Tigers looking to end on high note

There is finally some hope at the end of the tour. Apart from the hope and expectation of home comforts, Bangladesh seem to have been uplifted by their fighting performance in the first T20I in Bloemfontein and according to skipper Shakib Al Hasan, if they can correct some of the mistakes committed in the first match, today's second T20I in Potchefstroom's Senwes Park may produce a good end to a punishing tour. South Africa, on the other hand, will be eager to complete a clean sweep of the tour having blanked their guests in the Tests and ODIs.

Today's match, which gets underway from 6:30pm (Bangladesh time), will mark the first T20I at the venue. While Bangladesh will have bad memories of Senwes Park because of the tour-opening 333-run loss in the first Test here, they should be inspired to make up for that on a pitch that will suit them.

“It is hard to tell how it might play until the match starts,” said Shakib yesterday. “Everyone is saying it will be slow but I think it will be a good batting track. It is likely to be a high-scoring game. We will have to try to stop them for a lower total if we field first; if we bat first, we have to score at least 180 if we want to win.”

Bangladesh took the unusual step of going in with six bowlers in Bloemfontein, but because of poor bowling Mohammad Saifuddin, Shafiul Islam and Taskin Ahmed were given just two overs each. With Shafiul being the most expensive among the three, he may make way for Nasir Hossain or Litton Das.