Impressive Ashraful propels Bangladesh’s victory
In one of the most action-packed matches Bangladesh shocked South Africa after they clinched a 67-run victory over Proteas in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super Eight Match at Guyana. After this upset the chances of South Africa entering the semi-finals are extremely grim.
South Africa skipper Smith won the toss and elected to bat first. Bangladesh got off to a steady start as it had 42 runs on the board for the first wicket stand until opener Omar was out on 17 runs off Nel’s ball. Next to go was Bangladeshi skipper Bashar for five. Opener Tamim Iqbal contributed crucial 38 runs till he gave a simple catch to Mark Boucher.
Bangladeshi innings was fuelled by Mohammad Ashraful who put on 87 runs that helped his team to reach the psychological 250-mark. Ashraful along with Aftab Ahmed put on 76-run stand before ace bowler Ntini got the crucial wicket of Ahmed at the score of 35 runs which included two fours and two sixes. Later Nel took the wicket of Ashraful who made 87 from 83 balls his innings included 12 fours.
Chasing a total of 252 for victory the South African batsmen came under sever attack of Bangladeshi spinners. Opener Smith fell cheaply off Rasel’s ball. Star batsmen Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers then put on 45 runs for the second wicket before Kallis became Rasel’s next victim.
South Africa’s defeat became inevitable as de Villiers was bolwed for 15, Ashwell Prince was run out for one, Mark Boucher was caught on 12, Justin Kemp for seven and Shaun Pollock was run out for 17. Herschelle Gibbs was the lone fighter for his team, he remained unbeaten on 56.
Sharp fielding and tight bowling helped Bangladesh to wrap South Africa 184 in 48.4 overs. Bangladesh spinners took six quick wickets that helped their team to seal the all important victory.
Brief Score: Bangladesh 251-8 (Ashraful 87, Iqbal 38) vs. South Africa 184 (Gibbs 56, Kallis 32)
Result: Bangladesh won the match by 67 runs
Man of the Match: Mohammad Ashraful
To know more about Cricket World Cup 2007, check the following links:
Points Table
Highlights
Match Scorecards
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