I'm happy with how my boys played: Bangladesh captain Bashar

Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar praised his team after their stunning 67-run win over world No.1 South Africa in the Super Eight math of the World Cup here Saturday.

The convincing win at the Providence National Stadium has given Bangladesh a glimmer of hope of making it to the semi-finals of the World Cup. This is the second upset by Bangladesh as they defeated India in the group stages of the tournament.

"We didn't start the Super Eight well, we played poorly against Australia and New Zealand, but we're feeling very good after that display," Bashar was quoted as saying by the BBC.

"Any international win is a massive win for Bangladesh, but we're still in contention so it was a must-win game. I'm delighted with how the boys played today," he said.

"We just needed to put some runs on the board and if we can do that, we know that the bowlers have the capacity to do the job.

"I must thank all the Guyana supporters, too. They helped us all the way and it was just like being at home out there."

Bangladesh, batting first, reached their highest ever score in a World Cup as they made 251 runs for eight wickets in 50 overs thanks largely to a fine 87 off 83 balls from Mohammed Ashraful.

Ashraful, who was awarded as the Man of the Match, was quick to congratulate his side's bowlers for restricting South Africa to 184 in their reply.

"This game is all about teamwork," said the 22-year-old Ashraful.

"We managed to get to 251 and then our bowlers bowled really well, especially the three spinners. When I came in with three wickets down early on, I had a plan to bat and stay in," he said.

"We have a plan that one of the top six has to bat until the 46th over and I had to do that. But Aftab Ahmed and Mashrafe Mortaza played really well too, Aftab was very unlucky when he got out."

(IANS)

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