DHAKA – South African captain Graeme Smith does not expect another shock World Cup loss at Bangladesh’s hands when the two sides meet in their last league match on Saturday. The Proteas’ lone defeat in 13 one-day internationals against Bangladesh came during the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean when the Tigers secured a 67-run win on a turning track in Providence, Guyana. After Mohammad Ashraful scored 87 to lift Bangladesh to 251-8, South Africa were shot out for 184 with left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak claiming 3-25. “We are more street-smart now when we play teams from the sub-continent,” said Smith ahead of the day game which Bangladesh need to win to make the quarter-finals.
“We have a better understanding of how to go about it. They are a team that likes to play on the front foot. We will plan well for them.” Smith said revenge was not on his mind after the World Cup loss four years ago. “There are no added emotions, no talk of revenge,” he said. “We have played Bangladesh a fair bit after that. This is just another occasion. “It’s obviously a big game for Bangladesh and they will be motivated to do well in front of their passionate crowds.
“They will be under a lot of pressure and we will try and force them to do things on the field they don’t want to do. “The wicket seems the same it was when we last played here in 2008. It will turn and there will also be a bit of reverse swing. “Bangladeshi spinners have bowled 41 overs at an average in every match. We have studied their videos and will be well-prepared to deal with any situation.”
