Bangladesh lose again in SA

Bangladesh suffered their second consecutive defeat in South Africa when losing a one-day match against an Invitation XI by seven wickets in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

The South African selection, composed largely of players on the fringe of the national senior team, made 181-3 in reply to 178 by the visitors, who never fully recovered from losing their first two wickets for just 14 runs.

Only captain Naimur Rahman (52 runs) and opener Ali Shahriar (38) made much impression on a batting-friendly wicket in the central city, where disgraced former South Africa captain Hansie Cronje was born.

A 104-run opening partnership by kwaZulu-Natal pair Mark Bruyns (55) and Doug Watson (39) set the South Africans on the road to victory and an unbeaten 44 from captain Dale Benkenstein sealed success.

Enamul Haq was the only Bangladeshi bowler to impress, finishing with 2-32, including the wickets of Bruyns and Watson.

Mail Cricket Editor