South Africa and Bangladesh were welcomed by a hot and sultry day in Mumbai. It was the 23rd game of the ODI World Cup 2023 tournament. Shoriful Islam the Bangladeshi left-arm pacer created an instant impact to set the early tone for his team.
Aiden Markram was still the captain as Temba Bavuma still wasn’t fit. South Africa decided to bat first after winning the toss just like the game against England. Lizaad Williams was the only change coming in for Lungi Ngidi. Shakib Al Hasan made his return to the side and replaced Towhid Hridoy.
In their last game at the same venue, South Africa had scored 399/7 to beat England by 229 runs. Bangladesh on the other hand were coming into the game on the back of a loss to India in Pune. Shakib Al Hasan knew his team needed a win in order to stay alive in the tournament.
Shoriful Islam does the perfect Hrithik Roshan impersonation
Reeza Hendricks and Quinton De Kock opened yet again and were looking dangerous once again. Bangladesh began with Mustafizur Rahman and Mehidy Hasan Miraz with the new ball. With the ball not doing much, Shakib decided to give Shoriful Islam the ball.
The left-arm-pacer made an immediate impact when he struck with his very first ball. Reeza Hendricks was rooted to his crease as the ball came in sharply to disturb his stumps. The South African opener was out for 12 runs as the Bangladeshi team celebrated with joy. Shoriful Islam was seen doing the ‘Ek Pal Ka Jeena’ hookstep after taking the wicket.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz then gave his team the second big wicket when he got the scalp of Rassie Van Der Dussen. The Bangladeshi all-rounder turns 25 on Wednesday but decided to give himself an early birthday present. Rassie Van Der Dussen saw the ball keep low as he was trapped plumb right in front of the wicket.
South Africa has played four games so far and got 6 points on the board. A win on Tuesday will see the South Africans move into second place overhauling New Zealand due to a better run rate. Meanwhile, a win for Bangladesh with a better could see them overhaul Afghanistan or even Pakistan in the points table.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
Shoriful Islam doing 'Ek Pal Ka Jeena' dance step after picking up a wicket. pic.twitter.com/WsHwjDImv0
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 24, 2023
Updated from Nagin Dance…
— Chhichhaledar (@chhichhaledar) October 24, 2023
Bangladesh on top so far..except that drop everything is spot on
— anees ur rehman (@an33s) October 24, 2023
One down SA….sariful got the break through
— Hriday Singh (@hridaysingh16) October 24, 2023
Wonderful bowling from him! #BANVSA
— SaleeM (@CallMeSaleeM109) October 24, 2023
Fantastic to see.
— Manoj Tiwari (@ManojTiwariIND) October 24, 2023
Ohhh yeah ?
— GORDXROHIT (@gordxrohit) October 24, 2023
Big upset leading ?
— Zippy Raj ? (@thezippyfit) October 24, 2023