A T20I personal best of 109 from Rilee Rossouw has masterfully driven the Proteas to an imposing total of 205/5.

South Africa opted to bat first despite intermittent rain, and it seemed like they’d have their backs against the wall after skipper Temba Bavuma struggled and departed in the first over from Taskin Ahmed.

However, Quinton de Kock and Rilee Rossouw gradually shifted gears during the Powerplay and attacked the Bangladeshi spinners. Rossouw hammered two sixes off Mehidy Hasan, and after a brief rain interruption, the onslaught continued.

For much of the first half of the 163-run stand, De Kock hung back and Rossouw was smashing it to all areas. Both batters brought up their half-centuries, and De Kock found his range again in the 13th over.

The 163 between De Kock and Rossouw is the highest partnership in World Cup history.

It wasn’t until the introduction of Afif Hossain’s part-time offspin that Bangladesh would finally get some respite. But regardless, Rossouw continued his merry way and brought up his second T20I ton in the space of just over three weeks.

The wheels came off for the Proteas at the death, with only 29 runs scored for the loss of three wickets in the final 5 overs, but that doesn’t take anything away from the fact that they have a massive score on the board.

Bangladesh put in a limp chase of their 206-run target. Anrich Nortje was the top bowler with 4-10. They won by 104-runs.

SA 205/5 in 20 overs (Rossouw 109, de Kock 63 – Shakib 3-0-33-2)

PHOTO: EPA/DAN HIMBRECHTS