Hannan's boys go partying

Bangladesh cricketers sank in a roaring joy after the stupendous victory against Kenya at the Uyanwatte Stadium on Friday.

When off-spinner Mahfuz Kabir dismissed the last Kenyan batsmen exactly 151 minutes after the lunch break, coach Dipu Rai, manager Azmal Ahmed and the whole team joined in a celebration, that dodged the national team on a number of occasions.

Although the Kenyan coach-cum-manager Edward Odumbe appeared philosophical about the outcome of the match on Saturday, his grim face told a different tale today.

"They were the better team today. Bangladesh played well and I think they played according to instructions. Our team has totally failed. I must thank the Bangladesh players the way they fought. Their fielding was excellent", said Edward, a former Kenyan national cricketer.

"Unless miracle happens we are out of the race. We have lost two out of two games. We are packing our bags", said Edward.

When Edward praised Bangladesh his captain Mohammed Sheikh underlined lack of match practice and inadequate preparations for the heavy defeat.

"We did not play any matches before coming in Sri Lanka. Besides, we could play only a couple of matches here due to rain. Still, such defeat is becoming a habit for us", said Sheikh.

The Bangladesh coach also admitted that his team played more practice matches at home and in Sri Lankan to shape up for the meet. "We could have done better in the tournament had not the rain let us down".

"But I'm happy the way they performed today. They are bouncing back. Finally they have showed their potential", said the bearded coach after the match.

"I think I have got the right combination after playing four matches", said Dipu adding that it would be a big boost for his team ahead of the tough match against Zimbabwe.

Hannan agreed that the team was on song.

"We are confident to retain our title. We are not only thinking about Zimbabwe but also looking ahead for a place in the final", said the all-smiling skipper.

The Bangladesh team will leave Matara tomorrow morning for Colombo.