Bangladesh v South Africa, 1st ODI - The Tigers paid a heavy price for poor batting display

I don’t think that it was a tough track to bat on and Mashrafe’s decision to bat first was right, but he was left stranded when he witnessed some silly stroke-play by the batsmen. With due respect to Kagiso Rabada, I don't think that he bowled unplayable deliveries today. He should thank the lackluster attitude of the Bangladesh batsmen. None of the batsmen were focused and continued to exhibit rash strokes.

After the top-order jolted, a much needed resolve was expected from the best batsman of Bangladesh team, Mushfiqur Rahim, but he also lost his cool and went for a rash stroke. He needs to be careful while executing his slog sweep or attacking strokes towards the midwicket and deep-mid-wicket region as because, the Proteas have studied his strength and they are exploiting it pretty well to dent Mushfiq. Shakib fought alone while the others failed to provide him able support.

While fielding, the body language of the Tigers hinted that they had lost the match in the back of their mind, but after playing a fearless brand of cricket or the last four or five months or so, the body language shouldn’t have been such. We expected them to come out all guns blazing and to beat South Africa you should remain tough and confident mentally.

 Mustafizur Rahman posed threats earlier, but as time progressed that threat ebbed away as the South African batsmen were seen to play quite freely. Mashrafe, Shakib and co failed to bowl fair amount of tidy overs which is always an important factor while defending small totals in 50-over matches.

Well, it had been a bad day at the office and let’s look forward. The Tigers must find a way to bounce back.

Thank You
Faisal Caesar