Bangladesh make quiet return from World Cup

The Bangladesh cricket team made a low-key return home today after a successful World Cup campaign in the Caribbean where they qualified for the latter stages for the first time.

Around 200 cricketers and fans gathered at Dhaka airport early in the morning to greet the national squad amid a prevailing state of emergency that prevents mass gatherings.

Five former skippers and officials from the Bangladesh Cricket Board received the players with garlands and offered other pleasantries.

Bangladesh beat India and Bermuda in the group phase to reach the Super Eights, but could only manage an upset victory over South Africa in their six subsequent matches to finish seventh in the standings.

''We did not fare that badly in the tournament,'' captain Habibul Bashar told reporters.

''There were some disappointing performances (especially losing to Ireland), but we think, we had some success.'' After a week's rest, Bangladesh will begin preparations for a home series against India that opens with the first of the three one-dayers in Dhaka on May 10.

India will also play two test matches during the tour.

''The cup performance gives us a confidence that we can beat any side in the world if we can have some consistency,'' Bashar added.

Bangladesh beat Pakistan and Scotland in their first World Cup appearance in 1999, but failed to win any matches at the 2003 tournament.

REUTERS AKD RAI1239

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