Bangladesh's track record in South Africa has been depressing. Therefore, the question remains as to whether Bangladesh have the potential to shake the South African team's confidence. This time, the visitors are more confident than ever in their ability to upset the hosts. Bangladesh have more experienced players than the current South African team, which is one of the main reasons for their confidence. However, certain players will be expected to carry extra responsibilities for the tigers during the series. Let's have a look at the five players who will need to step up for Bangladesh in the SA vs BAN ODI series 2022.
Five Prospective Bangladesh players to Watch in South Africa vs Bangladesh Series 2022
Bangladesh's ODI team is the most talented in comparison to the other two formats of the game. Therefore, the limited-overs side of the team tigers' has bigger expectations. Here are the five players who will need to step up if the Bangladesh team is to pull off an upset in the SA vs BAN ODI series 2022.
Mustafizur Rahman
ODI Stats: M: 71 | Wkts: 131 | BBI: 6/43 | Ave: 22.99 | 5W: 5
Mustafizur Rahman is Bangladesh's top fast bowler in the limited-overs format at the moment. His bowling variations provide a significant danger to opposing batting orders. Mustafiz is a very efficient bowler in the middle overs when he can exert pressure with his cutter and slower deliveries. This left-arm medium-pacer will be Bangladesh's go-to bowler during the ODI series against South Africa.
Read Bangladesh women make history beating Pakistan in World Cup
Litton Das
ODI Stats: M: 50 | Runs: 1,558 | HS: 176 | Ave: 33.14 | 100s: 5
Litton Das was out of touch with the limited-overs formats a few months ago. However, he has found his stride across all formats since the beginning of the year. This right-hand top-order batter will be critical in accelerating the run rate early in the innings. Litton has certain batting technique flaws outside of the off-stump that he has to work on before the ODI series. Litton Das has scored 41 runs in three ODI innings on South African soil thus far.
Tamim Iqbal
ODI Stats: M: 222 | Runs: 7,697 | HS: 158 | Ave: 36.47 | 100s: 14
The first task for Captain Tamim Iqbal would be to instill confidence in the Bangladesh players. He exhibited impressive leadership capabilities during the Afghanistan series in February. Tamim's game awareness and bowling rotation were appreciated. He has to keep up the good work during the South Africa series. Besides, Tamim's primary responsibility as an opener is to anchor Bangladesh's innings. The Southpaw has a poor record in South Africa, scoring 88 runs in three innings at a 29.33 average. However, the South Africans will be in serious trouble against Bangladesh national team if Tamim gets his stride and continues to shine throughout the ODI series.
Read SA vs BAN ODI Series 2022: SWOT Analysis of Bangladesh Squad
Mushfiqur Rahim
ODI Stats: M: 230 | Runs: 6,677 | HS: 144 | Ave: 37.09 | 100s: 8
Mr. Dependable, Mushfiqur Rahim has the best ODI batting record in South Africa among Bangladesh players. He is the only batter from Bangladesh with a 40-plus average in South Africa. Mushfiqur Rahim has 181 runs at 45.25 average in five One-Day International innings. In addition, he is the only Bangladesh batter to hit a century in South Africa. Mushfiqur is anticipated to bear the brunt of the burden of safeguarding Bangladesh's middle-order.
Shakib Al Hasan
ODI Stats: M: 218 | Runs: 6,660 | HS: 134* | Ave: 37.62 | 100s: 9 | Wkts: 282 | BBI: 5/29 | Ave: 29.39 | 5W: 3
The arrival of Shakib Al Hasan will enhance the team's morale. So, this is a major gain for the Bangladesh team. In addition, his expertise playing in a variety of conditions around the world will be invaluable to Bangladesh during the series. Shakib has a decent track record in South Africa. The coveted all-rounder has scored 165 runs in five innings, including two fifties. Besides, he has also picked up four wickets. Shakib will be hoping to find his best form against South Africa.
Read 2022 BCB Central Contract: Players List
Bottom Line
Bangladesh lost all nine One-Day Internationals against the Proteas national team in South Africa. They will begin the series as the underdog, and it is expected that South Africa would easily win this bilateral match by a margin of 3-0. The 3-match contest is also a part of the ICC World Cup Super League. As a result, both teams will want to get as many points out of the series as possible. South Africa are presently in ninth place with 39 points. The Proteas national team would move up to fifth place in the standings if they win the series 3-0.
Oppositely, Bangladesh are in first place in the World Cup Super League with 100 points, a five-point advantage over second-placed England. Winning at least one game will improve their points in the standings. Understandably, Bangladesh team management will be eager to play well in the contest and the above-mentioned five players will be key in the SA vs BAN ODI Series 2022.
Read Shakib Al Hasan’s approaching milestone ahead of SA vs BAN series 2022