SA vs BAN | 1st ODI: Yasir Ali credits Shakib and de Villiers for his impactful knock

March 18, 2022, turned out to be a historic day for Bangladesh as the Tigers registered their first-ever victory on South African soil by defeating the home side comprehensively by a margin of 38 runs.

The man who played a crucial role in achieving this monumental feat was Yasir Ali. The destructive finisher struck 50 off 44, thereby helping his side reach a solid total of 314, which eventually proved to be enough against the Proteas. 

Ali came to the crease when Bangladesh had started crumbling by losing three wickets within seven overs and formed a terrific partnership of 115 runs off just 81 balls with the experienced Shakib Al Hasan. 

Later, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain and Mehidy Hasan capitalised on this solid platform and played useful cameos that helped Bangladesh reach a total excess of 300 runs. 

The right-handed batter shared the secret of his success. He credited Shakib Al Hasan and AB de Villiers for his achievement of hitting his first-ever ODI half-century in the memorable game. 

“When I asked Shakib Bhai about the wicket, he told me straight away that it is a very good wicket. You will understand if you play 5-10 balls. Then you can go for your shots", Ali said. 

“AB de Villiers came to our hotel the other day. He said some stuff that really helped me. I didn’t do well in the Afghanistan series so this knock will boost my confidence”, he further added. 

Apart from his batting, the 26-year old was seen to be highly proactive on the field and took a terrific catch which removed a well-set Rassie Van der Dussen for 86, with South Africa still needing 123 runs in 12.5 overs. 

The Chittagong-born didn’t have a great start to his career as he failed to be included in the playing XI, although he was there in the Test squad against West Indies, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. 

Ali finally debuted in November last year and has struck two fifties so far, one each in tests and ODIs. On being asked about the initial torrid phase and the current status of his international career, he said, “It was a lesson for me. I understood the environment of the national team. 

“How the game is played out in the field. Interacting with the senior players. It was a blessing in disguise for me. Now that I am playing, it is going well, and sometimes it is not going well. There are ups and downs in life”. 

Bangladesh are currently 1-nil up and seem spirited to give their all in the rest two games of the three-match series. The second ODI match will be played at the iconic Wanderers stadium on Sunday.