South Africa: Nation Breaks Bangladesh’s Heart

BuaNews (Tshwane)

Kemantha Govender

20 March 2011

Durban — South Africa ended their final Group B match by crushing Bangladesh with a 206-run victory at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium on Saturday.

Bangladesh needed to win the game in order to qualify for the quarterfinals, but only managed to reach a dismal 78 in pursuit of victory.

The South Africans won the toss and elected to bat and posted a gigantic 284, with the top order offering some strong performances.

Hashim Alma made 51 runs while skipper Graeme Smith contributed 45. Jacques Kalllis made 67 before being bowled and caught by Shakib Al Hassan.

Faf du Plessis also boosted the South African score card with his constructive 52.

Lonwabo Tsotsobe was electrifying with his 3-14 and the reliable Robin Peterson was once again superb with his 4-12 at the end. Tsotsobe was picked ahead of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel who were rested for their upcoming quarterfinal.

The Bangladesh scorecard looked dismal with skipper Al Hasan being the only batsmen to reach double figures.

Tsotsobe led the assault by dismissing Tamim Iqbal in the third over for just five runs. Two overs later he struck again, bowling Imrul Kayes for four runs.

Shahriar Nafees became Tsotsobe’s final victim.

Only batting for 28 overs, Bangladesh found themselves at 58-6 by the 22nd over.

Peterson claimed the wickets of Naeem Islam, Shafiul Islam and Abdur Razzak.

Safiul and Abdur were both dismissed for ducks.

Tsotsobe was awarded the man of the match for his heroic bowling display.

South Africa’s win means that India and England are into the quarterfinals with the West Indies looking to take the final spot in Group B.

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