South Africa put up a strong batting performance against Bangladesh in the 23rd match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The hosts won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to replicate their success against England in the same venue. However, they faced some early resistance from the Bangladesh bowlers, who removed both openers in quick succession. But Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram steadied the ship with a century partnership, and helped South Africa reach a commanding position at the end of the first innings.
De Kock and Markram shine after early setbacks
South Africa got off to a shaky start as they lost Reeza Hendricks for 12 in the fifth over, caught behind off Shoriful Islam. Rassie van der Dussen followed soon after, edging Mehidy Hasan Miraz to slip for just one. South Africa were reduced to 28 for 2 in the eighth over, and needed a solid partnership to rebuild their innings.
That’s when de Kock and Markram took charge and counter-attacked the Bangladesh bowlers with some fluent strokes. De Kock was particularly aggressive, hitting four fours and four sixes in his 77 off 76 balls. He reached his fifty in 49 balls, and looked set for a big score. Markram was more sedate, but still played some crisp shots on both sides of the wicket. He scored 53 off 63 balls, with six fours. The duo added 118 runs for the third wicket in 19.5 overs, and gave South Africa the momentum they needed.
Bangladesh fight back with late wickets
Bangladesh did not give up easily, and managed to break the dangerous partnership in the 28th over. De Kock tried to sweep Nasum Ahmed, but missed the ball and was trapped lbw. The left-arm spinner struck again in his next over, dismissing Heinrich Klaasen for a duck, caught at short midwicket. South Africa were suddenly 146 for 4, and had to consolidate again.
David Miller joined Markram in the middle, and the pair added 32 runs in six overs. Markram completed his fifty in 60 balls, but fell soon after, caught at long-on off Hasan Mahmud for 53. Miller then took charge of the innings, and accelerated the scoring rate with some powerful hitting. He smashed four fours and three sixes in his unbeaten 48 off 32 balls. He was well supported by Marco Jansen, who scored 21 off 15 balls. The duo added an unbroken 61 runs for the sixth wicket in seven overs, and took South Africa to a formidable total of 239 for 5 in 37 overs.
The match was reduced to 37 overs per side due to a delayed start caused by a wet outfield. Bangladesh will have to chase down a revised target of 248 according to the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.
Bangladesh face uphill task in chase
Bangladesh will have to pull off a record chase if they want to upset South Africa in their own backyard. The highest successful chase at Wankhede Stadium is 230 by India against England in 2011. Bangladesh will also have to contend with a strong South African bowling attack, led by Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj.
Bangladesh will hope that their captain Shakib Al Hasan, who returned to the side after missing the last match due to injury, can inspire them with his all-round skills. They will also need contributions from their top-order batsmen like Liton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah. Bangladesh have won only one of their four matches so far in this World Cup, and need a win to keep their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals alive.
South Africa, on the other hand, have three wins from four games, and are looking to consolidate their position in the top four. They will be confident of defending their total against Bangladesh, having beaten them by nine wickets in their previous encounter in this tournament.
