CWC 2019: SA vs BAN Preview – Tigers hope for a big upset against hurting Proteas
South Africa will look for some urgency in their ranks, as they aim to lift up the team morale after a crushing defeat against England in the World Cup opener. The way they crumbled against the pace of Jofra Archer is something which will not inspire a lot of confidence among their supporters, but they will face a different challenge altogether against Bangladesh.
The Bangla Tigers have come a long way in international cricket from the days of being the perennial minnows. They can spring a surprise against any team who dares to take them lightly and will quietly fancy their chances against a South African unit who are not the best on paper. All in all, this promises to be quite a fascinating contest with two teams who have some good quality but also some obvious flaws.
Match Info
South Africa vs Bangladesh, 5th match
Kennington Oval, London (3:00 pm IST)
Head-to-Head
Played – 20
South Africa wins – 17
Bangladesh wins – 3
Team Tactics
South Africa
After a big loss against England in the opener, South Africa will hope that their batting unit fires collectively. They will be banking on the experienced Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis to make more of a contribution to the batting cause. The form of Quinton de Kock is certainly a big boost. The pacers will also have to up their game and not let the opposition take charge in the middle overs.
Bangladesh
All will again depend on the tried and tested performers like Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mashrafe Mortaza. These guys have been proven match winners for Bangladesh over the years and the onus will be again on them to deliver the goods. They are backed by the talented Soumya Sarkar and Mustafizur Rahim and all of them will have to be at their best if Bangladesh are to write another golden page in their history books.
Key players
Quinton de Kock (South Africa): The opener looked in exceptional form against England in the tournament opener and his record against Bangladesh is brilliant. In 6 innings, he has scored 331 runs at an average of 66.2 and the highest score of 168*. South Africa will be expecting more of the same from the wicketkeeper-batsman.
Soumya Sarkar (Bangladesh): The classy batsman was in good touch against the Indians in the warm-up game as he got his team off to a start. He has a good record against the South Africans, scoring 213 runs in 4 innings at a mighty impressive average of 71. The World Cup is the perfect stage for him to announce his arrival as the next superstar of Bangladeshi cricket.
Probable XI
South Africa: Quinton de Kock(wk), Hashim Amla, Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis(c), Rassie van der Dussen, JP Duminy, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir.
Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim(wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Mashrafe Mortaza(c), Mehidy Hasan, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman.
