Bangladesh humble South Africa in Cricket World Cup shock (April 7, 2007)
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Super Eights
South Africa v Bangladesh
South Africa put Bangladesh into bat in their Super Eight game in Guyana, and this looked a good decision as soon The Tigers were reduced to 84 for 4 and struggling at the half way mark of the innings.
But soon Mohammed Ashraful was an unlikely hero, blasting 87 off 83 balls, supported by Aftab Ahmed and Mashrafe bin Mortaza, getting the total up to a respectable 251 for 8 off 50 overs. Andre Nel was recalled for Andrew Hall, and took 5 for 45.
South Africa were going okay at 64 for 1, but suddenly a glut of wickets fell, firstly Kallis and de Villiers were out, and they were shortly followed by Prince, Boucher and Kemp. At 87 for 6, South Africa were in desperate trouble, and despite a fighting 56 not out from injured Herschelle Gibbs, it wasn't enough to lift South Africa to victory, who were all out for 184 in the penultimate over. This has thrown open the World Cup again, as now South Africa are unassured of a Semi Final place they expected to have.
They recieved criticism back home firstly of dropping Andrew Hall - resting him for what were considered more difficult future matches - they are scheduled to play 4 in a 10 day period. Also, the batting of Jacques Kallis has been criticised, their best batsman is taking too long over his innings, and batting too slowly.
Either way, the result is great news for England, who looked like they had to beat Australia today to get into the Semi Finals, but now it seems as long as they beat South Africa, they will earn a Semi Final place (assuming they beat the likes of West Indies and Bangladesh themselves).
But well done to Bangladesh - Mohammed Ashraful was undoubtedly Man of the Match.
Date
April 7, 2007
