MUMBAI, India (AP) — South Africa won the toss and opted to bat against Bangladesh at the Cricket World Cup but will again be without Temba Bavuma, who was again ruled out with an illness.
Aiden Markram leads South Africa again in the absence of Bavuma, who also missed its last game against England.
South Africa has three wins from its opening four games, rebounding from a shocking loss to lowly-ranked Netherlands with a comprehensive 229-run win over 2019 champion England.
Bangladesh, after opening the tournament with a six-wicket win over Afghanistan, has had lopsided losses to New Zealand, England and India.
Bangladesh was boosted by the return of mercurial all-rounder and skipper Shakib Al Hasan, who missed the last game against India with an injury.
Shakib replaced batter Towhid Hridoy in the team’s only change.
Reeza Hendricks, who scored a fluent 85 runs from 75 balls against England, will continue to open the batting in Bavuma’s absence. Pacer Lungi Ngidi was also ruled out with a knee problem.
The Proteas have been on a high-scoring spree, notching up this World Cup’s two highest totals – 428-5 against Sri Lanka in Delhi and 399-7 against England.
Temperatures are set to run high again in Mumbai, expected to reach 37 C (98 F).
AP
