The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sports Reporter

South Africa whitewashed Bangladesh 3-0 in the three-match ODI series when the Proteas defeated the Tigers by seven wickets in the third and last ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Friday.

Bangladesh tasted nine-wicket defeat by South Africa in the first ODI in Chittagong on March 9 and then the Tigers conceded a seven-wicket defeat by the Proteas in the second ODI in Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on March 12.

Electing to bat first, Bangladesh were bundled out for 143 off 42.5 overs. Bangladesh batsmen played helplessly and paid heavily. Five of Bangladesh batsmen tried to snick the ball and became the victims of wicketkeeper AB de Villiers. Shahriar Nafees, Nazim Uddin, Farhad Reza added 25, 20 and 20 (not out) runs respectively to the low-scoring innings of Bangladesh.

Albie Morkel scalped four in the space of 29 runs with a good support of John Botha, who harpooned three wickets at the cost of 34 runs. Besides, Paul Harris and Morne Morkel took one wicket each for 26 and 32 runs respectively.

Later, South Africa overhauled the target in 34.2 overs making 147 for the loss of three wickets.

Skipper Graeme Smith led his team from the frontline who remained undefeated with 68 off 94 balls. He struck three over boundaries and three boundaries. The prolific opener fulfilled his 36th ODI half century using 86 deliveries.

South Africa lost their early two wickets for 59 runs. Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers repaired the damage contributing together 79 runs in the third-wicket stand before AB de Villiers was clean bowled by Farhad Raza making 40 when the team's total was 138 for the loss of three wickets. The wicketkeeper-batsman cracked seven shots beyond the ropes in his 37-ball knock.

Abdur Razzak, Mosharrof Hossain and Farhad Reza got one wicket each conceding 27, 26 and 28 runs respectively.

After the shameful defeat some of the cricket lovers stood in front of the stadium with placards demanding the resignation of Mohammad Ashraful from the captaincy.