Bangladesh’s first-ever ICC U-19 World Cup-winning captain Akbar Ali believes that the “smile” is the best medicine to counter all obstacles on the field and he followed a similar approach, keeping his cool to guide the junior Tigers to the landmark glory under severe pressure in South Africa.

Bangladesh U19 side thrashed India U19 side in the final to give Bangladesh its first-ever 50-over World Cup in all age group last week in Potchefstroom, where Ali played 16 dot balls on the trot to complete a masterful 43 not out in the run-chase that was really a testament to his sheer patience.

Speaking at the Bangladesh Cricket Board office on Thursday, Akbar said that smile is the best revenge when it comes to deal with opposition players’ tantrum and that’s why he prefers it rather than getting influenced by sledging from oppositions and letting his emotions flow on the field.

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Akbar’s smile was a trademark sign during the World Cup in South Africa and that medicine helped him to win the summit clash against India, as the opposition players tried to distract him with sledging, but he chose to reply with just a smile that eventually won them the trophy.

Akbar told media, “I read somewhere smiling is the best revenge. The more they sledge us I try to laugh and give them the opposite effect. Everybody gets excited but I try to show my excitement in the field as less as possible. My team also can say that but I try to hide my feeling in front of everybody.”

During the World Cup final, there was an ugly incident that took place between players from both India and Bangladesh side, but despite this, the Indian players and support staff lauded the winning side.

Ali signed off by saying, “When we returned to the hotel we stayed two days closely with the Indian players at the hotel and we gossiped a lot with them. India players and coach appreciated us.”

(With the Independent Inputs)