Bangladesh scored their highest ever total of 330/8 in the World Cup against South Africa in the ICC Cricket World Cup match at the Oval in London on Sunday.
It was set up by Soumya at the top with a blistering 42. Then Shakib and Mushfiqur put together an outstanding 142-run stand before Mahmudullah and Mosaddek finished the job.
Earlier, South Africa won the toss and opted to field first. Bangladesh’s first few overs were a bit shaky as both openers Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar were trying to adapt with the pitch and conditions. Then they weathered the storm and started to play shots confidently, within 7th over Tigers crossed the 50-run mark. Soumya especially was playing aggressively and playing shots all around the field.
However, in the 8th over Tamim (16) edged a ball from pacer Phehlukwayo, which was caught by wicket keeper De Kock, leaving Bangladesh at 60/1 after 8.2 overs. After few overs, Soumya (42) was also out in the same fashion. Then Shakib and Mushfiqur Rahim were trying to steady the ship. They were taking runs quickly and were trying to build a formidable alliance. Shakib’s sensibility and Mushfiq’s elegancy was making the scoreboard move faster.
Within 24th over, Tigers crossed the 150-run mark by losing 2 wickets. Shakib brought up his fifty off 53 balls and within few overs Mushfiq also picked up his half century off 52 balls. Their 100-run partnership for third wicket stand came from just 95 balls. Within 32nd over, Tigers crossed the 200-run mark and were looking set to post a mammoth total.
Then finally, Imran Tahir struck for the Proteas and rattled Shakib’s stumps. Shakib’s 84-ball 75 included 8 fours and 1 maximum. Shakib’s dismissal broke the 142-run partnership between the pair. After that Mohammad Mithun came into action and started to play some big shots but he didn’t last long and fell into Tahir’s trap, leaving Bangladesh at 242/4 after 39.4 overs.
Bangladesh then lost the all-important wicket of Mushfiq and Tigers lack of finishing ability came into show again. However, Mahmudullah Riyad and Mosaddek Hossain made sure Bangladesh finish on a high score. Tigers added 80 runs in the last 8 overs. Mahmudullah was unbeaten on 46 off 33 balls.
