Bangladesh won their first-ever bilateral ODI series in South Africa with a dominating 9-wicket victory in the third and final match on Wednesday (March 23) in Centurion.
Opting to bat first, South Africa could manage only 154 runs in 37 overs as Taskin Ahmed snared five wickets while conceding just 35 runs in 9 overs, and Bangladesh then chased down the paltry total inside just 26 overs, thanks to Tamim Iqbal’s unbeaten knock of 87, to win the final ODI by 9 wickets.
After the memorable ODI series win over South Africa at SuperSport Park in Centurion, Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal said that this record victory is a highlight of his 15-year international career and called it one of the biggest achievements of his career.
Tamim said at the after-match presentation in Centurion: “This is massive. This is probably one of the biggest achievements in my career. We have got four seniors who have been playing for 15 years. I rate this series at the top.”
Read Also: South Africa's Zubayr Hamza suspended after positive drug test result
The skipper also lauded ace all-rounder Shakib al Hasan for delaying his return home to be with his ill family members in order to play in the ODI series in South Africa.
He revealed, “His two daughters, his mother, and his mother-in-law are all in hospital. Still playing for his country shows the character of the man. He wanted to win this series so I thank him; he has been brilliant for us.”
Meanwhile, Taskin Ahmed was adjudged Player of the Match in the third ODI and Player of the Series for his 8 wickets overall.
Hailing Taskin Ahmed, Tamim said: “I'm a very proud man, especially a Bangladeshi fast bowler getting a five-fer, getting a man of the series, and winning the series. Everybody thinks about (Bangladesh) spin but the fast bowling department has been brilliant for the last two years.”
Bangladesh skipper further said that this maiden ODI series win in South Africa would give the confidence to the Tigers that they can win any series overseas.
Tamim concluded, “We take a lot of pride in ODI cricket. We believe we are the very good side. There is no team in the world that we haven't beaten. This is one format where we are very comfortable and we have been doing well the last five, six years. The missing part was winning overseas.”
On the other hand, Taskin felt "very happy and proud" after contributing to Bangladesh’s historic win over South Africa. He stressed he didn’t change anything, just followed his processes.
The pacer noted, “Today I came with my same processes and the same mindset and I executed well. From the time we arrived I have been working on my lengths.”
Now, South Africa and Bangladesh will play in a two-match Test series, starting on March 31 in Durban.
(With PTI Inputs)
