South Africa cruise to Bangladesh win
Graeme Smith led South Africa to victory
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Saturday, 15, Sep 2007 10:05
Hosts South Africa eased to a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their World Twenty20 group A match in Cape Town today, but both teams qualified for the next round.
Bangladesh, who beat the West Indies to ensure their passage into the Super Eights stage, were put into bat by South Africa. But their batsmen failed to fire today and were bowled out for 144.
Aftab Ahmed top-scored for the Tigers, smashing 36 from 15 balls, but none of the other batsmen made a meaningful contribution. Veteran South African all-rounder Shaun Pollock claimed three wickets, while Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander claimed two wickets each.
In reply the South Africans cruised to their victory target with seven balls to spare. Captain Graeme Smith and Albie Morkel both hit 41.
"It's two good wins for us, Bangladesh was always going to be a tough one. They came out with nothing to lose and played really aggressively," said Smith.
"I liked the way we adapted and it was a good run chase, we did what we needed to."
South Africa will now prepare for a Super Eight clash with England at Cape Town tomorrow.
Earlier in the day, Sanath Jayasuriya smashed 61 from 44 balls to help Sri Lanka to a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand.
Set a modest target of 165, Sri Lankan openers Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga raced to 82 within the first eight overs. Veteran blaster Jayasuriya hammered three sixes and six fours, and his partner Tharanga (37) chipped in with two sixes and two fours.
Although Jayasuriya and Tharanga both fell to Daniel Vettori, Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene hit a quickfire 35 to bring his side home.
New Zealand lost wickets at regular intervals and only a mature knock of 62 from youngster Ross Taylor saved them from posting a much smaller total.