting an exceptional innings against South Africa in Durban last year. Pinak smashed 21 fours and one six to score 150 runs off 148 balls. It was such an eye-popping knock that it hit the headlines with immediate effect. The speciality of that innings was his ability to time the ball with perfection and most of the time, he kept the ball on the ground while hitting the boundaries which hinted about his maturity as a batsman at such a young age.

That innings boosted Pinak’s confidence and it was evident in the three-match one-day series against the touring West Indies Under-19 this year where his 135-ball 109 runs helped Bangladesh to seal the series.

Pinak is a left-handed batsman. Like Anamul Haque Bijoy he is blessed with timing and he’s aggressive and stylish like Soumya Sarkar. One of the most attractive aspect of Pinak is his attitude. He is never afraid to take risks and his supreme confidence is his assett which will take him a long way.

Pinak’s job is one of the most difficult one in the team. He plays in the team as an opener and his duty is to ensure his team stability at the top. So far, Pinak has been able to perform his job with distinction. He’s one of those rare breeds who can adapt well according to the siatution. He can be attacking, but the same time, he knows when to halt and rely on maneuvering the strike. Such tributaries are the hallmark of a competent batsman.

Pinak is a promisng youngster and it is expected that he will strike gold in this year’s Under-19 World Cup.

Watch out for this boy!

Note: This article has been published in Cricwizz on 26/01/2016 Pinak Ghosh - The exciting young talent from Bangladesh

Thank You

Faisal Caesar