da imperador bet： SouthAfrica have a chance to avenge their World Cup defeat againstBangladesh
Andrew McGlashan at Newlands14-Sep-2007
Mohammad Ashraful: thrilling batting powered his side to the second round © AFP
There is nothing riding on this match. Both teams are into the secondround and there are no carry-forward points up for grabs in the competition. It’s the oneglitch of the format, but it’s necessitated by the tight time-framewhich didn’t allow for a full Super Eight section. However, for SouthAfrica it’s a chance to avenge their World Cup defeat againstBangladesh, while both teams will be eager to maintain the earlymomentum built up in their convincing wins over West Indies.Bat play
South Africa’s top-order blitzed West Indies in theopening game of the tournament and won with plenty left in the tank.Given the fact that nothing rests on this match it could be worthgiving some of the middle-order time in the middle in preparation for tighter situations later in the tournament. There will be at least one change with Herschelle Gibbs ruled out after picking up a leginjury against West Indies, but Graeme Smith is eager to play.Aftab Ahmed and Mohammad Ashraful were Bangladesh’s stars against WestIndies, showing the exuberance of youth which is currently driving theteam to unprecedented success. South Africa’s bowlers should provide a sternchallenge, but there is no need for them to change their game.Wrecking ball
South Africa’s all-pace attack offers littlevariety and consideration will have to be given to finding room for the offspinner Thandi Tshabalala. He has had considerable success in the Pro20 and holds an average of 14.35 and economy of 6.52 runs per over.As usual, Bangladesh’s plans will revolve around their spinners butSyed Rasel and Mashrafe Mortaza will find conditions in Cape Town moreto their liking. Rasel, especially, could be hard to score off withhis wicket-to-wicket style and changes of pace.Keep your eye on
The crowd. Locals should come out in force tosupport the home team and if it’s anything like the atmosphere at theWanderers everyone will have a terrific evening.Shop talk
Graeme Smith is relieved he can still take part inthe tournament, after copping a vicious blow on the right hand against West Indies. “I’m very, very lucky it’s not broken. Nowit’s just about dealing with the pain and getting some power andstrength back in the hand. I batted [in the nets] today and that wasfine. It’s important for me, as captain, to play.”Pitching it right
There was more pace and bounce on offer whenEngland played Australia, and the Bangladeshis will be hoping thesurface reverts to being slow and low otherwise they will struggle.The forecast is a little uncertain, with the chance of some raindrifting in.TeamsSouth Africa (probable) Graeme Smith (capt), Gulam Bodi, AB deVilliers, Justin Kemp, Mark Boucher (wk), Shaun Pollock, Albie Morkel,Johan van der Wath Vernon Philander, Makhaya Ntini, Morne Morkel.Bangladesh (probable) Tamim Iqbal, Nazimuddin, Aftab Ahmed,Mohammad Ashraful (capt), Shakib al Hasan, Alok Kapali, Farhad Reza,Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mashrafe Mortaza, Syed Rasel, Abdur Razzak