South
Africa have a chance to avenge their World Cup defeat against
Bangladesh
Andrew McGlashan at Newlands14-Sep-2007
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There is nothing riding on this match. Both teams are into the second
round and there are no carry-forward points up for grabs in the competition. It’s the one
glitch of the format, but it’s necessitated by the tight time-frame
which didn’t allow for a full Super Eight section. However, for South
Africa it’s a chance to avenge their World Cup defeat against
Bangladesh, while both teams will be eager to maintain the early
momentum built up in their convincing wins over West Indies.Bat play
South Africa’s top-order blitzed West Indies in the
opening game of the tournament and won with plenty left in the tank.
Given the fact that nothing rests on this match it could be worth
giving some of the middle-order time in the middle in preparation for tighter situations later in the tournament. There will be at least one change with Herschelle Gibbs ruled out after picking up a leg
injury against West Indies, but Graeme Smith is eager to play.Aftab Ahmed and Mohammad Ashraful were Bangladesh’s stars against West
Indies, showing the exuberance of youth which is currently driving the
team to unprecedented success. South Africa’s bowlers should provide a stern
challenge, but there is no need for them to change their game.Wrecking ball
South Africa’s all-pace attack offers little
variety and consideration will have to be given to finding room for the offspinner Thandi Tshabalala. He has had considerable success in the Pro20 and holds an average of 14.35 and economy of 6.52 runs per over.As usual, Bangladesh’s plans will revolve around their spinners but
Syed Rasel and Mashrafe Mortaza will find conditions in Cape Town more
to their liking. Rasel, especially, could be hard to score off with
his wicket-to-wicket style and changes of pace.Keep your eye on
The crowd. Locals should come out in force to
support the home team and if it’s anything like the atmosphere at the
Wanderers everyone will have a terrific evening.Shop talk
Graeme Smith is relieved he can still take part in
the tournament, after copping a vicious blow on the right hand against West Indies. “I’m very, very lucky it’s not broken. Now
it’s just about dealing with the pain and getting some power and
strength back in the hand. I batted [in the nets] today and that was
fine. It’s important for me, as captain, to play.”Pitching it right
There was more pace and bounce on offer when
England played Australia, and the Bangladeshis will be hoping the
surface reverts to being slow and low otherwise they will struggle.
The forecast is a little uncertain, with the chance of some rain
drifting in.TeamsSouth Africa (probable) Graeme Smith (capt), Gulam Bodi, AB de
Villiers, Justin Kemp, Mark Boucher (wk), Shaun Pollock, Albie Morkel,
Johan van der Wath Vernon Philander, Makhaya Ntini, Morne Morkel.Bangladesh (probable) Tamim Iqbal, Nazimuddin, Aftab Ahmed,
Mohammad Ashraful (capt), Shakib al Hasan, Alok Kapali, Farhad Reza,
Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mashrafe Mortaza, Syed Rasel, Abdur Razzak
