Tigers seek quick turnaround

The T20 World Cup match against South Africa was a big opportunity for Bangladesh to dismantle the status quo in a group containing India, Pakistan and South Africa, and despite showing promise with both bat and ball at start of each innings, the Tigers slumped to a heavy 104-run defeat yesterday.

Rilee Rossouw struck a blinding 56-ball 109 – the first ton in this marquee event -- showcasing his ability to take on both pacers and spinners at will. The Tigers' start with the ball was good when Taskin Ahmed got skipper Temba Bavuma out in the first over after the Proteas elected to bat. T20 games tend to change quickly and Rossouw and Quinton de Kock produced 63 runs in the Powerplay, seizing the momentum sharply.

Only Mustafizur Rahman and Hasan Mahmud were able to complete their full quota of overs as a 168-run stand for the second-wicket saw South Africa amass 205 for five. Only some resistance at the back end with the ball meant the Proteas did not manage an even bigger score.

"I played against a lot of the boys and with them. So, I wasn't too unfamiliar with what was to be expected of them [Bangladesh bowlers]. I would say it [playing BPL] definitely helped me in today's match," Rossouw said at the press conference yesterday on using his experience of playing the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) previously.

Taskin's wicket was not followed by more pressure with the ball and, likewise, in chase of 206 when Soumya Sarkar started breezily with two sixes off the first two deliveries he faced against Kagiso Rabada, it did not materialise into something better. Speedster Anrich Nortje dismantled the top-order with career-best figures of four for 10 runs as Bangladesh innings quickly lost momentum and resolve. Shakib said much more was expected after the starts they got.

"In both innings with the bat and ball, we started well but couldn't keep the momentum which I think is a bit disappointing," Shakib said at the press conference yesterday.

 "When we were 27 for no loss after two overs, you expect the team to carry on and even if we didn't win, at least put on a good batting display," the Bangladesh skipper added.

Shakib further said his team had little time to reflect on the heavy defeat as they must find a quick turnaround against Zimbabwe in their third Super 12 game on Sunday in Brisbane.