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Welcome to Wisden’s match centre for the live coverage of the South Africa v Bangladesh T20 World Cup 2021 fixture – follow this space for live updates from the match in Abu Dhabi, including commentary and score, along with where to watch details: TV channels, broadcast and live streaming for SA vs Ban.

South Africa vs Bangladesh: Live scorecard and stats.

Right. That will be that from us for this contest. Don’t go far away though as Pakistan prepare to tackle Namibia. Do head over to our coverage to see how both teams fare and if Namibia can spring an almighty upset. Goodbye, stay safe!

Summary: Bavuma and fast bowlers lead South Africa to comfortable victory

Bangladesh lost three wickets in the Power Play and never really recovered. At times, they were too lackluster with the bat and on other occasions, they simply didn’t have enough quality to thwart the South Africans’ challenge. There was a brief period where they would’ve felt in the game – especially in their bowling Power Play. Yet, with runs not being a luxury, they were forced to consign themselves to the inevitable. A lot of questions will again be asked about their batting unit and rightly so. But it seems that any amendment to their style of batting will have to come after this T20 World Cup. And, for those wondering, Bangladesh are now officially out of the running for the semi-finals. 

As for South Africa, this was perhaps the most complete performance they have put together so far. Their NRR has also improved and it stands head and shoulders above what Australia and West Indies – two of their closest competitors, have mustered so far. Their bowling seems to be finding new heroes each time, although they would be thrilled with Kagiso Rabada’s display today. Anrich Nortje was his brisk self, with Tabraiz Shamsi spinning undecipherable webs through the middle.

With the bat, there were a couple of shaky moments, especially during the Power Play. However, Bavuma rolled up his sleeves and brought a bit of calm to what was becoming a frenetic run-chase. He carried his team across the line and this knock could help the skipper turn around his personal fortunes too.

All in all, South Africa achieved everything they would’ve asked for from this game. Their final encounter is a top of the table clash against England. If they win, they will most certainly qualify. Even if they don’t, they seem to have given themselves a decent shot at qualifying by virtue of a superior NRR.

Over 13.3: South Africa 86-4 – Miller finishes things off in style

As expected, Miller plants his front foot down the track and smears the boundary over mid wicket to seal victory for South Africa. They remain second on the points table and seem to have burgeoned their NRR too. Clinical performance by South Africa!

Over 13: South Africa 80-4 – Nasum delays the inevitable

It seemed that van der Dussen would finish the game in the 13th over. However, on the final ball, Nasum deceived him in flight and forced a false stroke. South Africa only require 5 more runs and you would expect Bavuma to complete the formalities in the next over.

Over 12: South Africa 67-3 – Proteas on the verge of victory

For all the chatter around NRR, it must be said that South Africa are calmly seeing this run-chase through. There has been the odd attacking stroke but nothing to suggest that NRR is occupying their mind. With victory all but assured now, they would want to finish things quickly though.

2 Nov, 2021 12:45 (UK Time): The weather has cooled down in Abu Dhabi and there seems to be a slight breeze too. Seems like the player will enjoy this a lot more than what was prevalent during the afternoon.

Over 10: South Africa 55-3 – Bavuma continues on his merry way

South Africa seem to have overcome a slight Power Play wobble. Bavuma is stroking the ball beautifully and van der Dussen has also established himself at the wicket. The ball has also stopped seaming, meaning that a South African victory now seems a matter of when, rather than if. Time for Drinks!

Over 8: South Africa 41-3 – Bavuma starts confidently

Just as Bangladesh were beginning to turn the screw, Bavuma seems to have eased the pressure a touch. He has looked accomplished so far. He has not tried to smash the cover off the ball. Instead, he has looked to caress the ball and that could be the approach forward. From that perspective, Bavuma and van der Dussen are just the batters South Africa would have wanted out in the middle.

Over 5.5: South Africa 33-3 – Taskin breaks open the game

Taskin has been getting the ball to nip around and it has the beating of Markram too. South Africa are now three down in the Power Play and with the way the ball is moving, might find it tough to get into their groove quickly. Can Bangladesh get another in the next couple of overs? Bangladesh might already be ruing resting Mustafizur!

Over 4.5: South Africa – de Kock gets stuck into Mahedi; dismissed in the same over

de Kock seemed intent on taking the attack to Mahedi. To be fair to him, he did so for the first part of the 5th over too. However, Mahedi struck back, meaning that Bangladesh have a glimmer of hope. If they can send one of van der Dussen or Markram packing early, they might just ruffle a few South African feathers.

