However, South Africa have lot of openers stacked on top (Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen and Reeza Hendricks) with a light middle order which is still a huge concern.
For Bangladesh, who have an abysmal World Cup record with just one of their seven wins since 2007 coming against a Test playing nation (West Indies), the key would be to exploit the conditions in their first ever T20I World Cup clash against England.
Srinivas Bhogle and Purnendu Maji present Rediff.com's Most Valuable Player Index of World Cup 2023 after the first 12 games.
All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan decimated minnows Papua New Guinea with a superb all-round performance as Bangladesh qualified for the Super 12s' of the T20 World Cup with a crushing 84-run victory on Thursday. Bangladesh, with a net run rate of +1.733 and four points in the kitty, ensured a place among the elite teams after a shocking opening game defeat against Scotland.
Chasing 142 for a win in the dead rubber, Bangladesh never looked comfortable as they lost two wickets in the first over, thanks to brilliant bowling from skipper Southee.
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh can beat each other on their day
Images from the T20 World Cup Super 12s match between Bangladesh and South Africa, in Abu Dhabi.
Images from the T20 World Cup match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, in Sharjah, on Sunday.
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