The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The West Indies Under-19 team arrived here Tuesday evening to play four one-day matches against Bangladesh Under-19 team as part of their preparations for the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup to be held in Malaysia in February.

The 18-member squad comprises 15 players and three officials. Smith is leading the side, accompanied by Larry Gomes, the 54-year old former West Indies international, as coach.

The first two matches of the Series will be held at the BKSP in Savar -- Thursday Jan 31 and on February 2.

The 3rd and 4th match will be held at the Narayanganj Osmani Stadium (NOS) on February 4 and 6.

Meanwhile, the Nepal U-19 team leaves here today (Wednesday) after losing the three-match one-day series 2-0 against their Bangladesh counterparts.

The hosts outplayed the young Nepalese side by 111 runs in the first one-day match at the Narayanganj Osmani Stadium (NOS) on January 24, while the 2nd one-day match, also at the NOS, had to be abandoned due to rain on Jan 26 (Saturday).

The Bangladesh Under-19 team clinched the series beating the visitors by three wickets in the 3rd and final match at the BKSP ground on Monday.

Kaka named Italian players' player of the year

Reuters, Milan

AC Milan playmaker Kaka was named the Italian players' association player of the year on Monday for leading his side to European Cup glory last May with 10 goals.

The Brazilian was also named best foreign player of 2007 with AS Roma striker Francesco Totti winning the best Italian player award after claiming the European golden boot last season with 26 Serie A goals.