Plays of the Day for the Group A match between South Africa and Bangladesh in Cape Town
Andrew McGlashan in Cape Town15-Sep-2007
JP Duminy, lifted by Johan van der Wath, was the toast of Newlands with his energetic fielding and 36 © AFP
The only way is down
Everything started so well for Makhaya Ntini when he trappedNazimuddin lbw with his first ball, but the evening quickly took on aless rosy complexion. Aftab Ahmed cracked the last three deliveries ofhis first over for 6,6,4, charging down the pitch with utter disdain,then nonchalantly flicking him over square. When his second over wentfor 15, Ntini retired from the attack with two overs for 31 andshaking his head at this Twenty20 lark.Revenge is sweet
Between Ntini’s two overs, Shaun Pollock was also on the receiving endof some equally fierce shots. His second over was an extraordinaryaffair as he removed Tamim Iqbal with the first ball before being senthigh over deep square-leg by Mohammad Ashraful. Another boundaryfollowed and Ashraful couldn’t stop himself. Already with 10 off twoballs he tried to launch Pollock straight down the ground, only tofind Graeme Smith’s safe hands. Pollock let Ashraful know who’d wonthat little battle.Home-boy heroics
Cape Cobras batsman JP Duminy beat Gulam Bodi to the race to replaceHerschelle Gibbs in the starting line-up. He showed his worth to theside with two outstanding pieces of fielding as South African kepttheir heads amid Bangladesh’s flashing blades. He ran out Shakib AlHasan with a direct hit from mid-off, then held onto a stunning catch running backwards at extra cover to remove Mashrafe Mortaza. The huge crowd cheered on their hometown hero and a mass of South African flags waved around the ground, which continued with each graceful boundary he struck in his 36. He had a decent evening.Give a big wave
The crowd created a fantastic atmosphere as the locals, probably stillsavouring the previous night’s rugby result, roared on their side.Normally the sight of a Mexican wave at a ground is an indication thatproceedings have become a little dull, but on this occasion it wasjust evidence that everyone was fully into the spirit of the game andproved how much the country has taken hold of Twenty20.Captain’s innings
After taking a nasty blow on his hand against West Indies, Smith could have sat out this match if he wanted, with nothing atstake, but he was determined to lead from the front. He began bycatching well, then played a controlled 41 off 34 balls to puthis team on course for victory. Smith might not be everyone’s cup oftea, but there is no denying that he is a determined and gutsy player.