|| Desk Report ||

Former Indian captain Sourov Ganguly believes South Africa will come back strongly in their second match against Bangladesh after enduring a humiliating 104-run defeat to red-hot favourite England in the World Cup opener on Thursday at The Oval.

Faf du plessis’s South African side even failed to wage any battle in the face of some awesome cricket in all three departments played by the hosts. Before the match everyone thought it would be a nail bitter as South Africa have unarguably got the best pace attack in this World Cup. But England batsmen made them look pretty ordinary as their pace and bounce were easily dealt with. But Ganguly advised South Africa to forget about this heavy defeat and look forward towards the next match.  

 “Even if it’s the first match of the tournament, they have to bring back the fight in the next match and they must play as a team. They have to move forward forgetting this heavy defeat. Winning the World Cup isn’t the most important thing but you have to come on to the pitch with winning mentality.” Ganguly said.

South Africa has a very strong team on their disposal this time. They have Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Imran Tahir in their bowling department; they all are world class players.  And in batting they have players like Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, Aiden Markram. This team is capable of making comeback and can’t be taken lightly by any means.

Ganguly thinks improper planning was the reason behind the downfall of South Africa in their opening match. For clinching the victory he thinks top order batsmen should come forward for the South Africa.

 “They have to fight harder and they must unite themselves. They have lot of talents in their squad. Rabada and Ngidi are great bowlers, Tahir is also a world class spinner. He bowled well against India also. Moreover, they have to execute their plan. Someone from top order has to step up and score a hundred for the team.” Ganguly added.  

The Proteas will face off Bangladesh in their second match at Kennington, Oval. This match will start at 3.30 PM ( BD time ).