Fluke no more

Bangladesh + win = Frenzy. Emergency rule or not, thousands thronged the streets to celebrate Bangladesh’s 67-run win against South Africa at Guyana, and the police were kind enough to allow the fans let their hair down well into the wee hours of the morning.

According to an AFP report, at least 3000 marched through Dhaka’s main square, and the sound of firecrackers and fire horns filled the air. The emergency rule which took effect in January, restricted public rallies, but in the glorious world of sport, exceptions can be made.

"We are now on top of the world," exclaimed Waji Ullah, a student at Dhaka University. "It is our biggest victory in the World Cup. [Mohammad] Ashraful was magnificent. So were all the bowlers."

Helal Uddin, a local police chief, added, “"They were dancing wildly, cheering and waving Bangladesh flags and chanting patriotic slogans. Some wrapped their heads with national flags."

Their victory against India in the group stages and this one has also proved that the era of ‘upset victories’ and ‘shock wins’ is now a thing of the past, from Bangladesh’s point of view.

"They said our victory against India was a fluke. Our boys have showed that they can now beat the world's top team," said Rozina Afroze, who came out on the streets with her husband and two sons. The victory has also thrown the tournament wide open, with upto three teams clamoring for a place in the semi-finals.