By BV Swagath
Skipper Hashim Amla led the way for South Africa scoring an attacking 88 to help his side defeat Bangladesh by 39 runs in the 2nd Twenty20 Match of the Zimbabwe Tri-Series in Harare on Tuesday.
Batting first after winning the toss, South Africa piled up a massive total of 209 for 3 courtesy of opener Hashim Amla’s 88 (from 53 balls with 9 fours and 3 sixes). Amla’s opening partner – Richard Levi scored a smashing 37 from 21 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes as South Africa got off to a flying start of 70/1 in 6.2 overs!
There was a magical cameo of 23* from just 7 balls by JP Duminy which provided the finishing touches to the South African innings. Most of the Bangladeshi bowlers took a caning.
Bangladesh in their run chase weren’t too bad though they had a poor first half at 49 for 4 in 9 overs. It was heartening to watch the Tigers finish with an impressive 170 for 8 and thus cutting down the margin of defeat to 39 runs. It was the fighting knock of 50 (from 32 balls with 5 fours and a six) from Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim that made it possible.
For the Proteas, left arm spinner Robin Peterson, who opened the bowling, was the star taking 2 for 16 in his 4 overs.