De Villiers blasts 176
Tigers at last claim wickets against SA
Sports Reporter
Bangladesh finally got a wicket after 514 balls and conceding 550 runs when Shakib Al Hasan dismissed Quinton de Kock. The last wicket that they got was Shikhar Dhawan in the semi-final of ICC Champions Trophy in which Bangladesh were defeated by nine wickets. After the dismissal of Dhawan in 14.4 overs, leaving India 87 for one, Virt Kohli and Rohit Sharma shared an unbeaten 178 runs to help the side cruise the home. Bangladesh then in their next match against South Africa went wicket-less as the hosts chased 278 runs, making 282 in 42.5 overs, highest ever chase in terms of without losing any wicket. And then when they separated Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock the pair had already amassed 90 in 17.3 overs in the second ODI yesterday.
If that was relief, Bangladesh was overjoyed by another Shakibs strike that fetched the wicket of Faf Du plessis for naught at the same over after just four balls. But that euphoria was just short-lived as the dismissal prompted AB de Villiers in the wicket and then what was happened was just carnage. Villiers didnt get the chance to bat in the first game of the series, which was his first match, recovering after a prolonged injury. The when he batted for the first time since June 2017, he smashed a marauding 104 ball-176, smacking 15 fours and seven towering sixes as South Africa left Bangladeshs hope to level the series in confusing state by piling up 353 for six at Boland Park in Paarl, a score that was seventh highest against Bangladesh. The 176 was Villierss career best and his 25th ton, keeping him just behind Hashim Amla amongst South African batsmen in terms of highest century.
In their 334 matches, including this second ODI yesterday, Bangladesh crossed 300 plus total just 11 times with the highest was 326 against Pakistan. Their highest ever chase was 322 against Scotland in the 2015 World Cup. Stat suggested a victory is unlikely.
But what would hurt Bangladesh is their yet another wretched bowling performance. Mashrafe Bin Mortazas call was to amend the mistakes at least after the crushing 10-wicket loss in the first game. But the captain himself couldnt provide any encouragement as he kept sending down half-volley and short of length deliveries throughout the match. His wayward bowling meant he gave away 82 runs in 10 overs and didnt get any wicket.
Only fast bowler Rubel Hossain and Shakib Al Hasan avoided shamble, even though both of them conceded six per over. Rubel was the reason that South Africa didnt get past 380 which was highly likely given the way Villiers was batting. At the death overs, Rubel was excellent and took three wickets including Villiers to stall the South Africas progress. The team which raced to 339 for three in 47 overs, scored finally 353 for six in 50 overs. Rubel returned figures of four for 62 in his 10 overs. Shakib on the other hand ended with two four 60 in 10 overs.
Shakib struck in 18th overs when Amla and de Kock looked set to bring up another 100 runs partnership. However the ace all-rounder dismissed de Kock for 46 to bring an end to the 90-run partnership and gave the side a double delight after just four ball in that same over by removing skipper Faf Du Plessis for 0.
Bangladesh could leave South Africa in tricky state if Nasir Hossain could hold on a tough chance, given by Villiers at first slip off Shakib Al Hasan. Villiers was then just 2. The ball flew just left to Nasir who was late to react actually. That was the only chance he gave before his dismissal. He then shared 136-run with Amal, who fresh from his 110 not out, made 85 off 92, sending the ball four times across the rope.
