A proud Bangladesh U-19 cricket side captain Akbar Ali has credited the hard work his team have put in in the last two years heading into the U-19 World Cup 2020.
The young Tigers Sunday stunned the cricketing world by defeating four-time and defending champion India U-19 by three wickets to lift the U-19 World Cup title at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom.
With the win, Bangladesh as a nation ended its long wait for a first major multi-nation title in cricket.
Chasing 178 runs, Bangladesh’s march to victory was interrupted by rain as they eventually chased down their revised score of seven runs in five overs when action resumed in the middle.
According to wicketkeeper-batsman Akbar, the team have been together for more than two years now and the triumph was all down to the camaraderie between the members of the side.
The youngsters in red and green came into the 24-day long tournament in South Africa backed by 18 wins in 30 youth ODIs.
Before their success in the global age-level tournament, the young Tigers registered wins against England, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
An ice-cold performance from captain Akbar Ali dragged the @BCBtigers U-19 cricket team to a historic first U-19 @cricketworldcup, as they beat @BCCI U-19 in the final of the 2020 edition at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom Sundayhttps://t.co/ZXThW5gcSY#BCBTIGERS #BCB #TIGERS #BCCI
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) February 9, 2020
Bangladesh U-19 went into the 16-team competition with high hopes as they had the second best win percentage, after India, for teams to have played 15 or more games.
“It's like a dream come true [for us]. It's all about the hard work that we put in in the last two years. I can't thank the coaching staff enough for the support both on and off the field. It's purely hard work. Some of our players were emotional and pumped up. What happened after the game [altercation between Bangladesh and India players] was unfortunate. I would like to congratulate India, they have been brilliant throughout the tournament. A big thanks to all our supporters. It's been a very good experience for us, it's just a beginning for us. Hope it can be a stepping stone for our future cricketers,” said Akbar following the historic win.
Akbar was key behind Bangladesh’s chase, which fell into jeopardy following the quick dismissals of the top-order.
India leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, who removed the top four Bangladesh batters, disturbed the opposition’s decent start amid tricky pitch and conditions.
Akbar however, remained calm and composed as he produced a herculean match-winning 43 not out and captained his side to an emphatic victory under pressure with only the tailenders there to support him.
The world champion are scheduled to return home Wednesday.