Bangladesh continued on their road to do the unthinkable. They defeated South Africa in the third and final ODI of the series by 9 wickets to register their first-ever series victory in the Proteas’ land.
The third ODI was an anticipated affair with series on level after Bangladesh won the first ODI, and South Africa retaliated hard in the 2nd ODI to secure the victory.
Here’s how the memorable win got realized:
Tamim Iqbal, the Bangladeshi captain, won the toss and chose to bowl first. Bangla bowlers justified their captain’s decision when they reciprocated with one of the best bowling efforts registered in Bangladesh’s cricket history.
Taskin Ahmed took a fifer to break the spine of South Africa’s innings. He accounted for Janneman Malan (39), Verreyenne (9), Miller (16), Pretorius (20) and Rabada (4). Taskin conceded only 35 runs in the 9 overs he bowled to demonstrate a match-winning bowling performance.
Shakib Al Hasan, the veteran for Bangladesh, removed two batters, including the Proteas’ captain, Temba Bavuma. Mehidy Hasan and Islam both picked one wicket each to aid in the cause of registering a massive upset in the cricketing world.
South Africa could only manage a paltry 154 in 37 overs before being bowled out by Bangladesh. Janneman Malan top-scored for the Proteas with his inning of 39 runs in 56 balls.
Chasing a meagre 155, Bangladesh looked in no trouble as the openers formed a massive stand of 58 runs in the context of the match. Tamim Iqbal scored an unbeaten 87* off 82 to guide his team to the victory alongside Shakib Al Hasan.
None of the South African bowlers seemed threatening except Keshav Maharaj, who dismissed Liton Das on 48 runs.
Taskin Ahmed was crowned player of the match for his destructive bowling performance in the historic game.
Bangladesh will next South Africa in the Test series scheduled to begin from 31st March.
Also read: SA VS BAN: Clinical Bangladesh Trumps South Africa