Over 3: South Africa 16-1 – de Kock breaks the shackles

Before the final ball of the 3rd over, it seemed that Bangladesh had things under control. However, the boundary might just have released pressure. Remember, de Kock strikes at around 145 in the Power Play since 2020 and it is imperative that Bangladesh dismiss him if they harbor hopes of turning this game around.

Over 1: South Africa 6-1 – Taskin rips out Hendricks

Taskin has made the most of the new ball and gets a ball to deck back into Hendricks sharply. The right-handed batter thinks about the review before being asked to walk back by de Kock. This is a crucial breakthrough for Bangladesh. If they can get a couple more, they could put South Africa under pressure.

Update: Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks will open the batting, with the former taking strike to Taskin Ahmed first up.

Bangladesh began their innings in patchy fashion and looked tentative throughout the Power Play. Rabada, in particular, exploited that bit of indecisiveness, rocking the Tigers with three quick scalps. Post the field restrictions, Bangladesh looked to consolidate but were never really able to do so. Shamsi performed his middle overs role to perfection again, with Maharaj and Pretorius also chipping away at the batting unit. Most of South Africa’s bowlers bowled tight to the stumps and that is a cue Bangladesh could take from them as well. However, they barely have any runs to play with.

At the half-way stage, this definitely seems South Africa’s game to lose. And, considering the possible ramifications of this encounter, the Proteas would want to finish things off as quickly and create an NRR buffer – a buffer that could help them pull clear of Australia and potentially, the West Indies. Do join us in a bit for South Africa’s reply.

Over 18.2: Bangladesh 84 all out – Nortje cleans up the tail

Nortje’s express pace has caused established batters concern. So it isn’t much of a surprise that Bangladesh’s No.11 has lasted a grand total of one ball. Another innings where a side has been bowled out (sixth time it has happened in the Super 12 this year) and South Africa have richly deserved it today. What a performance this has been!

Over 18.1: Bangladesh 84-9 – Nortje ends Mahedi’s resistance

Back of a length has worked throughout this innings and it leads to the dismissal of another batter. Nortje, in particular, has relished the extra pace and carry on this surface. And, rather remarkably, he is yet to concede a maximum at this year’s T20 World Cup.

Over 17.2: Bangladesh 77-8 – Bavuma hits bulls eye

Taskin was feeling the pinch to give Mahedi the strike. In the end, he attempts a suicidal single and is caught miles short as Bavuma lines up a throw from short extra cover and hits the stumps at the bowler’s end. Bangladesh two wickets away from being all out now!

Over 17: Bangladesh 77-7 – Bangladesh stuttering along

The only positive for Bangladesh over the past few overs is that Mahedi is still batting. As long as he is there, they might still harbor slim hopes of getting to 100. In the broader scheme of things, it might not be a lot. But considering how they have struggled, it would be huge.

Update: Mahedi gets a boundary away and helps Bangladesh up to 71-7 after 16 overs. In the process, he also completes 1000 runs in T20 cricket.

Over 15.2: Bangladesh 64-7 – Another wicket falls

Both Mahedi and Shamim have been looking to attack the spinners. This time, though, the latter is deceived in flight by Shamsi and is on his way back to the pavilion. Bangladesh only have bowlers to follow now and it would be a massive achievement if they get to 85-90 from here.

Over 14: Bangladesh 56-6 – Bangladesh going nowhere

Though the wicket has some help for the bowlers, it is hardly the kind of surface that justifies the Tigers’ score. South Africa have bowled well but Bangladesh haven’t covered themselves in any glory either. And, unless something spectacular happens, the Proteas could finish things in a hurry.

Over 11.3: Bangladesh 45-6 – Shamsi gets in on the act

Shamsi was introduced into the attack for the first time in the 12th over and he has already delivered. Another bit of indecisive batting by Bangladesh as Liton’s footwork lacks conviction. He then plays around it as the ball spins past the inside edge and into the pads. Seems like there is a bit of spin here too! Bangladesh being methodically ripped apart!

Over 11: Bangladesh 43-5 – South Africa continue turning the screw

South Africa have been very tidy with the ball so far. They have hardly given the batters any width. The two-paced nature of the track has helped the Proteas but they’ve done well to not allow the Bangladesh batters to get away. Shamsi, by the way, is yet to bowl. Things aren’t going to get easier for Bangladesh.

