Talha Jubair of Bangladesh last night secured the countries third 4 for in their 17 year history in the one day arena. The young sixteen year old was under a lot of pressure after his debut last month in the ICC Champions Trophy hadn’t gone as planned.

On that occasion he had bowled poorly completely loosing line and length bowling at _.__ per over he bowled 9 of Bangladesh’s first 13 wides and failed to take any wickets. Although at times he did impress he was unluckily kept wicketless. The selectors gave the young Bangladeshi another chance to impress by dubiously dropping experienced left arm spinner Mohammad Rafique who had received 24 wickets in his career. It turned out to be a good move as the Tigers quick came on at first change and started an opening spell of 2/25 off 5 overs.

He was brought on for Monjural Islam after his economical first spell. South Africa’s run rate at the time was hovering between 2 and 3 runs per over. With Herschelle Gibbs and Graeme Smith starting to break free for the tight opening spell the frail, lanky came in and was smashed for 11 runs off his first over including two boundaries. Keeper-cum-captain Khaled Mashud kept him on and it was then that he had a chance Graeme Smith pushing forward and the ball grassed by Hannah Sarkar. Maybe it was going to be another expensive and unlucky day for Talha although next ball was scooped up to the waiting hands of Javed Omar. Graeme Smith was Talha’s first one day wicket. Shaun Pollock then decided to try and lift the run rate and confidence of his side and moved from the middle/lower order into first drop. In Talha’s next over he wanted a second scalp for his loyal sub-continental fans. That’s exactly what he got. Captain Shaun Pollock out caught by Al Sahariar Rokon for a run-a-ball 5. Kallis and Gibbs then stabled the ship to see of Talha’s first spell.

Khaled Mahmud later got his 31st wicket getting Jacques Kallis out just short of a half century. South Africa then got on top of the Bangladeshis keeping the wicket in tact as Herschelle Gibbs got his third consecutive century. Taposh Baisya finally got the wicket with of the South African opener departing for a career highest, 153. He was finishing off the overs with Talha with 5 overs left the two new faces in Bangladesh cricket formed a collapse in the lower order leaving them after the 50 overs, 8/301. Talha completed his 4 wicket haul with the wicket of Lance “Zulu” Klusener. Talha finished with 4/65 while Taposh also got a career best 3/50.

Bangladesh’s top order collapsed yet again leaving them stranded at 4/12 when Sanwar Hossain ran out the rock of the innings Javed Omar for 8 and when he was dismissed it was tragedy at 5/26. Shylet hopeful Alok Kapali soon departed for a quick fire 26 as he was batting with captain Khaled Mashud. Khaled Mahmud Sujon and Taposh Baisya formed good support to get Bangladesh over the 100 mark. Taposh and Pilot then broke their country’s 13-year-old 8th wicket partnership mark getting 60 runs.

Bangladesh eventually lost by 168 runs with Khaled Mashud top scoring with 34 not out. Herschell Gibbs was awarded man of the match. South Africa will be looking to wrap up the 3 One-day series with a win in Benoni on Sunday.

Best viewed with 800x640/Internet Explorer resolution