Punch-drunk Proteas must come out swinging in Southampton

. Faf du Plessis’ men now have to do it the hard way if they plan on challenging for the world title.

And yet, there they were, thousands of Bangladeshis turning that corner of England into Dhaka, and taking South Africa’s chances in this tournament for a tumble. Singles got the sort of cheers reserved for sixes. The boundaries were greeted by chants that were louder still. Long before they had finished batting, Bangladesh had sniffed the upset, and another glorious tournament scalp for their record books.

Pakistan are, well, Pakistan. Who knows what will happen next to a team that had forgotten how to win, but who are still the last team to lift an International Cricket Council 50-over title, the 2017 Champions Trophy. They emphasised their kamikaze nature by being shot out for 105 by the Windies — and then belting 348 against the favourites England in their next assignment, just three days later.

They were meek against England, and then laboured against Bangladesh. Those are not the in vogue adjectives of the summer. Certainly not when England are being lavished with praises so outwardly and extravagant. Against Bangladesh, they won the toss and had the choice to bat first and bat well. To obliterate the opposition with sheer weight of runs. Instead, on a pitch already used, they allowed their opponents to have first go. And how they went.

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