Bangladesh U19 breaks into impromptu dance after making World Cup final

Bangladesh U19 team has had every reason to cheer for in the ongoing World Cup in South Africa. The team, led by Akbar Ali, came out firing on all cylinders and have made the final of the mega event. The Junior Tigers started with a couple of resounding victories over Zimbabwe U19 and Scotland U19. However, Pakistan U19 seemed to have gotten them on the mat.

Akbar’s men were reduced to 106 for nine before rain came to their rescue. The let-off also helped them top the group and set up a clash with South Africa in the quarter-final. In the knockout game, Bangladesh decimated the Proteas by 104 runs at the Senwes Park in Potchefstroom. Left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan’s fifer and Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s 80 helped the Tigers to a win.

Mahmudul Hasan takes Bangladesh to the final

In the semi-final of the Super League stage, Bangladesh were up against New Zealand, who beat the West Indies in the quarter-final. The pressure was on Akbar and Co since they had never qualified to the final of the U19 World Cup. But in the bilateral series, they beat the Black Caps 4-1. They brought forth their A-game in Potchefstroom itself and emerged victorious by six wickets.

After winning the toss and electing to field, Bangladesh jolted the Kiwis with regular wickets. It was Beckham Wheeler-Greenall’s 83-ball 75 that took New Zealand to a respectable 211 for eight. In the run-chase, Bangladesh lost their openers- Parvez Hossain Emon and Tamim in pretty quick succession. Mahmudul Hasan Joy and the reliable Towhid Hridoy injected some momentum.

Though Hridoy fell on 40, Joy went on to notch a century with 13 fours. His partnership of 101 with Shahadat Hossain took Bangladesh within touching distance of a victory. The triumph has meant that the Tigers will now be facing India in the final of the U19 World Cup in Potchefstroom itself.

Following the achievement, the Bangladesh players were on cloud nine. The players ran on to the ground with the national flag after skipper Akbar Ali smacked the winning runs. Thereafter, the Young Turks celebrated with some dance moves, forming a circle to express their jubilation.

Here is the video