Twitter Reactions: Bangladesh carves thunderous triumph to announce themselves in the World Cup journey

After three one-sided affairs, the 2019 edition of the World Cup witnessed its first closely-fought game between South Africa and Bangladesh. Though the Proteas lost their opening match against England, this time they were favourites. Nevertheless, Mashrafe Mortaza’s men punched above their weight rolled their opponent over, winning the match by 21 runs at the Kennington Oval in London.

Mushfiq and Shakib lead the charge

South Africa made a couple of changes to their eleven. David Miller and Chris Morris came in place of Hashim Amla and Dwaine Pretorius respectively. Faf du Plessis won the toss and didn’t hesitate to field first, but Bangladesh ended up amassing their highest ODI score of 330 in 50 overs. For the Tigers, the likes of Tamim Iqbal and Mohammad Saifuddin, who were suffering from injuries, made the cut.

Skipper Mashrafe also walked in with a hamstring strain. Tamim and Soumya Sarkar started proceedings and put on 60 runs off 50 balls. Even as Soumya looked in ominous touch, Tamim had his difficulties and perished to Andile Phehlukwayo. After scoring 42 off 30, Soumya mistimed a pull to give Morris his first wicket. Thereafter, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim added 142 runs for the third wicket stand.

Shakib accomplished his fifty off 54 balls and went on to score 75. Imran Tahir bowled him round his legs to break the partnership. Phehlukwayo removed Mushfiqur after the keeper scored 78. Tahir got his second wicket in the form of Mohammad Mithun after which Mahmudullah and Mosaddek Hossain’s 66-run stand took Bangladesh to a resounding total. While Mosaddek got 26, Mahmudullah scored 46.

Bangladesh blast their way to victory

The Proteas made a steady start as Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram put on 49 in 9.4 overs. Unfortunately, de Kock succumbed to a run-out. Markram was seeming to get the measure of the Tigers’ bowling, having scored 45, but Shakib rattled his woodwork. David Miller, playing his first game, joined his skipper Du Plessis in the middle. Mehidy Hasan Miraz picked up the prized of Du Plessis.

The Proteas captain perished after scoring 62 priceless runs. With their team under pressure, Rassie van der Dussen and Miller tried to bring back some momentum with a 55-run stand. Mustafizur Rahman removed Miller for 38. Saifuddin ripped Van der Dussen’s poles apart when the batter was looking settled with 41 runs under his belt. In the last 10 overs, South Africa needed a mammoth 103 runs.

Phehlukwayo hit one four off Mashrafe and then got out to Saifuddin. The onus was then on JP Duminy and Chris Morris to drag their team out of jail. To South Africa’s dismay, Mustafizur got rid of Morris. Duminy tried his best with a knock of 45 off 37, but Mustafizur disturbed his timber to drill the final nail in the Proteas’ coffin. With his dismissal, the writing was pretty much on the walls for Du Plessis’ men.

Here is how Twitter lauded Bangladesh for the victory