Matthew Breetzke and Aiden Markram’s 147-run partnership guided the CSA XI to a six-wicket victory against Bangladesh in their warm-up ODI in Bloemfontein.
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat, a decision which saw them lose their top four for 63 runs. Half-centuries from Shakib Al Hasan and Sabbir Rahman helped the visitors recover, as they were bowled out in 48 overs for 255.
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South Africa’s innings was built upon a solid opening partnership between Breetzke and Markram.
Both youngsters scored half-centuries, with Markram the first to lift his bat. The 23-year-old took 47 balls to reach his 50 (5×4), while 18-year-old Breetzke followed shortly after, reaching his half-century in 70 balls (8×4).
After scoring a debut half-ton and a maiden century for the Proteas Test side, Markram showed his ability to adapt his game to the shorter format and scored a 68-ball 82 (8×4, 1×6 ), before he was caught and bowled by Nasir Hossain.
After scoring two tons for SA U19 in July, Breetzke continued to impress and scored 71 off 100 balls (9×4), but he was bowled by Mashrafe Mortaza in the 30th over.
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JP Duminy and AB de Villiers were given the perfect platform to take SA to victory, but both batsmen failed to stick around to see their side over the line.
Mahmudullah, an off-break spinner, removed both experienced campaigners. Duminy was stumped on 34 by Mushfiqur Rahim and De Villiers caught behind on 43.
It was left to Khaya Zondo (10) and Heinrich Klaasen (5) to take the hosts over the line, with 21 balls remaining.
Photo: Frikkie Kapp/Gallo Images
