With three losses in as many games, Bangladesh are out of contention for a spot in the semi-finals. As such, the loss of their talismanic all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan owing to an injury would not really matter a lot. South Africa, in contrast, are very much in the hunt following their exciting win over Sri Lanka. While England confirmed their qualification for the semi-finals by defeating the Lankans on Monday, Australia and the Proteas are locked in a tense battle to grab the second semi-finals spot.
South Africa have been excellent with the ball all tournament. They carried on the great work against Sri Lanka as well with Tabraiz Shamsi and Dwaine Pretorius claiming three wickets and Anrich Nortje again chipping in with two scalps. With the bat, skipper Temba Bavuma struck form with a crucial 46. David Miller then played a memorable cameo to take South Africa over the line after Wanindu Hasaranga’s hat-trick stunned them.
Bangladesh had a chance to open their account against a lethargic West Indies but floundered and allowed the defending champions to register their first points. They let the Windies off the hook after having them in trouble at 62 for 4. In the chase, they were 60 for 2 at the halfway stage. But, barring Liton Das (44) and skipper Mahmudullah (31*) no one could stand up to the challenge.
South Africa’s predicted XI: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, David Miller, Dwaine Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi
Bangladesh’s predicted XI: Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Naim, Liton Das (wk), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah (c), Afif Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed
Top fantasy pick for South Africa vs Bangladesh clash: Aiden Markram, David Miller, Tabraiz Shamsi, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahedi Hasan
--Renin Wilben Albert