Another day, another run feast for South Africa!
At the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday, the Proteas rode on Quinton de Kock’s 174 and a blitzkrieg 90 from Heinrich Klaasen to plunder 144 off the last ten overs, to put up a mammoth 382 for five. Then it handed a 149-run defeat to Bangladesh and bolstered its chances of a last-four spot in the World Cup.
Had it not been for Mahmadullah (111, 111b, 11x4, 4x6), who waged a lone battle after the South African pace attack took the fizz out of the chase, Bangladesh wouldn’t have reached 233.
The seasoned batter delayed the inevitable with a few big hits and forged a 68-run partnership for the ninth wicket with Mustafizur Rahman.
But for a side that was reeling at 58 for 5 in 15 overs after Marco Jansen jolted its top-order, Mahmadullah’s efforts were not enough to avoid a fourth defeat on the trot.
The day, however, belonged to de Kock.
South Africa’s Quinton de Kock walks towards dressing room after being dismissed on 174. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI/The Hindu
Featuring in his 150th ODI, he became the sixth batter to score three hundreds in a single World Cup and also overtook Virat Kohli as the highest run-getter (407) of the ongoing one.
Banking on his experience of playing at the iconic venue during his stint with Mumbai Indians, de Kock guided his team to becoming the first side to register three 350-plus scores in a single World Cup.
A couple of days ago, it hammered 143 runs in its last ten overs against England, and on a rather flat deck, South Africa extended its tally by a run against Bangladesh, despite wobbling at 36 for two inside eight overs.
AS IT HAPPENED - SOUTH AFRICA vs BANGLADESH
Early on, Bangladesh showed intent as Shoriful Islam made good use of the new ball and castled Reeza Hendricks, while Rassie van der Dussen was trapped leg before by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
However, the joy was short-lived as de Kock rebuilt with stand-in captain Aiden Markram (60, 69b, 7x4) and forged a 131-run partnership for the third wicket. The two got into the groove, played shots at will, adding to Bangladesh’s woes.
By the time Markram mistimed a Shakib delivery and lofted it down to Litton Das at long-off, the foundation was laid for the middle-order to take things forward. Coming into the game from his assault against England, Klaasen hit Shakib for a six, and there was no looking back for him.
SCORECARD - SOUTH AFRICA vs BANGLADESH
As the surface continued to aid the batters, Klaasen continued his carnage - hitting Hasan Mahmud for a boundary and a six - and shortly after de Kock reached his century, both the batters sent Bangladesh bowlers on a leather hunt.
After a ‘tired’ de Kock finally departed amid standing ovation, David Miller put the final touches to the South African innings and with a 14-ball-34.
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