When everyone expected to see big scores in the World Cup, teams are struggling to reach 200. For many, this World Cup is becoming boring and one-sided.
South Africa will be playing their second match of the tournament. They have lost the opening game against the hosts, and they can’t take this match lightly. They are a superior team and they are in a must-win situation because a loss here will dampen their chances for the top 4 slots.
Their batting collapsed in the first match which must have disappointed them the most. Only de Kock and van der Dussen were able to score some runs. The bowling unit looked in great touch, and they have to play a bigger part if they want to win this game.
Recently, Bangladesh won the triangular series in Ireland where the other two teams were Ireland and West Indies. In 2007, Bangladesh won the Super Six match against South Africa in the World Cup. They have won 3 matches in each previous edition of the World Cup. They would certainly want to do better than that.
Their batting is quite good, especially Tamim, Shakib and Mushfiqur who are quite experienced in International cricket. They must be keen to put pressure on South Africa from the very first ball. If they can put a total in excess of 250, then they can easily make the Proteas nervous.
Players to watch out
Imran Tahir, the leg spinner who became the first spinner in World Cup to open the bowling, is in great form. He took two wickets against England and was in solid touch in IPL as well. South Africa must be hoping from him to pick a few early wickets so they can put pressure on Bangladeshi batsman from the beginning.
Tamim Iqbal, the southpaw opener can destroy any bowling line up on his day. His trademark short is his straight drive. If he gives a flying start to his team, Bangladesh will easily cross the score of 250 plus.
Bangladesh v South Africa in ODIs
Overall: Matches 20, Bangladesh Won 3, South Africa Won 17
World Cup: Matches 3, Bangladesh Won 1, South Africa Won 2
Recent Form (most recent first): Bangladesh W W W NR W, South Africa L W W W W
ICC Rankings: Bangladesh (7), South Africa (3)
Upcoming Records
Hashim Amla has scored 7,923 runs and needs 77 more to become the fourth South African player to reach the 8,000 runs milestone.
Dale Steyn has taken 196 wickets and needs four more to become the fifth South African player to reach the 200 wickets milestone.
Squads
Bangladesh: Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Abu Jayed, Liton Das (wk), Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Mithun (wk), Mohammad Saifuddin, Mosaddek Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Tamim Iqbal.
South Africa: Faf du Plessis (capt), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), JP Duminy, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Chris Morris, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir, Rassie van der Dussen.