Tamim, Fizz-less Tigers opt to bat against Proteas

Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first against host South Africa in the 1st ODI of their three-match series at De Beers Diamond Oval, Kimberley on Sunday.

Dashing opener Tamim Iqbal and pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman were left out of the best XI due to their injuries. 

Pace bowler Mohammad Saifuddin got space in the Tigers best XI in place of Mustafizur while Liton Kumar Das replaced Tamim.  

Fast bowler Dane Paterson is making his ODI debut for South Africa under the new leadership of Faf du Plessis who will lead the hosts side as his first assignment as full-time ODI captain after he took over the reins from de Villiers.

Both the sides — Bangladesh and South Africa – are  taking the ground for an ODI after their ICC Champions Trophy in England in June 2017 where Bangladesh qualified in the semifinals berth for the first time in any ICC tournament following a tremendous win against New Zealand while South Africa were crushed out from the group stage losing to India.

Bangladesh best XI: Imrul Kayes, Liton Kumar Das, Sabbir Rahman, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad, Nasir Hossain, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmedand Rubel Hossain.  

South Africa best XI: Quinton de Kock,  Hashim Amla, Fef du Plessis (captain), AB de Villiers, David Miller, Jean-Paul Duminy, Dwaine Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson and  Imran Tahir. 
Source: unb