A World Cup championship for South Africa is not unlikely. For minnow Bangladesh, a single win will be considered as the greatest achievement for the poor nation. But, Bangladesh have become the runners-up while the Proteas are champions in a World Cup.

It will not happen at Lord's on June 20. But it happened in Bangladesh.

Reports from frontier district of Sylhet, from where some 200,000 people have migrated to World Cup hosts England, said South Africa clinched the trophy defeating finalists, Bangladesh by 86 runs.

The championship took place in the district town after a week-long one-off ``World Cup Support Tournament'' among the supporters of various teams now battling in the first phase of the biggest cricket carnival.

Such supporters' tournaments during world cup cricket or soccer are not unusual in this sports-loving country. But, it was for the first time, supporters could play for local team as Bangladesh's long-cherished debut will take place in the seventh occurrence of the World Cup cricket.

Cricket-mad Bangladesh has already been gripped by the World Cup fever and people are eagerly waiting for their golden boys debut on May 17 against New Zealand. Symptom of the first two days of the world cup indicates capital Dhaka will become just a desert when Bangladesh will be playing against the Kiwis.

And ahead of the first game, the government Saturday announced that all players of Bangladesh team will be awarded 1,000 US dollars each for their first victory while 2,000 US dollars for winning each subsequent match. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has declared the cash bonanza to celebrate the first ever participation of the Bangladesh team in the World Cup and inspire the players.

State Minister for Youth, Sports and Cultural Affairs Obaidul Quader announced the decision of the Prime Minister, who is now visiting The Netherlands to attend the ``Appeal for Peace Conference''.

According to the announcement, a batsman will get 2,000 US dollars for a century while a bowler the same amount for taking four wickets in a match. Any cricketer, who would be adjudged man of the match, would get 2,000 US dollars as bonus money.

The coach and wicketkeeper of the Bangladesh team will also be rewarded for their better performances in this the greatest cricket carnival.