Bangladesh v South Africa

At Birmingham, September 12. South Africa won by nine wickets. South Africa 2 pts. Toss: Bangladesh. International debuts: Aftab Ahmed, Nazmul Hossain.

Rajin Saleh, aged 20 years 297 days, became the youngest captain in one-day international history because Habibul Bashar was injured, and took a decision that had older heads shaking. On a damp morning at Edgbaston he inexplicably decided to bat first. Rajin later argued that he thought the pitch would take spin as the day wore on, but South Africa's attack rendered such speculation irrelevant. In bowler-friendly conditions, Langeveldt and Ntini picked up three wickets apiece, and Bangladesh were blown away for only 93 - a total which would have been much lower but for the efforts of 19-year-old Nafis Iqbal, who hit a good-looking 40. Of the rest, only Khaled Mashud and Extras passed five. Despite the early loss of Gibbs, bowled for four during a bright opening spell from Tapash Baisya and the 16-year-old debutant Nazmul Hossain, South Africa then cantered home by nine wickets in a flurry of boundaries with more than 32 overs to spare.

Man of the Match: C. K. Langeveldt. Attendance: 2,800.