Tigers in S Africa: Second ODI today

The action on a punishing tour of South Africa shifts to Paarl as Bangladesh try to avoid another embarrassment after a record 10-wicket thrashing in the first ODI in Kimberley on Sunday. The second ODI is scheduled to begin today at 2:00pm (Bangladesh time) at the Boland Park, but with the heavy rain lashing the mountainous region over the last two days, it is doubtful whether the match will start on time or, in the case of further rainfall, if it will get underway at all.

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal, when walking off the field yesterday, seemed to mutter 'Abahani maath [field]', implying that the Boland Park field is in a state that Dhaka's famous Dhanmondi venue is often in during the monsoon season. The comparison is not entirely without water; much of the field is under covers, but the exposed areas are muddy and it is highly doubtful if the groundstaff can get it in playable conditions by the start time without some serious help from the sun.

The good news, however, is that the forecast for today is sunny with no chance of rain and although locals say that the forecasts here cannot be trusted, Bangladesh will hope to get some match time in after a dismal tour so far. The good news for the Tigers is that opener Tamim Iqbal, who missed the second Test and first ODI, seems to be on his way back and if that is the case he will replace Liton Das. The team is likely to remain unchanged, with maybe Mehedi Hasan Miraz coming in for Taskin Ahmed, depending on the pitch.