Over 8.1: Bangladesh 34-5 – Afif bites the dust too

South Africa are rampant now and they seem on the verge of skittling Bangladesh out quickly. Remember, a heavy defeat for Bangladesh would dent their NRR. But it would also throw a spoke in the West Indian wheel, considering they could potentially be battling South Africa on NRR for the second spot.

Over 8: Bangladesh 34-4 – Nortje blitzes past Mahmudullah

Nortje has the highest average pace at this year’s T20 World Cup and it came to the fore again. He bounces Mahmudullah out and Bangladesh are staring down the barrel now. Most of their experienced stars are back in the shed and a lot rests on Liton. The wicket-keeper, though, only strikes at 105.73 in the middle overs since 2020.

Over 6: Bangladesh 28-3 – Bangladesh find it tough in the Power Play again

In this T20 World Cup, openers have struggled in the Power Play. In fact, the batting average in the field restrictions hovers around 19.66 – the lowest of any Men’s T20 World Cup. Rabada, alone, has accounted for three batters today.

Update: Bangladesh’s captain Mahmudullah walks out to the centre and he has quite a bit of debris to clear at Abu Dhabi.

Over 5.3: Bangladesh 24-3 – Rabada has three in the Power Play

Rabada has not bowled a lot in the Power Play in 2021 but today, he has been nigh on unplayable. He has extracted movement and has gotten the ball to hold in the surface too. If Bangladesh are not careful, Rabada might just run through them.

Over 4: Bangladesh 22-2 – Rabada gets two in two

After bowling back of a length deliveries for much of his spell, Rabada changes things up. He unleashes a searing yorker that smashes into the front pad. The umpire initially gave it not out but the decision was overturned by DRS. Bangladesh in a massive spot of bother now.

Over 3.5: Bangladesh 22-1 – Rabada gets Naim

Back of a length deliveries have been tough to get away today and it leads to Naim’s downfall too. South Africa have also not given the batters a lot of width. With Naim back in the shed, Bangladesh face an uphill task trying to salvage this Power Play and set up a solid base for the middle overs. Soumya Sarkar, by the way, only strikes at 120.74 in the first six overs.

Over 3: Bangladesh 17-0 – South Africa keeping things tight

The ball has just held in the surface a touch. The pitch also seems to be portraying tennis-ball bounce. Bangladesh haven’t really looked to attack too much though and it will be interesting to see if they decide to increase the tempo, considering scoring gets a lot more difficult in the middle overs.

Over 1: Bangladesh 4-0 – Tidy start by Maharaj

South Africa’s decision to open with spin has been vindicated a touch. Today, they have opted for Maharaj to perform this role. Usually, Markram takes up the mantle but that might have had something to do with the match-up. Liton Das only strikes at 106.16 against left-arm spin in T20 cricket.

Update: The national anthems are done. Mohammad Naim and Liton Das walk out to the centre, with Keshav Maharaj set to open the bowling for South Africa. Here we go!

Mustafizur Rahman rested by Bangladesh; Miller and Shamsi fit to play

As expected, Bavuma chooses to bowl first after winning the toss. It could be because of the skewed chasing record and the grass that is very prevalent on the surface. Remember, 6 out of 8 games have ended in favour of the team chasing. And, South Africa haven’t lost at this T20 World Cup when they have chased.

South Africa XI: Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Temba Bavuma (C), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi

Bangladesh XI: Liton Das, Mohammad Naim Sheikh, Shamim Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah (C), Afif Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Nasum Ahmed, Shoriful Islam

Pitch Report!

The fast bowlers have enjoyed bowling on this surface and Daren Sammy reckons that should continue today as well, with there being a decent covering of grass. The pitch is quite hard too. There is a shorter boundary to one side and that could be something the batters look to exploit.

Win the toss and field first?

There have been eight matches at Abu Dhabi this T20 World Cup and only twice has the team batting first won. Sri Lanka did so against Ireland, despite the latter winning the toss and bowling first. A few days ago, Afghanistan won the toss, batted first and defeated Namibia. Apart from the Afghans, though, no team has really shown an inclination to bat first. With South Africa having won both games that way, will they be willing to change tack? History suggests that they shouldn’t.

South Africa will try to strengthen their case for a semi final spot against weakened Bangladesh

The brief for South Africa is pretty clear. If they win their remaining games, they will become the second team to qualify from Group 1*. So far, they have notched up victories over Sri Lanka and the West Indies. For large parts, they’ve not looked at their best. Yet, they have managed to do enough to force through favourable results. Their bowling, in particular, has been a sight to behold. Anrich Nortje has bowled thunderbolts at the start and towards the end of an innings, whereas Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi have enjoyed the sluggish surfaces on offer. Kagiso Rabada has blown a bit hot and cold. But he took South Africa across the line against Sri Lanka – something that should do his confidence a world of good. Dwaine Pretorius has also risen to the fore as an astute death-bowling option.

