Bangladesh promised to continue fearless cricket that earned them success in abundance in the recent matches when they take on South Africa in the first of the two Twenty20 internationals in Dhaka today. The match will begin at 1:00pm at Sher-e-Bangla National stadium and will be televised by GTV, Bangladesh Television and Star Sports-2. Bangladesh skipper Mashrafee bin Murtaza had no hesitation to admit the formidable South Africa as the favourites but insisted they will be no short of confidence during the series.
‘For us there is only one option, which is to play them with confidence. If we fear them, better we stay at home,’ said Mashrafee on Saturday ahead of the game.
South Africa underlined their status as favourites when they won their lone warm-up match by thumping eight-wicket margin against the second string Bangladeshi side on Friday.
But their captain Faf Du Plessis thinks today’s challenge will be tougher.
‘Look, it was pretty good to have a good start [in the tour]. But we will appreciate that Bangladesh main side competition will be a lot harder,’ said Du Plessis.
‘We obviously got a squad of 13 we played in. That means two extra players. When it comes to your XI your balance is slightly different,’ he said, indicating they might have to compromise their bowling strength for the match.
South Africa used their all six fast bowlers in the warm-up match, but may not be able to afford the same luxury today.
-With New Age input
