Rookie Leie bowls SA to series win

Proteas beat Bangladesh by 31 runs in the second T20.

DHAKA: Eddie Leie made a memorable international debut as he and his spin partner Aaron Phangiso bowled South Africa to a series-clinching 31-run victory in the second and final T20 match against Bangladesh at Mirpur on Tuesday.

Leg-spinner Leie, 28, and Phangiso took three wickets each as Bangladesh were bundled out for 138 in the final over of their innings, replying to South Africa’s 169-4.

Leie dismissed Soumya Sarkar (37) just when the batsman had started looking ominous and also sent back Sabbir Rahman and the set Mushfiqur Rahim off successive deliveries to end Bangladesh’s hopes.

He was adjudged man of the match for his figures of 3-16 in his international debut. “I am very pleased, it was a very good start,” said Leie. “I just thought I will keep it simple and hit my lengths.” Fast-bowler Kyle Abbott (3-20) polished off the Bangladesh tail, clean bowling all three victims.

Earlier, an opening stand of 95 between Quinton de Kock (44) and AB de Villiers (40) and a brisk fifth-wicket partnership at the end helped set up South Africa’s total.

After the opening partnership, South Africa wobbled losing three wickets for seven runs but David Miller (30) and Rilee Rossouw (19) remained unbeaten after adding 33 runs in 14 balls to prop up the innings.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 8^th, 2015.

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