Twitter Reactions: All-round Bangladesh defy Killer Miller to take early honours in the ODI series

Bangladesh put in a clinical show in the first ODI against South Africa to take an early lead in the three-match series. It should no more be called an upset as Bangladesh have played really well in the World Cup Super League and continue to retain their top position with this win. Chasing 315 runs, the Proteas were bundled out for only 276 runs in the penultimate over of the innings and David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen’s efforts went in vain.

The hosts were in early trouble in a steep chase and were reeling at 36/3. This is when Van der Dussen and skipper Temba Bavuma made sure that they rebuilt the innings but in the process, the required run-rate went high. Bavuma took his time to score 31 runs but couldn’t make up getting out to Shoriful Islam. However, David Miller’s arrival got the much needed momentum to the innings.

The left-hander showed his call for the umpteenth time in his career smashing a couple of sixes to start with. At the other end, RvD impressed yet again nicely pacing his innings. The duo was threatening to take the game away from Bangladesh. The 70-run stand was finally broken by Taskin Ahmed and then came the Mehidy masterclass.

The off-spinner made up for a poor start with the ball picking up four wickets including that of Miller’s in his second spell. Miller kept scoring boundaries even as wickets kept falling at the other end but lost steam in the end before getting stumped off the off-spinner to end on 79 off just 57 deliveries. South Africa fell well short of the target losing the game by 38 runs.

Shakib led the way for Bangladesh

Earlier, after being put in to bat first, Bangladesh openers Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das started sedately largely looking to secure their wicket. They added 95 runs in 21.3 overs before the former was dismissed and even Das couldn’t convert a good start. Mushfiqur Rahim’s tough time in the middle continued as the visitors lost three quick wickets.

But yet again, Shakib Al Hasan who was not even sure of traveling to the rainbow nation stepped up for his side. He smashed 77 runs off just 64 balls to bring the innings well and truly back on track and was well complemented by Yasir Ali who scored a half-century as well. Short but crucial contributions from the lower middle order then propelled Bangladesh to 314 runs which didn’t look realistic the way the openers had started.

Eventually, their approach paid dividends for the touring team as Bangladesh registered their first ever win on the South African soil.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Bangladesh created history. Their first ODI win in South Africa and hero is Shakib Al Hasan, who opted to withdraw his name from the tour in beginning. Well played Tigers!#SAvBAN pic.twitter.com/aB2vAsHHXx

— Daya sagar (@DayaSagar95) March 18, 2022

History has been made! 🏏✌️🇧🇩 #SAvBAN pic.twitter.com/cmycpKPVl6

— Zzzahed Khan (@MufcForLifeee) March 18, 2022

Bangladesh create history! They win by 38 runs and register their first ever ODI victory in South Africa Mehidy Hasan – 4/61 | Taskin Ahmed – 3/36#SAvBAN

— Cricket Junoon®️ (@Cricktjunoon) March 18, 2022

Well played @BCBtigers. Amazing win against all odds

— Albie Morkel (@albiemorkel) March 18, 2022

Congratulations Bangladesh for beating South Africa in South Africa for the very first time in ODIs

— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) March 18, 2022

Bangladesh are on the verge of a famous win.

🏏 David Miller is stumped for 79.#SAvBAN | https://t.co/LBaOXJFA9B pic.twitter.com/Q5kx7C51Z1

— ICC (@ICC) March 18, 2022

David Miller hardly ever gets the respect he deserves. Show me a list of players who bat at number 5/6 who average 40+ at a strike rate of 100+#SAvBAN

— Werner (@Werries_) March 18, 2022

David Miller since 2020 in ODIs –

Runs – 404
AVG – 81
SR – 110
Ps – he is batting at 70 right now which not included.

— shubhpm (@shubham86072640) March 18, 2022

Only Imam Ul Haq (1381) had more runs than Rassie van der Dussen (1353) after first 27 innings of his ODI career. Another fantastic innings tonight, could go in vain unless David Miller pulls off a miraculous chase. #SAvBAN

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) March 18, 2022