How Bangladesh Upset South Africa in ICC ODI World Cup 2007

In the cricket World Cup, it is rare to see instances like underdogs beating top-ranked teams. However, these kinds of upsets are not very common and happened in the 2007 ICC World Cup when Bangladesh toppled South Africa. Because of Mohammad Ashraful’s sensational 87 runs, Bangladesh threw a 252-run challenge to South Africa and halted them early to clinch a victory of 67 runs. Let’s delve into the events that led to this remarkable upset.

The star of the day was undoubtedly Mohammad Ashraful, whose brilliant innings of 87 played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s triumph. Ashraful’s knock was a splendid mix of caution and aggression, perfectly adapted to the challenging conditions. He began cautiously, crafting singles and rebuilding the innings alongside Aftab Ahmed, forming a steadying partnership in the middle overs. 

But when the time came to accelerate, Ashraful didn’t disappoint. He demonstrated audacity by scooping and driving the South African bowlers, leaving spectators in awe of his skills. This innings not only solidified Ashraful’s reputation but also became the highest individual score by a Bangladeshi batsman in World Cups.

Bangladesh’s journey to 251 for 8 wasn’t a smooth one. They encountered early trouble, losing wickets in the process and slumping to 84 for 4. This is where Ashraful’s composure and partnerships with his fellow batsmen played a pivotal role. Aftab Ahmed, who shared a 76-run partnership with Ashraful, reined in his aggressive instincts, allowing the duo to steady the ship. Then came Mashrafe Mortaza, whose blistering strikes, including three boundaries and a six, gave Bangladesh the much-needed impetus to cross the 250-run mark.

When South Africa took to the crease in their chase, they faced early setbacks, with Syed Rasel removing Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis. It was at this juncture that Bangladesh’s left-arm spinners seized control of the match. Abdur Razzak, a master of spin, displayed his artistry by snaring AB de Villiers and tightening the noose on South Africa. 

Mohammad Rafique, with his wealth of experience, continued the pressure, yielding only five runs during the third Power Play and securing three wickets. Shakib Al Hasan joined the spin party, dislodging Mark Boucher and Justin Kemp in quick succession.

As South Africa’s wickets continued to tumble, their run rate kept climbing, making the task insurmountable. Shaun Pollock and Herschelle Gibbs attempted to mount a resistance, but the writing was on the wall. In the end, it was a sharp direct hit from Tamim Iqbal that sealed South Africa’s fate. 

Though Gibbs showed admirable restraint with a runner and tried to find the gaps, he didn’t attempt to go after the bowling aggressively, a decision that may have been due to his physical condition or the accuracy of the Bangladeshi bowlers.

In the end, the Providence Stadium in Guyana witnessed a truly historic upset as Bangladesh emerged victorious by 67 runs against South Africa. With this win, Bangladesh not only recorded their first-ever victory over the Proteas but also threw the Super Eights stage wide open.