World Cup 2019: Bangladesh Hunt Down Giants South Africa in Stunning Upset

London, June 3, 2019:

The Bangladesh squad registered a narrow yet thrilling 21-run victory over cricketing giants South Africa in a pulsating encounter held at The Oval on Sunday.

The Bangaldeshi tigers roared load and clear and after smashing an imposing total of 330 (their highest ever in World Cup cricket), the Bangla tigers were ablt to restrict the 'Proteas' to 309/8 in the stipulated 50 overs.

This is the second successive defeat for an injury-depleted South African side (they had lost their first encounter to England in the very first match of the Cup) and now, the team will have their sights set firmly on their next match against Virat Kohli's 'Men in Blue' on June 5 at the Rose Bowl stadium in Southampton.

As many as five South Africa batsmen - including skipper Faf du Plessis, (62, 53b, 5x4, 1x6), got off to splendid starts, but failed to capitalize on the momentum as their charge was stifled by disciplined bowling from the boys in Bangladesh. Bangladesh's ace in the bowling pack - left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman took three wickets, while Mohammad Saifuddin chipped in with two.

Earlier, the Bangladesh piled on 330 in their stipulated 50 overs in a disciplined and calculated effort from their batsmen. The edifice of Bangladesh's victory was built on the 142-run stand for the third wicket, which was characterised by risk-free cricket from Shakib Al Hasan (75 off 84) and Mushfiqur Rahim (78 off 80).

Meanwhile, Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza has said that he believes he and his players don't have to be 'very excited' about the way they've begun their World Cup 2019 campaign, and called for his players to remain calm as matches come thick and fast in the lengthy group stage.

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