On Tuesday, October 24 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, South Africa maintained its lead in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 by easily defeating Bangladesh by 149 runs in Match 23.
The team captained by Aiden Markram scored a staggering 382/5 in their allotted 50 overs after choosing to bat first, with Quinton de Kock scoring his third hundred of the competition.
Bangladesh‘s chase in response never got off the ground; they were left floundering at 58/5 after 15 overs. Mahmudullah, who reached his third century in the history of the ODI World Cup, was the lone fighter for his team. No other batter scored more than 22 runs besides him, as Bangladesh was bowled out for 233 in 46.4 overs. The best bowler for his team was Gerald Coetzee, who took out 3/62 in ten overs.
Here are some discussion points for the game:
1. Quinton de Kock keeps going strong in his fantasy race
The South African opener reaffirmed his dominance in the competition by scoring 174 runs off 140 balls, blasting 15 fours and seven sixes. He accumulated 407 runs during his five innings, making him the tournament’s top run-scorer.
2. A blazing Heinrich Klaasen
The 32-year-old went on to play another quick-fire innings of 90 (49) while slamming two fours and eight sixes, following up on his magnificent hundred he scored a few days before at the same location. Klaasen persisted in hitting the bowlers all over the field, sending warning signals to South Africa rivals in upcoming matches.
3. After six years, Mahmudullah strikes a century in an ODI.
When Mahmudullah came out to the middle with his team reeling on 42/4, Bangladesh were in serious trouble. He then played a brilliant 111-ball innings, smashing 11 fours and four sixes, to score his maiden ODI hundred in six years. In addition, it was his third century in the competition’s history, which is the most for a batter from Bangladesh.
Player of the Match, Quinton de Kock, South Africa said:
To be honest, I am a bit more tired than satisfied (after a spectacular knock), I think we all played really well and everyone did their part and it was nice to get those two points on the board. Not just too sure, it is just happening I guess (speaking about his conversion rate in India). I was a little nervous this morning, but it was a great day and I had a bit of fun and it’s great to get another 2 points.
He (Klaasen) has been truly amazing, I also need some of the juice that he is having. He has just been special, not just for us but for everyone around the world. He is really taking it by storm and I am very happy for him.
Losing Captain, Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh said:
We bowled first 25 overs well. We got three wickets, they were going at about 5 an over. From there they kicked on. Quinton batted really well, and the way Klaasen finished was something we didn’t have any answer to. On a ground like this it can happen but we should’ve bowled better. Lost the game in the last 10 overs. Has been lot of talking about whether Mushfiq and Mahmudullah should bat higher.
But the role they have, they’re doing very well. Our top four batters need to do well. Long way to go in this tournament, anything can happen. Lot to be learnt, and lot to play for. Will love to finish 5-6 if not in the semis. We’re not playing like a team that can do it, but hope to finish stronger.
Winning Captain, Aiden Markram, South Africa said:
Was another good day. Tough to grind it out towards the end, but all in all it was a great day. Not necessarily (death bowling a problem?). Guys have worked quite hard at the death. Especially against Mahmudullah who played fantastically, we thought it was an opportunity to execute our death bowling plans. What Quinny did tonight was obviously superb. And then to have a guy like Klaasen who walks in and smashes it.
It’s quite different how each person in the top 6 plays. It’s something you can’t take for granted and we won’t do that. Temba improved quite a lot coming into this game, just wasn’t 100 percent. Hopefully he can be ready for Pakistan.
India
