South Africa set 370-run target for Bangladesh

South Africa’s batsmen filled their boots in the final ODI against Bangladesh, breaking the record for the highest score at Buffalo Park as they posted 369 runs for six in 50 overs.

But they lost their captain Faf du Plessis to an acute lower-back strain. Du Plessis top-scored with 91 but hurt himself at the start of the 41st over, when he attempted to push for a second run. Despite on-field treatment and a brave attempt to continue batting, he had to be piggybacked off the field by David Miller, who was not considered for this match because of a groin strain. In du Plessis’ absence, AB de Villiers, who gave up the captaincy before this series, would have to step in to lead South Africa in the field.

That disruption has not done much to South Africa’s dominance in this series. Despite having already won it, they showed the Bangladesh bowlers little mercy, even as the hosts emptied the bench to provide some younger players an opportunity at the highest level.

Temba Bavuma, returning to the ODI side for the first time since his one-off appearance against Ireland last year, was tasked with opening the batting in Hashim Amla’s absence and immediately showed what he is capable of. He spanked a short, wide delivery from Mashrafe Mortaza through cover point.

Bangladesh tried spin at the other end in the form of Mehidy Hasan but Quinton de Kock quickly made them regret that. He took three boundaries off Mehidy’s opening over, as the offspinner went too short. Rubel Hossain replaced Mehidy but de Kock was unsparing, driving him for four in successive overs.

South Africa’s fifty was up in eight overs and 100 inside 15 and they treated every bowler with similar disdain. De Kock’s audacious six over long-off off Shakib was the most brutal example of South Africa’s bullying; the four overthrows that went to his name when he tamely tapped a ball to point, where the fielder then threw wildly at the non-striker’s end to give away runs was the most meek sign of Bangladesh’s response.

Source: ESPNcricinfo