South africa as a no.1

South Africa replaced Australia from the No. 1 Spot of ICC ODI Ranking after beating Bangladesh by 7 wickets (with 94 balls remaining) in the 3rd and final ODI on Friday, 14th March at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur.

A comprehensive all-round rout of Bangladesh in the third and final one-dayer in Mirpur not only sealed a 3-0 series win for South Africa but also propelled them to the top of the ICC one-day rankings, displacing Australia. South Africa were handed the victory on a platter after another tepid batting display by Bangladesh, who folded up for a paltry 143. Bangladesh's trio of left-arm spinners made the South African batsmen work hard for the runs, but yet again, they just didn't have the cushion of runs to work with.

Bangladesh were let down once more by their batsmen, who persisted with their strategy of freeing their arms during the Powerplays, and refused to buckle down and build an innings while wickets fell in quick succession. Despite winning the toss in all three games, not once did they even come close to posting 200.


Smith helped himself to his 36th ODI fifty to end the tour on a high for the team and for himself.South Africa can take plenty of confidence from the manner in which they won every international match on tour. Their next tour - to India - is likely to be a much tougher test, and will probably offer the team a truer indication of their skills in the subcontinent.

Series Summary:

Bangladesh - 143 All Out in 42.5 overs.

South Africa - 147/3 in 34.2 overs.

Result - South Africa won by 7 wickets (with 94 balls remaining)

Man of the Match - Albie Morkel

Man of the Series - Graeme Smith

Series - South Africa won the 3-match series 3-0