On this day in 2007: Bangladesh upset South Africa in the World Cup

Bangladesh had started ICC World Cup 2007 on a high, giving a five-wicket defeat to mighty India at Queen’s Park Oval, which later led to the latter being knocked out of the tournament. However, Bangladesh stunned everyone when they beat South Africa in the tournament.

Winning the toss, South Africa invited Bangladesh to bat first. Openers Javed Omar and Tamim Iqbal stitched a 42-run stand before they both were sent packing by Andre Nel. He dismissed dismiss Omar, Habibul Bashar, and Tamim in a short burst, while all-rounder Jacques Kallis provided support from the other end and dismissing Shakib Al Hasan. As a result, Bangladesh were 84 for 4 after 23.4 overs.

However, Mohammad Ashraful (87 off 83 balls) and Aftab Ahmed (35 off 43 balls) provided some stability in Bangladesh innings. Some lusty hitting by Mashrafe Mortaza (25 off 16 balls) ensured that Bangladesh finish on 251/8 in their 50 overs.

Chasing 252, South Africa lost their first wicket on a score of 18 with Graeme Smith getting cleaned up by Sayed Rasel for his individual score of 12 runs. However, AB de Villiers (15 off 39 balls) and Kallis (32 off 36 balls) stitched a valuable partnership, taking their side score past the 60-run mark. However, as soon as Kallis was dismissed, a collapse followed.

Going from 63/1 to 87/6, South African batters had no answers to Bangladeshi bowlers. The South African middle-order, including Justin Kemp, Ashwell Prince and Mark Boucher failed to score runs. Despite Herschelle Gibbs’ 56 off 59, the Proteas could only manage 184/10 in 48.4 overs, as Bangladesh beat yet another cricketing giant in the tournament. Ashraful, who played an excellent knock of 87 runs, was adjudged player of the match.