Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza, who is probably playing his last World Cup, made an interesting revelation after the team’s World Cup win over South Africa, in the post-match press conference, on Sunday, 2 June.
He revealed that Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz had played the game while fasting for Ramzan.
“I’m proud of Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz as they were fasting and played at their best today,” said Mortaza.
Bangladesh created history by becoming the first Asian team to defeat South Africa twice in World Cups. They had previously defeated the Proteas in the 2007 World Cup, to stage an ‘upset’ in those days with Bangladesh cricket on the rise.
Sunday’s win, however, was no more an upset as Bangladesh looked the better team on the day than their opponents. First, they scored their highest ever ODI score – of 330/6 – and then successfully defended it, as they won the game with 21 runs to spare.
This was South Africa’s second defeat in as many matches in this edition of the World Cup.
Batting first, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim had added a 142-run stand to propel Bangladesh to their highest ODI score. The bowlers then chipped in to limit their opponents to 309 for 8, chasing 331.
Rahman took three wickets, while Shakib picked one and Mohammad Saifuddin picked two.
South Africa next face India on 5 June in Southampton while Bangladesh take on New Zealand on the same day at The Oval.
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