Bangladesh is on the threshold for adding a new page in cricket history. A repeat of their performance today at Super Sports Park, Centurion would earn them an ODI series win against South Africa in South Africa which no team has done in the recent past. That would be a huge achievement on the eve of 51st Independence Day.  We know it is easy to say than being done. But tigers are more than capable of doing that. 

True that, fast and fuming Kagiso Rabada in the 2nd ODI at Johannesburg dismantled Bangladesh after they won big at Centurion. The three matches ODI series part of ICC test championship is now locked 1-1.  The teams would spare nothing for winning the series decider. However, back in Centurion for the 3rd match opportunity has emerged for an ODI series win for the first time for Bangladesh against South Africa in South Africa. The wicket at Centurion is reasonably flat. The uneven bounce and searing pace would not bother Bangladesh top order. By this time Bangladesh must have a better idea how to deal with protean bowling. The top order Bangladesh batting is not however equipped for dealing with fast bowling on bouncy wicket. 

At Johannesburg, the inherent weakness of Tamim, Shakib, Mushfique, Yasir was craftily exploited by Rabada. Only in form Litton got a very difficult ball. Losing 5/35 against a top opposition a team cannot expect fighting back all the time. Perhaps Bangladesh could have done better letting home team bat after winning the toss. Tamim should have had confidence in the ability of his own pacers taking advantage of the wicket. Defending 195 against a very potent batting lineup was not easy. Bangladesh bowlers do not have much experience where to bowl on such a wicket. However, we cannot make on the wicket where Afif and Miraj batted comfortably why experienced top order could not? Was it lack of skill or lack of temperament? Against a strong opposition, team needs thinking out of the box. Anyway, coaching staff knowing much better of local condition is expected giving better advise to Tamim and co today. A win today would not only give a historic series but also two vital points for consolidating position in the top in the ODI league. Possibility of Bangladesh playing directly in ICC World Cup 2023 in India would be brightened. 

Shakib staying back for today's match despite of his next of kins including his children sick in Bangladesh is a major change of mind. He must get accolade for that. It is hard to believe that he was unwilling to go on this tour in the excuse of mental fatigue only a couple of weeks back. Shakib’s presence adds strength in any match for Bangladesh. He is a match-winner.  We are not sure whether Bangladesh could think about resting Mustafiz for the match as he did not look bowling at his best in two matches. But Centurion wicket suits him better. But definitely on match situation Tamim must not hesitate changing batting order. Afif and Miraj are too good batsmen for batting at 7 and 8 specially when Mushfique and Mahmudullah are not in tune. Another development is of Taskin regretting the IPL offer. He is looking better and better match after match. He is still young and chances would keep coming to him. This South African tour under guidance of Alan Donlad would do world of good for him. The key for Bangladesh for today would be a batsman playing to the best of abilities and posting around 300 runs if batting first or restricting South Africa below 250 if chasing. Mushfique must shine today. His success with the bat is a must for Bangladesh in the match. Would love to see Mahmudullah appearing with his usually crisis man role as silent killer. Team must play for Shakib today as well for a Bangladesh win. He himself may yet again prove a match winner.

On the other hand task for South Africa is well cut out. They would not like to concede the series today. They are languishing almost at the bottom in ICC ODI league. Moreover, most of the top players are IPL bound. A win of Bangladesh would boost Bangladesh for performing better against fringe players in the test series. Wayne Parnell picked hamstring injury in the last match and would in all probability be replaced with Marco Jansen. The return of Quinton de Kock added as tonic in South African batting. Janneman Malan has not yet played to his reputation. Kayle Verreynne , Rassie vander Dussen and David Miller had good look at Bangladesh bowling . Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi would try to test Bangladesh top order with bounce aiming at rib cage. Marco Jansen is a young talented bowler. He will try to redeem. We do not think dealing with Maharaj and Shamsi should be an issue for Bangladesh. 

Probable Playing XI:
South Africa:  Quinton de Kock (wicket keeper), Janneman Malan, Temba Bavuma (Captain), Kyle Verreynne, Rassie van der Dussen,  David Miller,  Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen,  Kagiso Rabada,  Lungi Ngidi,  Tabraiz Shamsi
Bangladesh:  Tamim Iqbal (Captain), Litton Das,  Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (Wicket Keeper),  Yasir Ali,  Mahmudullah,  Afif Hossain,  Mehidy Hasan Miraz,  Taskin Ahmed,  Shoriful Islam,  Mustafizur Rahman

We know that Bangladeshis from all over the world are eagerly waiting for the match. A win today would mean a lot . Celebration of 51 Independence Day would become sweeter. Bangladesh is more than capable for achieving that feat. 

BDST: 1254 HRS, MAR 23, 2022
SMS