Rabada (3-20) and Nortje (3-8) star in South Africa consolidating second place in Group 1 with a resounding victory over Bangladesh, while captain Temba Bavuma (31 not) also impressed at Sheikh Zayed Stadium
Rabada produced a sensational opening blast to inspire South Africa to a landslide six-field victory in Abu Dhabi.
Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje stole the show when South Africa raised their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals with a complete six-field victory over Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi.
Bangladesh entered the fray after three consecutive defeats against Sri Lanka, England and the West Indies, and its woes were compounded by the absence of its talisman Shakib Al Hasan.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma had little hesitation in inserting Bangladesh after winning the draw, and his decision paid dividends, courtesy of a scorching outburst from Rabada (3-20 on 4) midway into the power play. .
Rabada and Nortje (3-8 in 3.2) produced a clinic in rhythm bowling to break up a fragile Bangladesh batting lineup, and the Tigers were eliminated by just 84 after another display of tame hitting.
They made an encouraging start on the ball in response, but their slim hopes were soon snuffed out by Bavuma (31 not), who produced a captain’s strike to guide their side to a six-wicket success with 39 balls to spare.
Rabada claimed three wickets in just five balls to break the Tigers’ higher order: Mohammad Naim (9) succumbed cheaply, before Soumya Sarkar and Mushfiqur Rahim walked away without scoring.
Bangladesh simply had no response to the pace and hostility of Rabada and his teammate at Delhi Capitals Nortje, who threw a fierce goalie to account for Mahmudullah (3) as the grounds continued to fall.
The procession continued as Afif Hossain perished the first ball to Dwaine Pretorius (1-11 on 3) to leave Bangladesh reeling at 34-5, with starter Liton Das (24) watching helplessly from the non-forward end.
However, it was the first of two lands claimed by irrepressible left arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi (2-21), and despite a late burst from Mahedi Hasan (27 of 25), Nortje returned to clinically conclude the procedures. , as Bangladesh could not reach the three figures.
Bangladesh knew early wicket was essential if it harbored any aspiration to complete a miraculous victory, and Taskin Ahmed duly delivered the merchandise, catching Reeza Hendricks (4) up front in the opening.
Quinton de Kock (16) provided some impetus to the innings after sending Mahedi Hasan (1-19) through consecutive limits, although South Africa dropped to 33-3 when De Kock was duped by Hasan, before Ahmed blocked. Aiden Markram with a beautiful delivery.
However, Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen (22) soon snuffed out any weak hopes for Bangladesh, with the pair compiling a stylish 47 wicket fourth place to bring South Africa to the brink of victory.
Van der Dussen fell in the later stages courtesy of a sensational catch from Shoriful Islam, though it simply delayed the inevitable as David Miller (5 no) hit Hasan on the leg to seal the deal within the 14th.
Kagiso Rabada – Rabada struggled to prevail in South Africa’s first three games, collecting just two wickets and conceding 87 runs in the process. However, he reaffirmed his credentials by posting his career best figures in T20I cricket, and his opening spell laid the foundation for a dominant victory.
Anrich Nortje – What a tournament the South African sprinter is having! The 27-year-old has claimed eight wickets at 8.75 after boasting 3-8 of his 3.2 overs. They have also failed to concede a six in this year’s competition, and if South Africa wants to progress, it will be an integral part of their prospects.
Taskin Ahmed – It was another tough afternoon for Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi, but the Tigers’ front-row closer underscored their quality with a superb four-plus spell. He threw with pace, control and variation, catching Hendricks up front with a handsome inswinger, before facing Markram with a beauty.
Temba Bavuma – The South African captain scored superbly alongside him. He rotated his bowlers superbly, led by example on the field with a brilliant start, and led his team home with 31 unbeaten, following a flurry of early terrain.
Thursday’s double title begins with New Zealand having in Scotland in Dubai, as Kane Williamson’s team looks to build on their impressive eight-field victory over India on Sunday.
By Virat Kohli India They are reeling from successive wins against Pakistan and New Zealand, and the pre-tournament favorites must win Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi if they want to maintain their slim hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, in group 1, South Africa could secure his place in the semifinals with victory over England Sunday, while Bangladesh they will seek to say goodbye with victory when they face Australia Thursday.
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