Bangladesh’s top-order fired on all cylinders as the tourists posted a mammoth 314/7 and then beat South Africa to a historic 38-run victory in the first One Day International at SuperSport Park and take a 1-0 lead. Got out for 276. in a three-match series.
This was Bangladesh’s first win on South African soil. The Tamim Iqbal-led side had never won an ODI in South Africa in their last 19 attempts but put up a decent performance to break new ground in the 50-over format in the first match of the tour on Friday evening.
With the win, Bangladesh cemented their place at the top of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League standings, where they lead England and India in the top three.
Liton Das (50), Shakib Al Hasan (77) and Yasir Ali (50) laid the foundation for a massive total while useful contributions from Tamim Iqbal (41) and Mahmudullah (25) took them to 314 in 50 overs .
The early wickets then followed South Africa, with Shorful Islam and Taskin Ahmed taking the early lead. But scintillating half-centuries from Rasie van der Dussen (86) and David Miller (79) gave hope to the hosts. However, Mehdi Hasan Miraj took four wickets, taking the crucial wicket of Miller.
There were joyous scenes on the pitch when Mahmudullah trapped Keshav Maharaj for a 38-run victory.
Opting to bat first, Bangladesh struggled in the beginning. Openers Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das were cautious, scoring runs at snail’s pace, their half-century coming only in the 16th over. While both the batsmen hit boundaries occasionally, South Africa’s disciplined attack kept them calm most of the time.
The openers were well prepared to cross the 100-run mark in the 19th over when Liton hit a six and two fours off Maharaj when Andile Phehlukwayo struck Tamim off the ground to break the opening stand of 95 runs. Framed in front
Liton, who scored 50 in the next over, was also soon undone when Maharaj tricked him into shattering his stumps.
Mushfiqur Rahim also could not last long and was dismissed after scoring nine runs in 12 balls. At 124/3 in the 29th over, Bangladesh needed someone to stabilize their innings and Shakib Al Hasan and Yasir Ali did the rebuilding.
After seeing the opening overs, Shakib started accelerating. While Yasir remained at the other end, Shakib started playing his shots, completed his half-century with a six in the 38th over and continued the attack. Lungi Ngidi cut Shakib lbw for 77 (64), breaking the 115-run partnership. In the next over, Kagiso Rabada caught Yasir at 50 (44).
And with the stage set for a solid total, cameos from Mahmudullah (25), Afif Hossain (17), and Mehdi Hasan (19 not out) powered Bangladesh to 314/7.
Three wickets fell in the powerplay at the start of South Africa’s reply, as Janneman Malan and Aiden Markram fell cheaply and Kyle Verne was dismissed for 21. South Africa rebuilt through Temba Bavuma and Rasi van der Dussen, with the pair leading their side to three. Figures in an 85-run partnership that ended when the captain was caught behind Shorful.
Van der Dussen looked in the mood, moving on from his half-century and looking for a century, Yasir Ali took a brilliant catch on the rope and sent him off on an 86.
The required rate was rising as Bangladesh’s attack kept things tight. But David Miller is still in the middle and in explosive form and South Africa still have a chance. But with wickets falling at the other end, Mehdi Hasan Miraj removed Andile Phehlukwayo, Marco Jensen and Kagiso Rabada in the space of two overs with his off-spin.
The 24-year-old got the scalp that Bangladesh really wanted to seal victory effectively, tossing one to improve Miller, who was stumped for an excellent innings of 79 off 57 balls. There were only seven deliveries left and 38 runs were still left. Keshav Maharaj became the last wicket to fall, securing a famous and deserved victory for Bangladesh.
The second ODI will be played in Johannesburg on Sunday, while the third and final ODI will be played on March 23 at Centurion.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh 314/7 in 50 overs (Tamim Iqbal 41, Litton Das 50, Shakib Al Hasan 77, Yasir Ali 50; Marco Jansen 2/57, Keshav Maharaj 2/56) beat South Africa 276 in 48.5 overs (Temba Bavuma 31, Rassie) van der Dussen 86, David Miller 79, Shoriful Islam 2/47, Taskin Ahmed 3/36, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 4/61) by 38 runs.
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