Bangladesh and South Africa face off in one of the most crucial clashes for both sides in the World Cup today (Tuesday) at the Wankhede Stadium.
There is a lot more on this match between the Tigers and the Proteas as it will feature a very important encounter.
For Bangladesh, on coming on the back of losses in their previous three games, while South Africa to cement their spot in the last four, will look to approach the game with confidence after winning in their last three of four matches.
South Africa would have their 100 per cent record of winning all four previous matches but a humbling defeat to the Netherlands earlier in the week, pushed them to third position of the points table.
Looking back to these two teams, particularly with the bat, South Africa have been playing their best cricket with attacking and taking the games on.
As with the Wankhede Stadium proving one of the best places to bat in limited-over cricket in India in the last few years, it can clearly be imagined that South African batters will be a great concern for the Tigers bowlers.
Bangladesh, who took on the Indian team in their last game, fell prey to the brilliant form of the hosts, and as India maintained their winning run, Bangladesh succumbed to a hefty defeat and it would be no difference against South Africa. As Tigers’ players stood around like they had absolutely no control over what was happening at their middle order.
In all of this, the clash against South Africa will be a huge challenge for them and they will have to put in an improved performance to get back the winning ways.
On the other hand, South Africa come into the clash after a magnificent win against defending champions England scoring 399-7 and then 428-5 against Sri Lanka, 311-7 against Australia, in their last matches, on the back of major confidence, the Proteas will look to put in another good performance.
Bangladesh could have only got inspired from Netherlands victory against South Africa and the previous World Cup record of two teams could also boost their morale when in four meetings Tigers won two and lost as many matches. Bangladesh can also take confidence in their ability, as they scored 330 runs in the previous World Cup and bowled out South Africa for 309 runs, the Tigers best result against the Proteas.
The surface at the Wankhede Stadium is one that is preferred by the batters and South Africa will take full advantage. Bangladesh bowlers might have an inspiration, as the pitch is known to assist the spinners a bit, and some big shots could quite be possible on the surface.
After poor performances in the tournament so far, it could be interesting to see what changes Bangladesh will be making in their lineup, with skipper Shakib Al Hasan yet to confirm whether he will be in the playing X1 today.
