SA bundled out for lowest-ever total against Tigers
With the three-match ODI series between South Africa and Bangladesh levelled at 1-1, Taskin Ahmed and his teammates stepped up to the occasion in the series-decider at the SuperSport Park in Centurion today.
From 46 for no loss, South Africa were restricted to 154 all out in 37 overs, their lowest-ever total against Bangladesh, courtesy of Taskin's second ODI fifer. Previously, the Proteas registered their lowest total of 162 against Bangladesh in Mirpur in 2015.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Bangladesh bowlers bowled exceptionally as Shakib Al Hasan scalped two wickets for the Tigers while Shoriful Islam and Mehedi Hasan Miraz took one apiece. However, Taskin stood out as he ended up boasting figures of five for 35 in his nine overs.
Taskin also became the first overseas pacer to scalp a fifer in South Africa in the last 10 years. Before him, it was Sri Lanka's Lasith Malinga who bagged a fifer in South Africa in 2012.
Meanwhile, Mushfiqur Rahim, who took four catches behind the wicket, all off Taskin's ball, also reached a milestone. The experienced wicketkeeper has now completed 200 catches in ODIs. Mushfiqur, however, took 198 of those catches while donning the gloves.
Opener Malan top-scored with 39 for the hosts, while Dwaine Pretorius and Keshav Maharaj contributed with 20 and 28, respectively.
Taskin grabs his second ODI fifer, SA in shambles
Taskin grabs a fifer, dismissing Kagiso Rabada, and taking the game apart singlehandedly in Centurion.
And Mushfiqur Rahim takes a superb catch as Rabada was lured into a drive by Taskin, who can't do anything wrong today. Tasking, who is currently boasting figures of five for 35 runs in nine overs, grabbed his second ODI fifer following his five for 28, which he achieved on his debut, against India in Mirpur in 2014.
Before Rabada's wicket, Taskin eliminated the danger-man David Miller, on 16. Both Miller and Pretorius were out caught behind by Mushfiqur as well.
The home side are in shambles, at 132 for eight in 31 overs.
Taskin just can't stop flying
Taskin Ahmed is proving to be the key player for Bangladesh in the crucial series-decider ODI in Centurion today as Dwaine Pretorius became the third victim of the right-hand pacer.
Miller departed after scoring 16 while Pretorius remains the second Proteas batter to reach twenties after Malan.
Taskin has conceded only 24 runs in his seven overs so far as South Africa are 115 for six after 27 overs.
Tigers corner Proteas with five quick wickets
Rassie van der Dussen just succumbed to a sharp, short-pitched delivery from Shoriful Islam as the hosts South Africa have fell into a slump after a decent opening stand.
Mehedi Miraz takes the catch at backward point after van der Dussen scooped the ball, having caught a leading edge off his bat's shoulder.
The Proteas are trembling at 90 for five after 21 overs in the series-decider ODI in Centurion.
Taskin scalps Malan, Verreynne after Proteas run-rate stifles; Shakib eliminates Bavuma as well
Economical bowling from Taskin Ahmed and Mehedi Miraz has culminated in the dismissals of new batter Kyle Verreynne before in-form Janneman Malan departed, with both wickets taken by Taskin in successive overs.
And Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma was the latest to depart after Shakib Al Hasan trapped him in front. Bavuma opted for a review but the on-field umpire's out decision stayed.
Malan edged to wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim while Verreynne played on a wide Taskin delivery onto his stumps before he could reach double figures.
From scoring almost run-a-ball till the seventh over, South Africa are 71 for four after 16 overs.
Malan on song as Proteas start strong despite losing de Kock
South Africa opener Quinton de Kock falls to Mehedi Hasan Miraz while Janneman Malan has displayed crisp stroke-making so far as the hosts are off to solid start after choosing to bat first in the series-decider ODI in Centurion.
Mahmudullah Riyad grabbed the catch at long on leading to the dismissal of de Kock, who brought his downfall by trying to take on Miraz.
The Proteas are 57 for one after ten overs, with Malan on 36 off 48 balls.
The Proteas have managed to strike a boundary, or two, every over till the seventh over until de Kock's departure, with pacer Shoriful Islam mostly on the receiving end of beating. However, it was Shoriful who came close to dismissing Malan in the first over of innings but the ball missed the edge of bat by a small margin.
Tigers sent to bowl first
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has won the toss and decided to bat first as the Proteas clash against Bangladesh in the series-decider third ODI of the three-match series in Centurion today.
Bangladesh are fielding an unchanged side, yet again, while Dwaine Pretorius replaces Wayne Parnell, who suffered a hamstring injury in the second ODI.
After losing the first ODI, South Africa bounced back in the series with a seven-wicket win at Johannesburg last Sunday. However, with a win today, Bangladesh can make the history of winning their first-ever series against South Africa in their backyard.
Playing XIs:
Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal (C), Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Yasir Ali, Mahmudullah Riyad, Afif Hossain, Mehedi Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman
South Africa: Janneman Malan, Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (capt), Kyle Verreynne, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi
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