Cricket World Cup 2023: Brutal knocks by De Kock, Klaasen ensure South Africa win over Bangladesh

South Africa posted a huge first-innings total of 382/5 which was embellished by 144 runs off the last 10 overs.

A mesmerising De Kock dropped anchor alongside half-centurion Aiden Markram after South Africa lost two early wickets with the scorecard reading 36/2 in the first Powerplay.

They built a 131-run partnership for the third wicket. After setting up the launchpad, De Kock smashed 22 boundaries in his brutal 174 off 140 balls.

De Kock's departure in the 46th over off Hasan Mahmud did not bring relief to Bangladesh as Klaasen and David Miller blew up Bangladesh bowlers apart at the death to guide South Africa for a huge total.

Klaasen fell 10 short of a century, departing for 90 from 49 balls off Mahmud, while Miller finished with 34 from just 15 balls.

The reply by Bangladesh was in shreds as three wickets fell in the space of eight balls in the first powerplay.

Marco Jansen brought an end to a steady start by taking the wickets of Tanzid Hasan (12) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (0) in consecutive balls.

He missed out on a hat-trick as his attempted yorker turned into an easily-defended full toss, but Lizaad Williams kept the wickets coming when he removed Shakib Al Hasan (1).

The wickets kept on tumbling as Gerald Coetzee removed Mushfiqur Rahim for 8.

And Litton Das’s brave resistance finally came to an end when he was trapped leg before by Kagiso Rabada for a 44-ball 22.

Keshav Maharaj joined in the wicket-taking spree when he had Mehidy Hasan Miraz caught in the deep for 11, as Bangladesh’s chase collapsed before it had barely got started.

Mahmudullah ensured some pride was restored for Bangladesh with an excellent knock from number six, helping his side avoid a record defeat. But Nasum Ahmed's departure for 19 got South Africa into the tail, as they closed in on victory.

Aided by the tail, Mahmudullah brought up his own individual milestone with a high-class hundred against South Africa's tiring attack, with his century coming from 104 balls.

But the centurion's departure sparked a string of quick wickets as South Africa wrapped up the win with 3.2 overs and 149 runs to spare.