Tamim Iqbal followed Taskin Ahmed to guide an indomitable Bangladesh to crush South Africa by 9 wickets in the third and final match and in doing so claimed the three-match series by 2-1 at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
This was unarguably the biggest event in the country’s cricket history since the series victory came at overseas soil against a nation, which always was invincible at home regardless of their strength.
Bangladesh had already created history by winning the first ODI by 38 runs, which was their first victory on South African soil, snapping a 19-match winless streak. South Africa hit back with a seven-wicket victory in the second game but the Tigers didn’t give up the hopes of winning the series.
Bangladesh have been also invincible like South Africa at home since 2015 but a series victory at overseas looked always out of touch.
Even though they won series in West Indies and Zimbabwe, it exactly couldn’t hog the limelight given the current scenario of those two cricketing nations. They also won a tri-nation series in Ireland ahead of the 2019 World Cup, involving Ireland and West Indies.
But knowing that conquering South Africa will quell the other cricketing nation’s doubt on their ability to win a big series overseas, the Tigers were extremely determined ahead of the series.
Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed translated Bangladesh’s determination in his bowling, claiming 5-35, which was instrumental in wrapping up South Africa for just 154 in 37 overs. Thereafter a series victory looked like a matter of time.
Skipper Tamim Iqbal, who was out of sort in the first two matches, unleashed his natural game to clobber an unbeaten 82 ball-87 with 14 fours as Bangladesh raced to the victory with 141 balls remaining. Liton Das struck 48 and Shakib Al Hasan remained not out on 20.
Shakib Al Hasan, who scripted Bangladesh’s first-ever victory on South African soil, complemented Taskin, with 2-24 with cherry also while Shoriful Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took one wicket apiece.
ARR
