Bangladesh seal historic ODI series win in South Africa

Taskin Ahmed and Tamim Iqbal starred as Bangladesh sealed an historic series triumph with a nine-wicket win in the third ODI against South Africa at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Wednesday.

Taskin ripped through the Proteas batting line-up with 5-35 as they were bowled out for 154, their lowest total against Bangladesh. Visiting captain Tamim then scored 87 not out off 82 balls to take the visitors to victory with 23.3 overs to spare, sharing a century opening partnership with Liton Das (48).

The 2-1 series victory also consolidated Bangladesh's place at the top of the World Cup Super League table while South Africa were left languishing in ninth place and in danger of missing out an automatic qualifying place for the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Bangladesh had lost all 19 matches across all formats against South Africa on their home soil before winning the series opener by 38 runs at the same venue on Friday. South Africa won the second match by seven wickets in Johannesburg but Bangladesh dominated Wednesday's series decider.

After winning the toss, South Africa made a fast start with Janneman Malan and Quinton de Kock putting on 46-run opening stand inside seven overs. But Taskin bowled superbly after off-spinner Mehidy Hasan made the first breakthrough by dismissing De Kock.

Taskin, 26, produced his best performance since his 5-28 on debut against India in Mirpur in 2014. He bowled at a lively pace in three spells and troubled all the batsmen. With South Africa defending a low total, Keshav Maharaj dropped Litton Das at backward point off Kagiso Rabada in the first over of the Bangladesh innings before Das had scored.

Das and Tamim took full advantage of the let-off, putting on 127 for the first wicket. Taskin, who finished the series with eight wickets, was awarded both Player of the Match and the Player of the Series.

Bangladesh will play two Tests against South Africa starting with the first Test at Durban from March 31 to April 4. The second Test will be played at the St. George's Park in Port Elizabeth from April 8-12.