Dale Steyn’s pace snuffed out a spirited Bangladesh challenge as South Africa won the first one-day international by 61 runs at Senwes Park on Friday.
Steyn took four for 16 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 222 in reply to South Africa’s 283 for eight.
Steyn struck twice in his opening spell with the new ball, dismissing Imrul Kayes and Junaid Siddique.
But his most telling contribution came when he returned in the 35th over, immediately after the compulsory change of ball. With his first two deliveries he had top-scorer Mohammad Ashraful and Raqibul Hasan caught behind.
Ashraful, the Bangladesh captain, made 73 off 78 balls and while he was at the crease his side had hopes of causing an upset win. His dismissal ended a 92-run fifth wicket partnership with Shakib al Hasan, who made 51.
“Steyn bowled really well,” Ashraful said.
South Africa captain Johan Botha said his team had been put under pressure by the stand between Ashraful and Shakib, “but Dale came back nicely.”
South Africa’s total owed much to a late flurry of when they scored 66 runs in the last five overs.
Johann Louw, batting at No. 9, hit the first two balls he faced for six and raced to 23 off seven balls.
Skipper Johan Botha made 23 off 15 deliveries, while Albie Morkel finished on 32 not out when he hit the last ball of the innings from Syed Rasel for six.
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