Twitter Reactions: All-round Bangladesh defy Killer Miller to take early honours in the ODI series

Bangladesh put in a clinical show in the first ODI against South Africa to take an early lead in the three-match series. It should no more be called an upset as Bangladesh have played really well in the World Cup Super League and continue to retain their top position with this win. Chasing 315 runs, the Proteas were bundled out for only 276 runs in the penultimate over of the innings and David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen’s efforts went in vain.

The hosts were in early trouble in a steep chase and were reeling at 36/3. This is when Van der Dussen and skipper Temba Bavuma made sure that they rebuilt the innings but in the process, the required run-rate went high. Bavuma took his time to score 31 runs but couldn’t make up getting out to Shoriful Islam. However, David Miller’s arrival got the much needed momentum to the innings.

The left-hander showed his call for the umpteenth time in his career smashing a couple of sixes to start with. At the other end, RvD impressed yet again nicely pacing his innings. The duo was threatening to take the game away from Bangladesh. The 70-run stand was finally broken by Taskin Ahmed and then came the Mehidy masterclass.

The off-spinner made up for a poor start with the ball picking up four wickets including that of Miller’s in his second spell. Miller kept scoring boundaries even as wickets kept falling at the other end but lost steam in the end before getting stumped off the off-spinner to end on 79 off just 57 deliveries. South Africa fell well short of the target losing the game by 38 runs.

Shakib led the way for Bangladesh

Earlier, after being put in to bat first, Bangladesh openers Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das started sedately largely looking to secure their wicket. They added 95 runs in 21.3 overs before the former was dismissed and even Das couldn’t convert a good start. Mushfiqur Rahim’s tough time in the middle continued as the visitors lost three quick wickets.

But yet again, Shakib Al Hasan who was not even sure of traveling to the rainbow nation stepped up for his side. He smashed 77 runs off just 64 balls to bring the innings well and truly back on track and was well complemented by Yasir Ali who scored a half-century as well. Short but crucial contributions from the lower middle order then propelled Bangladesh to 314 runs which didn’t look realistic the way the openers had started.

Eventually, their approach paid dividends for the touring team as Bangladesh registered their first ever win on the South African soil.

Here’s how Twitter reacted: