South Africa vs Bangladesh, Match 5 - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Series: ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Venue: Kennington Oval, London Date & Time: Jun 02, 10:30 AM LOCAL

Mustafizur Rahman bagged three wickets © Getty

Never has Mustafizur Rahman has picked three wickets in an ODI and lost. Today was no different. After having posted their biggest total in 50 overs, Bangladesh were clinical with their bowling to restrict South Africa to 309/8. The spinners restricted the scoring in the middle overs, the pacers picked wickets at crucial intervals and never allowed the South African batsmen to dominate. Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis, Rassie van der Dussen and JP Duminy all got starts but couldn't press for anything bigger. More importantly, Bangladesh didn't allow them to get ahead in the contest even as South Africa managed two good stands to begin their chase. Eventually, Bangladesh began their world cup campaign with a 21-run win. South Africa were handed their second loss on the bounce while Bangladesh became the first Asian team to register a win in this world cup. Gloomy but early days for Faf du Plessis's men.

Over? JP Duminy looking to pull Mustafizur Rahman, plays on. With 44 needed off 17 balls, it seems like the contest is almost done.

For now though, for some reason, South African fans are still singing and dancing in the stands

But on a good note, we will have a good game cricket I feel after seeing one-sided games. Hope puts up a good show with the bat. @aayushputhran

I just can't watch. Frustration amongst the SA players is playing the game here and it's costing us unnecessary runs. Ngidi is just angry coz they see his tactics.

presenting it to him in the huddle. Congrats @ImranTahirSA 🇿🇦🇿🇦 💚💚

, @DanishSait tried to gauge the expectations from team by speaking to their spin bowling consultant Sunil Joshi and a senior cricket journalist from the country, ahead of their campaign opener against .

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Prelude - Can South Africa show bouncebackability?

When England wrapped up the World Cup opener at the Oval, leaving South Africa well short in a par chase, the cruel internet world poked fun and took it as far as unleashing the dreadful 'C-word' on them. For once, though, it was out of place. No, South Africa hadn't choked. Was it a batting failure? Yes. Collapse, even? Sure. But not a choke.

But that said, South Africa still have to quick unpack their failings from Day 1 of the World Cup and get things together. It's a long group stage format alright, but they let go of a golden opportunity of securing points over one of the tournament favourites.

But today brings another opportunity to open account and take a step towards gaining momentum in the league stage that will be essential for sides to make the semis.

Bangladesh are heading into the World Cup with injury concerns to their best batsman - Tamim Iqbal. They're also unique in the fact that they don't possess a single wrist spinner in their bowling arsenal. The reliance, thus, is on the finger spin of Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraj, who have proved why they're worth all the trust.