Tigers must rise to the challenge

The third ODI between Bangladesh and South Africa at Chittagong's Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on July 15 has something more at stake, especially after the Tigers turned around so emphatically in the 2nd game at Mirpur.

If Bangladesh win on Wednesday, the world will get an after-shock of the series wins over India and Pakistan unlike anything seen on the Richter scale before.

Bangladesh would be quietly confident, after bowling out the strong South African team only for the second time in 16 matches, the first was the victory in the 2007 World Cup.

With his bowlers firing in all cylinders, Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza is wary of the fact that they may have a bad day, when it will be up to the batsmen to rise up to the challenge and deliver.

"We may not be that clinical in bowling in our next game and this is something our batsmen should take note of and live up to that challenge," said Mashrafe Mortaza to The Daily Star.

"Our focus should be to play our best cricket. We have bowled and fielded well and we should continue doing so…" captain added.

Although South Africa's 162 in the 2nd game was their lowest total in seven matches batting first against the hosts, they have the experience to easily regroup and fight tooth and nail for the final match of the ODI series.

Bangladesh skipper wants his boys to avoid the pressure of the occasion and concentrate on executing their plans properly, something that kept them alive in this series against South Africa.

The good news for Bangladesh is that captain Mashrafe is going into the all-important match without getting carried away with the recent success his team had brought, and was practical about Bangladesh's chances on July 15 when talking to the press.

"We had a near perfect game against them [South Africa] in the second match. But that doesn't mean we have become a big team and just go out there and blow your opponents away. They are one of the best in the world." Mashrafe explained.

With our Captain Courageous showing the right signs ahead of the clash with the Proteas, Tigers' supporters at home and abroad will feel more optimistic and they hope Bangladesh can rise up to the challenge and create history at Chittagong on July 15.

South Africa's captain Hashim Amla congratulates Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza after the Tigers won the 2nd ODI by 7 wickets at Mirpur to level the 3-match series 1-1. Photo: STAR