ICC World Cup 2019, South Africa vs Bangladesh: Top 5 player battles - threat of Quinton de Kock, Shakib al Hasan | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

ICC World Cup 2019, South Africa vs Bangladesh: Top 5 player battles - threat of Quinton de Kock, Shakib al Hasan

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Jun 02, 2019 12:46 PM IST

Bangladesh’s recent form has been good, with the fourth best win-loss record in the last 12 months of any team in the tournament.

Bangladesh will kickstart their World Cup campaign against South Africa. The Proteas were shambolic in their first match against England and they will face stiff competition from Mashrafe Mortaza’s side.

File image of Shakib al Hasan(AFP)
File image of Shakib al Hasan(AFP)

Bangladesh’s recent form has been good, with the fourth best win-loss record in the last 12 months of any team in the tournament. They rely on a number of senior members in the side, but are sweating over the fitness of opener Tamim Iqbal.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP 2019

“He had a fitness test. I think Tamim will give a final call, how he is feeling. It all depends on him. Players understand how they are feeling. Tamim will give his final call,” skipper Mortaza said about Tamim.

We take a look at five critical player battles which could define this match:

Mashrafe Mortaza vs Quinton de Kock

The captain will have to take the lead with the ball and account for Quinton de Kock early in the powerplay overs. The pitch at Oval is slightly tacky which could assist Mashrafe’s variations and hence, he needs to be smart while setting his fields.

Quinton looked the best batsman against England but got out at the wrong time. He needs to now bat deep into the innings and score centuries as has the ability to take off in the final few overs.

ALSO READ: Bangladesh Predicted XI against South Africa - Middle-order batsman to replace Tamim

Kagiso Rabada vs Soumya Sarkar

The Bangladesh management like Soumya Sarkar and on his day, the left-hander can be a pleasing batsman to watch. However, he will have to counter the threat of a rampant Kagiso Rabada, who is a bowler in form and with the white new ball, he will be a force to reackon with.

Lungi Ngidi vs Mushfiqur Rahim

Mishfiqur Rahim is the rock in the middle order for Bangladesh and has to drop anchor and play deep into the innings, especially if Tamim Iqbal is not fit.

And he will face a stiff challenge from Lungi Ngidi who has the ability to use his variations and flummox batsmen, much like the way, he made a comeback against England in the first match.

Shakib al Hasan vs Faf du Plessis

South Africa collapsed against England and hence, the role of Faf du Plessis in the middle order becomes crucial. The skipper has to dig deep and carry the batting around him and then look to accelerate in the final few overs.

However, he will face a challenge in the fom of Shakib al Hasan in the middle overs. The left-arm all-rounder has the ability to use all his variations and stifle run-scoring in the middle overs.

Imran Tahir vs Mahmudullah

The responsibilty of finishing innings for Bangladesh rests with Mahmudullah and he has been a consistent performer in the recent past. He has the abilty to go after the bowling from the outset and hence, Faf du Plessis can throw the ball to his ace spinner Imran Tahir to not only control him, but to take this wicket in the final few overs.

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RR vs DC Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On