Bangladesh have reversed the trend of Asian teams’ batting displays at World Cup 2019. The tigers managed to score an impressive 330/6 in their 50 overs against South Africa in their opening match of the tournament.
Having won the toss for the second time in as many games, Faf du Plessis put Bangladesh to bat first. The openers exploited power play and were on a front foot in no time. However, Phehlukwayo managed to dismiss Tamim Iqbal, who was settling in. On the other hand, his batting partner Soumya Sarkar was out after s quickfire 42.
But Shakib Al Hasan along with Mushfiqur Rahim brought stability to the innings. The duo took calculative risks and ensured that the run rate was not dipped. They managed to stitch a 142 run partnership for the third wicket.
Incidentally, this also became the highest partnership for any wicket for Bangladesh in world cups. Both the players scored fifties and looked at ease during their partnership. Once both of them were dismissed towards the fag end of the innings, the lower order took the responsibility of increasing run rate.
Mahmadullah played an impressive knock of 46 runs in just 33 balls during slog overs. This helped Bangladesh to move past 300. Eventually they ended up scoring 330 runs in their full quota. This is also Bangladesh’s highest score against South Africa in ODIs.
The fans and players could not have asked more from their batters on the day. They clearly dominated South African bowlers and even if Bangladesh wins today, it should not be a surprise for anyone.
Here is how fans reacted on Twitter to Bangladesh’s batting against South Africa
https://twitter.com/SxxdSulehri/status/1135149503605039106
Bangladesh Is The 2nd Best Asian Team And Afganistan Comes 3rd #WC2019
— Ved. (@AjaySRKFan) June 2, 2019
They may as well return home if they’re struggling against Bangladesh #SAvBAN pic.twitter.com/H9bEQDLntE
— mamagashe phasha (@mamagashe_) June 2, 2019
Bangladesh's highest totals in ODIs v South Africa
280-5 after 46.1 overs (The Oval, TODAY)
278-7 (Kimberley, 2017)
251-8 (Providence, 2007)
249 (Paarl, 2017)#CWC19 #SAvBAN— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) June 2, 2019
These Bangladesh fans cheering for every run not making things any easy for us… #ProteaFire #SAvBAN….. ?♂️?♂️?♂️Oh Dear Lord Jesus We are screwed ?????? pic.twitter.com/Z0paLCnObJ
— FlatRate (@BamboThulani) June 2, 2019
Our next match is against Virat Kohli's India
#SAvBAN pic.twitter.com/UggoFM7Cuk
— Khozality?? (@khozalities) June 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/chace_face/status/1135172677587603457
Most Runs In World Cup
(Among Current Asian Players)Shakib – 615*
Mushfiqur – 588*
Kohli – 587
Dhoni – 507#SAvBAN— CricBeat (@Cric_beat) June 2, 2019
Fair play to all those Bangladesh fans at the Oval, hot day, fasting and they’re still jumping around supporting their team madly. Brilliant.
— Ian M (@Marriotti67) June 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/RSarvanand/status/1135170338507988992
https://twitter.com/ABstatsmaster/status/1135165170785890305
https://twitter.com/SteynGun_/status/1135149769133764609
https://twitter.com/chxndni/status/1135172502299303938
https://twitter.com/OldMathsy/status/1135172558532370433
And now Bangladesh have scored more than England against South Africa. #cwc19 #cricket #SAvBAN
— Firdose Moonda (@FirdoseM) June 2, 2019
Whether they win or lose this game, South Africa are a mess in the field. #BANVSA #SAvBAN #CWC19
— Cricket Badger / James Buttler ???? (@cricket_badger) June 2, 2019