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Smith says Bangladesh ‘negative’ as Proteas win

South African captain Graeme Smith criticized Bangladesh’s negative tactics after his team gained a crushing 128-run win in the second one-day international on Sunday, clinching the three-match series.

“It’s a sad day for cricket when one team stops chasing when they are three wickets down,” said Smith. “Perhaps it’s something that cricket needs to look at.”

Bangladesh made a token attempt to chase down South Africa’s huge total of 358 for four in which Hashim Amla hit 140.

Tamim Iqbal slammed 41 off 22 balls and Junaid Siddique also went for his shots early on.

But the chase effectively ended when Imrul Kayes and captain Mohammad Ashraful were out in quick succession to leave Bangladesh struggling at 101 for three.

Siddique batted on until he was out for 47 off 80 balls but without his early aggression.

Amla’s elegant maiden one-day international century highlighted South Africa’s innings after they were sent in to bat.

Amla made 140 off 134 balls and shared in century partnerships with Smith (65) and Jacques Kallis (49).

Smith and Amla set the foundation for South Africa’s big total with a first wicket stand of 136 after Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful won the toss and sent the home side in, hoping to take advantage of overcast conditions and the possibility of rain, which never materialized.

Smith looked in good form hitting six fours and a six.

Tamim Iqbal, 19, blazed away at the start of Bangladesh’s innings, hitting four boundaries in Johann Louw’s first over, then hitting Dale Steyn for two fours and a hooked six in the next over.

It was too good to last, however, and he tried one big shot too many, top-edging a hook off Steyn to square leg.
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