Cricket-crazy Bangladesh burst into ecstasy with the fans pouring on to the streets, beating drums and bursting crackers as their emotions exploded into thunderous cheers after watching their team seal a 62-run victory over former political masters Pakistan at Northampton, England.

Waving huge green and red national flags and chanting ``Bangladesh, Bangladesh,'' revellers in Dhaka danced, beat drums and burst crackers. They sprayed coloured water onto passing cars and offered sweets to passers-by.

``It was like winning the World Cup itself,'' said Atif Ahmed, student who came out with friends to celebrate in the city's Malibagh district.

An ecstatic Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina led the nation-wide celebrations congratulating the team and sending out greetings for the members of the squad. Shedeclared a half-day government holiday today to mark the most memorable victory for Bangladesh in their fledgling cricket history. Hasina announced a bounty of one lakh taka for each player and coach and manager of the team. From her personal funds, she also gave out another one lakh taka each for the glorious win though the team is already eliminated from the tournament.

Sensing Bangladesh's second victory in the World Cup after beating Scotland, fans started preparing for the celebrations in advance. Buses and trucks on the roads honked their horns heralding the victory while people were busy, exchanging greetings with relatives and friends.

Dhaka dailies today ran numerous stories and pictures with headlines ``Bangladesh lay Pakistan low'', ``Memories of 1971 revived'', ``Jubilation all over'', ``Child David kills Goliath''.

BSS quoted former Pakistan captain Imran Khan, who led his country to 1992 World Cup victory, as saying ``the way young Bangladeshi boys batted yesterday against theworld's best pace and spin attack, they have won the match irrespective of results.''

Many Bangladeshis were in a reminiscent mood and said the unprecedented celebrations all over the country revived the memories of 1971 when Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) broke away from that country and became an independent nation with the help of Indian troops.

``It was my most memorable day after December 1971,'' said freedom fighter Rahmatullah Mian, enjoying the match on TV.

``Nothing has moved the nation so much with joy after the 1971 liberation war victory,'' an influential Bengali daily Bhorer Kagoj reported.

Congratulations to the team are pouring in from people in all walks of life. ``It is a matter of pride for all of us that Bangladesh made history beating a mighty team like Pakistan,'' veteran poet Shamsur Rahman told PTI.

Aminul Islam's team may not have won the World Cup, but will return to Bangladesh as conquering heroes. Thousands of spectators stormed onto the pitch evenbefore Pakistan's last batsman had been officially given out while triumphant players were herded off the field for their own protection.

The Bangladeshis, who will depart England after an official royal engagement on Wednesday, consider they won the games that counted.

Going into the World Cup, Aminul said Bangladesh set the goal of winning its Mini World Cup game against fellow ICC qualifier Scotland in Edinburgh.

``After we won that, I thought we could win two matches,'' Aminul said. ``This is history for us.''

Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram said Bangladesh, part of Pakistan until independence in 1971, was now ready to become the 10th full-fledged Test playing nation.

``I'm happy we lost to our brothers,'' he said. ``I think we should praise their win -- they'll be ready for Test status in another year or so.''