Formidable South Africa wary of Bangladesh threat

South Africa look to build on superb performance against defending champions when they meet Bangladesh on October 24. SA have lost 3 of 6 ODIs to Bangladesh in last 4 years, including in 2019 World Cup

South Africa will look to build on their superlative performance against the defending champions when they take on a struggling Bangladesh in their World Cup match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday (October 24), knowing well that taking the foot off the pedal at this stage could spell trouble.

South Africa were off to a flier when they thrashed Sri Lanka and Australia by 100-plus margins, but a shocking defeat against the Netherlands pegged them back before they demolished England by 229 runs to put their campaign back on track.

Bangladesh might not look too threatening in the World Cup but their record against the Proteas, especially in World Cups, gives them more than a chance in the contest.

Three of South Africa's six defeats to Bangladesh in ODIs have come in the last four years, including when the Tigers beat them by 21 runs in the 2019 World Cup.

In their four meetings so far in World Cups — 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019 — the Proteas have lost to the Asian rivals twice — 2007 and 2019.

The Proteas can ill-afford to take Bangladesh lightly knowing the damage they have inflicted and the fact that the Asian side is packed with all-rounders, namely their skipper Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz among others.

Besides, South African opener Quinton de Kock has had two forgettable outings — the last one at Wankhede where he scored just four against England on Saturday.