The Number One team in the world, South Africa were shocked yesterday by the Bangladeshi Tigers in one of the most memorable games of this dramatic World Cup. Bangladesh looked to be counted out of the game even before it started, and South Africa wanting to boost their lowly Run-Rate. Greame Smith won the toss and put Bangladesh in to bat, on a beautiful batting track. Bangladesh started off slow and carefully, Javed Omar and Tamim Iqbal making sure there were no early hiccups. in the 13th over, Omar fell to give Nel his first of 5 wickets, giving Smith a relatively easy catch at point. Habibul Bashar, the skipper, promoted himself to number 3. He looked uncomfortable at the crease the whole time, before finally giving Nel a return catch for 5. His horrid run with the bat continued. Tamim Iqbal and Saqibul Hasan fell in quick succession, and Bangladesh tottering at 84-4. Enter Aftab Ahmed and Mohammad Ahsraful. Their brilliant Partnership of 76 held the Bangladeshi Innings together. After a consolodated start, Ahmed launched into Justin Kemp, smacking him for two HUGE sixes through the leg side. Once again, Bangladeshi supporters seemed to have found an ounce of hope, and then see it crashing to the ground when Ahmed was caught in the deep by Nel off Ntini for 38-or so it seemed. Mohammad Ashraful took charge along with number 8 Mashrafe Mortaza and crafted a Master-Class 87 off just 83 balls, something equal to an Innings from Tendulkar or Lara. The brilliant "scoop" shots over short fine leg fetched him many runs, before finally causing his demise in the last over. Mortaza chipped in with a cameo 25, and Bangladesh ended their Innings for a challenging 251-8. The only plus points for South Africa being Andre Nel's career best figures of 5-45 from his allotted 10 overs.
South Africa never seemed to be in it. Wickets fell at regular intervals and after Kallis was caught by Tamim off Rasel, the chase was virtually over. The middle order crumbled, wickets tumbled, and the spin trio slowly killed the Lion. Resistance was shown by Gibbs (56*) and Pollock(17) before he was brilliantly run out by Tamim Iqbal. South Africa were all out for 184 from 48.2 overs, and Bangladesh, unexpectedly won by 67 runs. The Man of the Match was awarded to Ashraful, for his masterclass innings with the bat, that scripted this awesome win.
Scorecard (Cricinfo)
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