World Cup 2019: 5 key moments that helped Bangladesh win against South Africa

There was once a time when Bangladesh were just a mere punching bag for the rest of the teams in the cricketing fraternity. Playing against the Tigers in the World Cup basically meant free points for the opposition.

However, things have changed now as Mashrafe’s men are among the dark horses in this year’s World Cup. Indeed, with a win in their opening encounter against the mighty Proteas, Bangladesh have made the perfect statement for themselves.

They couldn’t have asked for a better start to the tournament as they have now won the first of their 9 matches. Realistically, not many gave Bangladesh a chance against South Africa.

And why would they?

After all, the Tigers were massacred by the Proteas in South Africa in 2017. However, in different conditions, Bangladesh showed that they have the ability to go toe-to-toe against the South Africans.

It was not as easy a victory as it looked, however, and here are the 5 key moments that led to the Tigers' victory…

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#1 Soumya Sarkar’s fiery start

A year ago, it wouldn’t have been shocking to hear claims of the southpaw not making it to the World Cup squad this year. He was going through a very rough patch and there were calls for him to be dropped from the team.

However, the management showed immense faith in him and he is now repaying them with his performances. Prior to the World Cup and also Bangladesh's tour of Ireland, Soumya Sarkar smashed a double hundred in a List A game that ensured his team lifted the Dhaka Premier League title.

After that, he scored three consecutive half-centuries to help Bangladesh lift their maiden multi-team tournament trophy.

And today against South Africa, Sarkar was exceptional with his hitting. While Tamim Iqbal was struggling to convert the dots into runs, Sarkar played a fluent innings of 42 runs from just 30 balls, which ensured that Bangladesh started the match with a run-rate of over 6.

His innings set the platform for…

#2 Mushfiqur-Shakib partnership

South Africa v Bangladesh - ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

Soumya Sarkar might have gotten Bangladesh off to a great start but it would not have mattered if Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim failed to capitalize. The experienced duo dug in and didn’t allow the Protea bowlers to get the better of them.

Moreover, both of them played at a very good rate, which ensured that Bangladesh’s run-rate never went below 6. While Shakib ended with 75 runs from 84 balls, Mushfiq made 78 from 80 balls and their partnership was worth 142 priceless runs.

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#3 Mahmudullah’s finish

South Africa v Bangladesh - ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

Honestly, what can I say about this man? Mahmudullah is among the most underrated players in the world. Such is his caliber that most of Bangladesh’s great wins involved him as the finisher.

Even today, with the benefit of hindsight, his 33-ball 46 made all the difference as it allowed Bangladesh to finish with 330 runs on the board instead of 305-310.

The Bangladesh management sent him at 6 – which is a great injustice to him – but they should learn from that mistake and send him at number 5 henceforth.

#4 Saifuddin’s breakthrough

South Africa v Bangladesh - ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

There is a reason why Mashrafe thinks that Saifuddin is Bangladesh's best asset of the future. South Africa were never really out of the game until the very final overs. At one point, it looked like they would win the game when van der Dussen was at his vehement best.

However, Dussen was stopped against the run of play by Saifuddin. Bangladesh were struggling to get a breakthrough and the ball was thrown to the youngster, who got Dussen out off the very first delivery of his new spell. After that, things became easy.

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#5 Great bowling display

South Africa v Bangladesh - ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

It would be unfair to the rest of the bowlers if only Saifuddin is given credit as almost every other bowler did a great job. Shakib Al Hasan took the all-important wicket of Aiden Markram.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, too, was brilliant as he clean bowled Faf du Plessis when he was looking extremely dangerous. Miraz was also very economical as he gave away only 44 runs in his 10 overs.

And what more can be said about Mustafizur Rahman? With regular breakthroughs, he helped the Tigers as he took the crucial wickets of David Miller, JP Duminy and Chris Morris.

Bangladesh will now have to continue this excellent teamwork and hope for the best in their upcoming matches.