An epic rearguard batting by Akbar Ali has guided Bangladesh to their maiden World Cup title with a three-wicket victory over defending champions India in the final of the under-19 cricket tournament.
The wicketkeeper-captain scored 43 off 77 as Rakibul Hasan hit the winning run after smashing the match-levelling boundary at Potchefstroom on Sunday.
The young Tigers held their nerve as the match was shortened slightly under D/L method due to rains, making the target seven in five overs from 15 in nine overs.
Bangladesh made a heavy weather of the small chase of 177 for the victory.
Openers Parvez Hossain Emon (47 off 79) and Tanzid Hasan (17 off 25) gave Bangladesh a brisk start with a 50-run stand, but the team faltered when they lost four wickets to add just 15 more runs.
Only Akbar survived the devastating spell by leg-spinner Rabi Vishnoi, who shone with the four wickets and three maidens.
