Bangladesh v South Africa: Limited Overs Series, July 2015

One plan that didn’t go so well was playing AB de Villiers as an opener.

That wrapped up the series 2-0 for the visitors at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

“It’s the start of the season for us”, said Du Plessis.

The margin of defeat may look big, but the home side can feel they missed an opportunity to run down South Africa’s 148 after yet another impressive bowling performance from the Tigers.

The bowlers capitalised on the aggressive intent from Bangladesh’s batsmen upfront, and managed to pick up wickets at regular intervals to eventually dismiss the hosts for 99.

David Miller contributed 30 runs from 28 balls and with Rilee Rossouw’s 19 from 6 balls, they put on an unbeaten 33 run 5th wicket partnership. Bangladesh opened with the left-arm spin of Arafat Sunny and de Villiers went after him straightaway, only to give a simple catch to cover point after scoring just two runs. The second and final T20 will be held at the same ground in Mirpur on July 7.

The Proteas’ winning margin was a convincing 31 runs and in many ways this game was replica of the first one with the Proteas total of 169/4 after again winning the toss being way beyond the capabilities of the Bangladesh batting order.

Quinton de Kock and AB de Villiers made 95 in the first wicket as South Africa posted 169 for 4 in the stipulated 20 overs.

Openers Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar paid the penalty for chasing those short balls.

The South African bowlers did not disappoint the skipper as they bowled tight and caused troubles for the hosts.

Phangiso removed Shakib Al Hassan (eight) off his first ball before taking the wicket of Nasir Hossain, who fell for a duck, and Litton Das (10) in his next two overs to put South Africa in control.

Soumya hit a brilliant 37 off 21 balls as his six fours and a six entertained the crowd in a match they found too little to cheer. “We can settle it in the following match”, Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza said.

Having been bowled out for 78 in their 2011 World Cup game, Bangladesh have been dismissed for less than 100 by South Africa in two consecutive matches. South Africa paces Kagiso Rabada showed that he meant business and the heat did not affect his bowling.