This is just the beginning for us: Akbar Ali

Bangladesh U-19 Captain Akbar Ali expressed his gratitude towards his teammates and staff after Bangladesh won their maiden U-19 World Cup against India at Potchefstroom.

The 19-year-old right-handed batsman though was not keen to be too happy and knew that the hard work had just begun. 

"I would like to thank our coach, assistant coaches, trainers, analyst, selectors, everybody who has helped us. We've had a very good experience, and this is just the beginning for us. Hopefully, this will be the starting stone for us." 

"It's a dream come true. It's all about the hard work we have done over the last two years. The coaching staff...I just cannot thank them enough for how much support they have given us on and off the field," Akbar said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Bangladesh won the toss and Akbar chose to bowl first as his bowlers were pumped up and bowled with a lot of aggression. That led to the Indian batsmen being rattled and they were eventually bowled out for 177 runs. Akar though admitted that some of the celebrations from the bowlers after they took the Indian wickets were a bit much.

"Some of our bowlers were getting emotional. What happened should not have happened," he added.

Akbar's innings of 43 from 77 balls was a calm and composed one under pressure as wickets were falling at the other end due to some excellent bowling from India. However, he made sure he was there till the end and took his side home and was complimentary of the Indian players and how they played.

"I would like to congratulate the Indian players. They have been brilliant throughout this tournament," the wicket-keeper batsman said. 

Akbar concluded by thanking the Bangladesh fans who had turned up in the stadium to support the team.

"Those who have supported us here have been our 12th man here. We really appreciate it."