Centurion March 19 2022: Bangladesh produced a historic victory in the first ODI in Centurion, securing their first-ever win on South African soil as they beat the Proteas by 38 runs.
The tourists had never won a One Day International in South Africa in 19 previous attempts, but produced a superb display in the first ODI of the tour to break new ground in the format.
And Bangladesh’s stunning win further strengthens 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.
The victory was built on the foundations set by a team effort with the bat, with Litton Das (50), Shakib Al Hasan (77) and Yasir Ali (50) all making half-centuries. And other useful contributions came right down the order as the Tigers built on a solid start to post 314/7.
Early wickets pegged South Africa’s chase back, Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed making the early inroads.
Impressive half-centuries from Rassie van der Dussen (86) and David Miller (79) gave the hosts some hope. But Mehidy Hasan Miraz rattled through the tail with a four-for, picking up the crucial wicket of Miller.
And there were jubilant scenes on the pitch and amongst the watching Bangladesh fans when Mahmudullah had Keshav Maharaj trapped in-front to seal a 38-run win.
After being put in to bat first, Bangladesh initially struggled to get going. Their openers Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das were cautious, scoring at a snail’s pace, their half-century partnership coming only in the 16th over. While both batters hit an occasional wonderful shot across the boundary, they were kept quiet for most of the time by a disciplined South African bowling attack.
The openers broke loose in the 19th over when Liton smashed Keshav Maharaj for a six and two fours and were well placed to cross the 100-run mark when Andile Phehlukwayo trapped Tamim in front of off to break the 95-run opening stand. Liton, who got to his 50 in the next over, was also undone soon after when Maharaj outfoxed him to shatter his stumps.
Mushfiqur Rahim could not last long either and departed for a 12-ball nine. At 124/3 in the 29th over, Bangladesh needed someone to stabilise their innings and Shakib Al Hasan and Yasir Ali did the perfect job of rebuilding.
After seeing off the initial overs, Shakib started accelerating. While Yasir dropped anchor at one end, Shakib started playing his shots, bringing up his fifty with a six over long-off in the 38th over and continuing the assault.
The stand of 115 was broken in the 42nd over with Lungi Ngidi getting Shakib LBW for 77 (64). In the next over Kagiso Rabada caught and bowled Yasir for 50 (44).
And with the platform set for a solid total, crucial cameos from Mahmudullah (25), Afif Hossain (17), and Mehidy Hasan (19*) powered Bangladesh to a handy 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 Verreynne was dismissed for 21.
South Africa rebuilt through Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen, with the pair taking their side beyond three figures in an 85-run partnership that ended when the captain was caught behind off Shoriful.
Van der Dussen looked in the mood, moving beyond his half-century and looking on for a century before Yasir Ali produced a stunning catch on the rope to send him packing for 86.
The required rate was creeping up as Bangladesh’s attack kept things tight. But with David Miller still out in the middle and looking to be in explosive form South Africa still had a chance.
And Bangladeshi nerves were jangling when the required runs dropped into double figures and with the dangerous Miller at the crease.
But wickets were tumbling at the other end, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz removing Andile Phehlukwayo, Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada in the space of two overs with his tricky off-spin.
And the 24-year-old got the scalp that Bangladesh really wanted to effectively seal the win, tossing one up to get the better of Miller, who was stumped for an excellent 57-ball 79.
There were only seven deliveries remaining and 38 runs still required when Keshav Maharaj became the last wicket to fall, wrapping up a famous and deserved win for Bangladesh.
The series continues on Sunday in Johannesburg, with the third and final ODI back at Centurion on Wednesday 23 March.
