Tigers are not an easy team, Tahir insists

Imran Tahir of South Africa talks up the Tigers after the Proteas completed a training session in Kimberley.

The leg-spinner did his best to drive up the touring side's reputation and said that the Tigers are not an easy side to play.

"They are not an easy team. They proved that by qualifying for the semi-finals in the Champions Trophy."

However Bangladesh had the rub of the green during the ICC Champions Trophy when their match against Australia was washed out due to rain. Bangladesh shared points with the Aussies and then beat New Zealand in the final group phase game by five wickets courtesy of centuries from Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah Riyad that took them to the semifinals.

Shakib Al Hasan has returned to action for Bangladesh with the tour match against South Africa Invitation XI. However, the Tigers were soundly beaten even as Shakib scored a 67-ball 68.

Aiden Markram smashed the Tigers around the park with a 68-ball 82 and newcomer Matthew Breetzke, who is still three weeks shy of his 19th Birthday, scored 71 runs and featured in a 147-run partnership with Markram.

Shakib Al Hasan will have to pull out something special to drive up the mental outlook of the dejected Tigers.

Tahir meanwhile believes he can continue to perform at his peak and be ready for the World Cup.

"I'd love to be at the World Cup, but I know I will have to keeping doing my best and work hard on my fitness."

SA ODI squad: Faf du Plessis (capt), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Wayne Parnell, Dane Paterson, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada

(source: IOL)