Bangladesh middle-order batter Yasir Ali said the short session with South Africa batting legend AB de Villiers helped in ways to perform against South Africa in the first ODI of the series on Friday.
Bangladesh wrote history on the day at SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium picking win against the Proteas on their soil – their first win in 20 years of touring here. Bangladesh have now won ODIs in every country they have played in with the 38-runs win against South Africa to start the three-match series.
Bangladesh in the game were sent to bat first and found three half centuries in the innings to post 314 runs on the board – their highest total in South Africa. Opener Liton Das scored 67-ball 50 while Shakib al Hasan added a fiery 77 off 64. Then there was the maiden international half-century for Yasir. The right-handed batsman score 50 off 44 involving four boundaries and two over boundaries.
Ahead of the series, former South Africa batter de Villiers Bangladesh team hotel following an invitation from head coach Russell Domingo. The right-handed batter had spent some 50 odd minutes with the Bangladesh cricketers in a session where Mr 360 had shared his experience and knowledge of the game.
“Of course, there is always parts of the conversation that helps. De Villiers had come to our hotel. He gave us tips that helped, it has personally helped me a lot,” said Yasir at the post match conference on Friday.
Yasir was handed ODI debut in the previous series, against Afghanistan at home. The start for the 26-year-old from Chittagong was however below par having got out on a duck in the first game. in the second game of the series Yasir did not get to bat while in the third he could score just one run.
Bangladesh's Mehidy Hasan Miraz (R) catches a ball from his delivery that dismisses South Africa's Kagiso Rabada (not seen) during their first ODI at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday AFPFinding a half-century in his fourth ODI and that too against South Africa on their and to a historic winning cause of the team was termed special by Yasir. During his time on the wicket, Yasir found Shakib al Hasan and the duo added 115 for the fourth wicket to boost the Bangladesh total.
Alongside the session with De Villiers, Bangladesh also found three-day long power hitting consultancy from former South Africa batter Albie Morkel.
“I worked with him a bit for two days. He was clear with his tip of hitting the ball straight as much possible. That’s the best option according to him. That was the work I did with him. Honestly three days are not enough to learn,” said Yasir.
“This is a memorable innings for me. An innings which I cannot explain in words. I am happy that I have been able to contribute in winning the first game in South Africa. I have been with the national team for a long time now [before debut]. It has been a learning phase for me. I learnt on the dressing room culture and how to play on the field,” said the Bangladesh batter.