Du Plessis, Bavuma help SA lead grow quickly

Faf du Plessis led South Africa’s push for quick runs against Bangladesh on the fourth morning in Senwes Park, with a brisk, unbeaten 77, as the home side added 149 runs in 29.1 overs in the session to swell their lead to 379 runs.

The acceleration was perfect considering rain is forecast for later in the day. Du Plessis was part of an unbroken fourth-wicket partnership of 133 runs with Temba Bavuma, who was on 64 not out off 85 balls. The pair picked up 12 fours and a six during their partnership.

The day began well for Bangladesh when Mustafizur Rahman’s offcutter induced an outside edge from Hashim Amla, which was easily taken by Liton Das. At the time, South Africa had added only 16 runs to their overnight total in a little over four overs, and needed a harder push. Du Plessis and Bavuma provided that.

Bavuma, who was dropped on 8 by Imrul Kayes, used the sweep for one four through midwicket but was otherwise largely focused on the off side. Most of du Plessis’ runs, meanwhile, came on the leg-side, as he began attacking the bowlers early in his innings.

Apart from Mustafizur’s first spell and Bavuma’s dropped chance off Shafiul Islam’s bowling, the Bangladesh bowlers did not have much impact. For most of the session, Bangladesh did not seem to have a clear direction in their bowling and fielding plans, as Bavuma and du Plessis picked singles and twos at will. They also prevented Mehidy Hasan from settling into a groove, taking 36 runs off the offspinner’s four overs in the morning.

Source: ESPNcricinfo