Bangladesh secured an incredible 38-run victory against South Africa in the first ODI of the three-match series, on March 18 (Friday) to clinch their first ODI win against Proteas on South African soil. The visitors won the first ODI match of the series, played in Centurion, to take a crucial 1-0 lead in the ODI series.
Promising start
Batting first, Bangladesh registered a solid total of 314 for 7 in 50 overs. Their opening batsmen- Tamim Iqbal (41 runs off 67 balls) and Litton Das (50 runs off 67 balls) gave Bangladesh a strong start to build their innings with a partnership of 95.
South Africa pacer Andile Phehlukwayo earned a vital breakthrough for his side as he dismissed Iqbal in the 22nd over of the match.
Later, Shaikb Al Hasan (77 runs off 64 balls) and Yasir Ali (50 runs off 44 deliveries) registered another important partnership of 115 runs off 82 balls to help their side in reaching a comfortable position in the game. Later; Mahmudullah socred a quick-fire 25 off 17 balls to help the visitors in reaching a solid total of 314 runs.
For South Africa, their bowlers- Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen picked up two wickets each as Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada and Andile Phehlukwayoa claimed one wicket each.
The run chase
In reply, the hosts could not start the run chase pretty convincingly as Janneman Malan edged a Shoriful Islam delivery through to Mushfiqur in the fourth over of the innings, though the big damage occurred in the ninth over as Kyle Verreynne (21) and Aiden Markram (0) both fell to Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed.
Later, South Africa batsmen- David Miller (79 runs off 57 balls) and Rassie van der Dussen (86 runs off 98 deliveries) notched a significant partnership of 70 runs off 64 balls.
Previously, Rassie also played a key part in building a partnership of 85 runs off 107 deliveries along with skipper Temba Bavuma (31 runs off 55 balls). But eventually, nothing paid off as the hosts could only reach a total of 276 in 48.5 overs. At one point, the Proteas were well-placed at 191 for 4 but due to a poor batting order collapse they lost their next five wickets within a span of just 51 runs.
For Bangladesh, their spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed four wickets to help his side in earning a historic victory against South Africa in the first ODI.
