South Africa displayed an overwhelming batting performance led by Quinton de Kock, who blazed an incendiary 174, propelling them to a commanding 382-5 against Bangladesh in the 23rd match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday.
This resounding victory keeps South Africa on course for a semi-final spot in the 50-over World Cup.
Opting to bat after winning the toss at the Wankhede Stadium, South Africa's middle order battered Bangladesh's listless bowling attack. De Kock's explosive innings set the tone, making him the highest individual scorer in the ongoing tournament. South Africa's fiery pace attack later decimated Bangladesh, reducing them to 58-5 and eventually bowling them out for 233 in 46.4 overs.
While Mahmudullah provided resistance with a run-a-ball 111 for Bangladesh, it wasn't enough to prevent a heavy defeat. De Kock, who had previously announced his intention to retire from one-day internationals after the World Cup in India, appeared determined to make his farewell unforgettable.
South Africa initially lost Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen in successive overs, but Aiden Markram (60) and De Kock's 131-run partnership steadied the innings. De Kock, along with Heinrich Klaasen, went on to dismantle the Bangladesh attack with a blistering 142-run onslaught from 87 balls.
De Kock reached his third century in five matches, surpassing Virat Kohli as the tournament's leading scorer. He came close to a double hundred but eventually holed out after a spectacular 140-ball blitz, featuring seven sixes and 15 fours.
Klaasen contributed significantly with 90 off 49 balls, and South Africa added 144 runs in the final 10 overs, leaving Bangladesh with a formidable target.
Bangladesh struggled early in their chase, with Marco Jansen's quick strikes removing Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto in consecutive deliveries. The match was effectively sealed when Bangladesh slumped to 42-2 within 12 overs, with skipper Shakib Al Hasan and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim dismissed.
While Mahmudullah's determined knock featured four sixes and 11 fours, it couldn't prevent Bangladesh's fourth defeat in five matches.
