Bangladesh eye first series victory in South Africa

Overview

**South Africa v Bangladesh, second ODI**The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg20 March, 10:00 AM local time

Bangladesh registered a historic win in the first ODI by defeating South Africa by 38 runs and consolidating their position in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League table (powered by MRF Tyres).

It was an all-round performance by the visitors as they posted a formidable total on the board, thanks to quality batting from the top order, followed by solid knocks from Shakib Al Hasan and Yasir Ali in the middle overs, and a sprinkle of power hitting towards the end.

Defending the score their bowlers were up to the task, they picked up wickets at the start and straightaway put pressure on South Africa. Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed impressed with their bowling performances as they dismissed South Africa's top four early.

While Bangladesh will hope to repeat the performance in the second ODI, the hosts will have to sit back and work on plenty of areas. Even with the presence of regular fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi in the side, the Proteas' bowling department was unable to take advantage of home conditions. After some disciplined bowling at the start, they leaked runs and were unable to pick wickets at the right time, allowing Bangladesh's batters to pile up runs.

South Africa's batters struggled too. They got off to a poor start but stabilizing knocks from Rassie Van der Dussen (86) and David Miller (79) absorbed the pressure in the middle overs. However, after their wickets, the hosts struggled to keep up the scoring rate. With series on the line and crucial CWCSL points up for grabs, South Africa will need to regroup and reassess their strategy for the next game.

Remember the last time

South Africa put in Bangladesh to bat after winning the toss. A brilliant opening partnership of 95 runs from the Bangladeshi openers Liton (50) and Tamim (41) helped the visitors to a good start, followed by a brilliant 77 from Shakib Al Hasan and a maiden fifty for Yasir Ali (50), Bangladesh put up a huge score of 314/7 in 50 overs.

Bangladesh pacers took some early wickets reducing South Africa to 36/3 within the first ten overs. Middle-order batters Van der Dussen and captain Bavuma steadied the ship but not for long as Bavuma was dismissed on 31. Dussen continued to build up his innings and scored a brilliant 86 before going to the pavilion. South Africa were bowled out for 276 in 48.5 overs, despite David Miller playing a lone hand of 79 runs off 57 deliveries.

What they said

Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh captain): “It is a big win for us. Special win. Starting from Liton, then Shakib and Yasir batted brilliantly. A six and a four from Miraz. Those quick 25 runs from Mahmudullah. It is a big thing for us. Our fast bowlers are winning games for us. Last two years the fast bowlers are doing brilliantly. You need a character like Mehidy in every team. After going for 40 from 4 overs, he went up to me and asked to bowl. He said he will change the game. He was my Man of the Match. Definitely, we need to give ourselves the best chance. SA are a quality side. They would be eager to bounce back.”

Temba Bavuma (South Africa captain): “When you are chasing over 300, you need one batter to get a 100 and couple others to support them. After my dismissal, we failed to get much momentum apart from the Miller-Rassie partnership and losing Rassie made life very difficult for us. Their bowlers exploited the back of a length spot better. We obviously have to bounce back, Sunday is just around the corner. We need to show the resillience we are known for.”