In an impressive World Cup 2023 group stage match in Mumbai on Tuesday, South Africa demonstrated disciplined performance in all sections, ultimately securing a convincing 149-run victory over Bangladesh.
The Proteas set a formidable target of 383 runs for Bangladesh, largely thanks to a remarkable century from Quinton de Kock. De Kock’s innings played a pivotal role in reviving the South African innings after early setbacks that saw the loss of key wickets like Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen. The contributions of Aiden Markram (60), Heinrich Klaasen (90), and David Miller (34) further bolstered their innings.
South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first, and their strong performance further solidified their position in the race for a semi-final spot.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh found themselves in a tough situation, chasing the daunting target set by South Africa. Mahmudullah Riyad played a remarkable lone hand, scoring an impressive 111 runs. However, he received little support from the rest of the team, as the South African bowlers wreaked havoc on Bangladesh’s top order.
Tanzid Hasan Tamim (12) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (0) were sent back by Marco Jansen in the seventh over, while Shakib Al Hasan was dismissed for just one run on the second delivery of the eighth over. Mushfiqur Rahim contributed eight runs, and opener Litton Das managed 22 off 44 balls.
Gerald Coetzee led the South African bowling attack, claiming three wickets, with Marco Jansen, Lizaad Williams, and Kagiso Rabada taking two wickets each.
In earlier coverage, it was noted that Bangladesh faced a crucial match at the Wankhede Stadium, with their hopes of advancing in the tournament hanging in the balance. The absence of their skipper, Shakib Al Hasan, had a significant impact on both their batting and bowling performance.
For South Africa, strong starts had been instrumental in their previous victories, with Quinton de Kock playing a pivotal role in setting the stage for their powerful middle-order batsmen. His consistent performance was highlighted as key to South Africa’s success in the tournament.
Bangladesh faced the challenging task of limiting a South African batting lineup that had dominated most of their opponents in India.
South Africa squad:
Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams.
Bangladesh squad:
Shakib Al Hasan (c), Litton Kumer Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (vc), Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
