Hapless Bangladesh crash out

DHAKA:

Bangladesh were sent crashing out of the World Cup by merciless South Africa, with a humiliating 206-run defeat sending India, England and West Indies into the quarter-finals.

Bangladesh, chasing 285 to win, were bowled out for a paltry 78 in the 28th over, the ninth lowest World Cup total of all time, with only captain Shakibal Hasan (30) getting to double figures after immense hard work. The Tigers, who had high hopes of making the last-eight, finished on six points, the same as West Indies, who have a vastly superior run-rate.

South Africa, with 10 points, finished top of the pool, with India and England on seven points. Only a mathematical miracle in the India-West Indies match would throw Bangladesh an unlikely lifeline .

A delighted Smith

Meanwhile, South Africa captain Graeme Smith was delighted at the enthusiasm displayed by his team.

“We gave a few guys a couple of days to rest but it was fantastic to see other guys that came in, the motivation they had and the way they performed,” said Smith.

“I thought 250 would’ve been a good total and with wickets in hand in the powerplay, we managed to get better,” said Smith.

Lonwabo Tsotsobe grabbed three for 14 on his World Cup debut and spinner Robin Peterson claimed four for 12. The 27-year-old silenced the home fans when he had opener Tamim Iqbal, caught behind for five in his second over.

He also bowled Imrul Kayes and Shahriar Nafees. Off-spinner Johan Botha trapped Junaid Siddique leg-before and Mushfiqur Rahim was caught in the slips off Peterson.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 20^th, 2011.