/ 9 September 2008

SA elect to bat against Bangladesh in one-dayer

South Africa captain Graeme Smith won the toss and decided to bat against Bangladesh in the three-nation tournament at the Bangabandhu National Stadium here on Thursday.

South Africa made one change from the side that played their last match, bringing in Andrew Hall to their bowling attack.

Bangladesh made three changes, which included dropping former captain and wicketkeeper Khaled Mashud for the first time in seven years. Mohammad Salim took his place in the side.

Paceman Tariq Aziz was replaced by left-armer Manjural Islam while Javed Omar made way for Sanwar Hossain.

South Africa beat Bangladesh by 83 runs in their previous match of the double-league format. India have already assured themselves of a berth in the final with three consecutive wins.

The last league match will be held between India and South Africa on Friday, followed by the final on Sunday.

The teams:

South Africa: Graeme Smith (capt), Mark Boucher, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Rudolph, Neil McKenzie, Boeta Dippenaar, Shaun Pollock, Allan Dawson, Andrew Hall, Paul Adams, Makhaya Ntini

Bangladesh: Khaled Mahmud (capt), Akram Khan, Mohammad Salim,

Mehrab Hossain, Mohammad Ashraful, Habibul Bashar, Mohammad

Rafique, Sanwar Hossain, Alok Kapali, Tapas Baishya, Monjural Islam

Umpires: Alim Dar (PAK) and Akhteruddin Shaheen (BAN)

Third umpire: Shawkatur Rahman (BAN)

Match referee: Clive Lloyd (WIS) – Sapa