The Bangladesh Under-19 Cricket Team, which clinched the U-19 World Cup title for the first time, will return home today afternoon.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hassan and high government officials are expected to receive them at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Bangladesh lifted the trophy of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2020 in South Africa beating fourth-time champions India by three wickets in the nail-biting final on Sunday. It was Bangladesh’s first World Cup title in cricket at any level. Before this triumph, Bangladesh had never advanced to the final.
BCB President Nazmul highly appreciated the achievement of the Young Tigers and described it as the biggest glory in Bangladesh’s sports history.
“The Young Tigers have shown that the hard work pays off. They were very eager to do something memorable. They started this journey two years ago. I think this is a big achievement, and this is not only the biggest achievement for cricket but of Bangladesh sports,” Nazmul had told the media on February 10.
“We’ll go to the airport to receive them, and after that, we’ll arrange a grand reception ceremony for them. Most of the players are keen to go back to their villages now. So, we’ll think about further reception later,” Nazmul had added.
Akbar Ali led the Young Tigers in the World Cup. He showed immense patience in the final to seal the game. To chase 177 runs, Bangladesh had lost six wickets in 102 runs which made Bangladesh’s chance to lift the trophy narrow. But Akbar stood up and guided his team to the World Cup glory.
After creating history, Akbar said winning the U-19 World Cup is just the beginning of a long way. He said: “This is the stepping stone for our future cricket. We need to keep this momentum and hunger with us when we go to the senior side.”
Akbar also praised the huge support they got in South Africa as the expatriate Bangladeshis came in large numbers to watch the game in stadiums. Akbar said: “Bangladeshi supporters deserve a world title, and we’re very happy that we have delivered that.”
