'This is Just the beginning' - Akbar Ali on Bangladesh's 'stepping stone' triumph

Bangladesh's long wait for a maiden global title ended when Rakibul Hasan flicked Atharva Ankolekar over midwicket to seal their victory at the 2020 U-19 World Cup, ending a 20-plus-year-long visit a crown. But according to their captain Akbar Ali the victory has just set the ball rolling for the future greatness which will come Bangladesh cricket's way. He felt that the win now sets these champion teenagers to become more successful if they eventually transition into the senior team.

Akbar also dedicated the World Cup win to the people in Bangladesh as a result of their continuous support, regardless of what results the team has brought in the past.

"This is actually the stepping stone for our future cricket," he said. "Which is just the start. We need to keep the momentum and the hungriness whenever we visit the senior side."

"The way the Bangladeshi persons supported our cricket team, they deserve a global title," he said. "We are very pleased to deliver that. Bangladesh cricket supporters always back us. When the team is down, we get as much support from the public, so when we have won, all the more they deserve this."

 

It's not very often that Indian fans get outnumbered in any cricket game, but at the ultimate in Potchefstroom, there have been a lot more Bangladesh fans than those from over the border. Akbar said they were the team's 12th man within their victory. He also said that India-Bangladesh rivalries draw out the very best from the team.

"Yes, we expected an excellent crowd, but expected a straight crowd," Akbar said. "We were surprised by seeing more Bangladeshi people, so big thanks would go to them.

"India-Bangladesh rivalries brings out the best in us. Prior to the World Cup final, we had lost the Asia Cup final to them, therefore the boys wanted to take revenge."

Overwhelmed by the emotion of the win, Akbar said the actual fact they are world champions had not yet sunk in. But one thing he confirmed was that was always the goal. Anything lesser at the 2020 U-19 World Cup, plus they could have left dissatisfied.

"Whenever we started our journey, 1.5 years back, we'd a dream," Akbar says before correcting himself. "Not really a dream, but a goal. We knew we had it within ourselves when the group was formed. So to attain the ultimate and lift the trophy, it's a dream become a reality for us. Can't describe my feelings."

After their win, the Bangladesh players attended a prayer service before resuming their celebrations in the dressing room. In Dhaka, Sylhet and Chittagong, fireworks have already lit up the skies. And as the evening continues, the festivities at Potchefstroom within the Bangladesh camp may also go long into the night.