Fans take to the streets

Mohammad Ashraful top-scored with 51 in Bangladesh's historic win © AFP

Tens of thousands of Bangladeshis poured on to the streets of Dhaka and other cities and towns across the country to celebrate the win over Sri Lanka in the ODI at Bogra.

People of all ages made up a victory procession on the Dhaka University campus immediately after the four-wicket victory, Bangladesh's first win against the former world champions. Young men beat drums, waved national flags and honked motorcycle horns as they gathered to celebrate the victory.

"We have shown once again that we can beat any team," said Hamidul Haq, a Dhaka University student. "Our players have proved that they deserve a place in top-class cricket."

The biggest celebrations took place in the northern town of Bogra, where more than 30,000 spectators watched the match. The revellers sprinkled coloured water and flower petals, beat drums and shouted slogans such as "Long live Bangladesh".

In June last year, fans held similar celebrations after their team beat world champions Australia in a one-dayer in Cardiff. Bangladesh have also beaten India and Pakistan in their 10 wins in 116 previous one-dayers. Their other victories have come against Zimbabwe, Kenya, Scotland and Hong Kong.