On the batting front, their fortunes have revolved around Aiden Markram. The batter has shepherded the middle order beautifully and has been the fulcrum. On occasions when he hasn’t come to the party (like against Sri Lanka), David Miller has offset it. Quinton de Kock’s form and Temba Bavuma’s suitability remain concerns but the Proteas would hope that they can find form against an indifferent Bangladesh bowling attack.

Speaking of the Tigers, their qualification hopes are in tatters. They have lost three games on the spin and only possess a mathematical chance of qualifying. However, they can be party poopers for South Africa – something that should motivate them. They would have to do so without Shakib Al Hasan though. The all-rounder, who hobbled off against the West Indies, has since been ruled out of the tournament. Unsurprisingly, the batting onus now rests with Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim. But with neither setting the world alight, Bangladesh might find themselves in a predicament.

Their bowling line-up has also not utilized the conditions at their disposal. Their spinners have been tidy but have lacked the requisite bite. Mustafizur Rahman has picked up wickets but has conceded crucial runs too. And, Shakib, who kept things together with the ball, is no longer in the mix. In short, Bangladesh would need a herculean bowling effort to turn things around. Having said that, they have the quality to cause the odd flutter. And, considering that hasn’t come to fruition yet, it could be an aspect that comes to the fore today – potentially to South Africa’s detriment.

(*England haven’t qualified mathematically but their NRR means that they will, barring any unforeseen circumstances, qualify. South Africa have a better NRR than Australia at present and assuming both teams end on eight points, the Proteas should have the edge)

T20 World Cup 2021 South Africa v Bangladesh: Preview

Match time: 2 pm local time

Date: November 2, 2021

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

South Africa sit at the second spot of Group 1 with four points at a net run rate of 0.21. Bangladesh have lost all their games, and are at the bottom, with a net run rate of -1.069. They need a miracle to qualify for the semi-finals.

“Really, it’s a cliche, but we’re forming a family

In the pre-match press conference, Dwaine Pretorius marvelled at the fighting spirit of the South Africa team.

“I think what astonishes me is how this team has stuck together. Doesn’t really matter what controversy has come out or what controversy is at board level or CSI level. This team, we’ve been together for quite a while now. If you think about when this group of, let’s say, 20 players got together, it’s been a few months now.

So the guys are, really it’s cliché, but we’re really forming a family.”

Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo is looking at the bright side

“Obviously morale has been low after those particular losses knowing that our chances in the World Cup are probably over. But we’ll be ready to play for tomorrow. Mentally the guys will be up for it and know it’s an important phase of the competition. Still two games to go. And guys are really determined to put in a good performance in the next two games.”

South Africa team news and predicted XI

Injury update: After a close defeat to Australia, South Africa have won back-to-back encounters in the Group of Death. Quinton de Kock is back after his fair share of controversies over the last few days, and South Africa will look to field their best XI.

Predicted playing XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, David Miller, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi

T20 World Cup 2021 South Africa squad: Full team list for SA

Bangladesh team news and predicted XI

Injury update: After a close defeat to West Indies, Bangladesh had to bear another setback in losing Shakib Al Hasan to a hamstring injury. Nurul Hasan’s fitness too remains a cause of concern.

Predicted playing XI: Mohammad Naim, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das (wk), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah (c), Afif Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

T20 World Cup 2021 Bangladesh squad: Full team list for Ban

T20 World Cup 2021 South Africa v Bangladesh: Where to watch live

India: Star Sports Network: Star Sports 1 (and HD), Star Sports 2 (and HD), Star Sports 1 Hindi (and HD), Star Sports 1 Tamil, Star Sports 1 Telugu and Star Sports 1 Kannada

Start time 3.30 pm (IST)

UK & Ireland: Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Mix; Sky Sports app, www.skysports.com

Start time 11 am (BST – British Summer Time)

Bangladesh:  GTV, T-Sports & BTV; Rabbithole, Bioscope, MyGP

Start time 4 pm (BST- Bangladesh Standard Time)

South Africa: SuperSport Cricket; www.supersport.com & the SuperSport app

Start time 12 pm (SAST)

The complete list of broadcast (TV and live streaming) options for the tournament can be found here.

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