DHAKA: Bangladesh erupted into joy on Friday as the nation's victorious cricket team returned from the World Cup to a hero's welcome made up of tens of thousands of dancing and singing fans. Bangladesh's cricketers -- who stunned the cricket world with an amazing upset win against mighty Pakistan in England on Monday -- were greeted by huge throngs of jubilant supporters as they travelled from Zia International Airport to downtown Dhaka in open military trucks.

The convoy of vehicles, bedecked in flowers and coloured ribbons, were led by police outriders to Dhaka's National Parade Ground, where hundreds of coloured balloons were released on the team's arrival. Thousands of fans had waited at the airport for hours before the team touched down, braving scorching temperatures and screaming "Bangladesh, Bangladesh".

On your marks, get set, get to Sachin!

LONDON: Stewards at The Oval prepared for Australia's Super Six clash with India bypractising their end-of-match dash from the edge of the pitch to the middle to try and reach Sachin Tendulkar and Co before over-enthusiastic fans. The number of security men was increased from 350 to 400 for the game. Ground officials said they estimated they could get protection to all players within eight seconds.

Stump thieves out of picture

LONDON: Ground officials, fearing that fans could steal stumps containing expensive mini television cameras, have got around the problem by replacing them with normal stumps towards the end of matches. The cameras, introduced more than eight years ago in Australia, cost more than 5,000 Pounds (US$8,000) apiece.

Old Trafford mum on security

MANCHESTER: World Cup organisers are refusing to divulge details of special security measures being prepared for India's high-tension Super Six encounter with Pakistan at Old Trafford on Tuesday. Talks have been going on with police to make sure players are given protection from pitch invasions.