Rabada loving bowling in tandem with Nortje

Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje led the charge for South Africa as they completed an emphatic six-wicket win against Bangladesh in their penultimate T20 World Cup Super-12 encounter at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

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South Africa’s third win of the tournament moves them to six points in Group 1, extending their points gap to two on Australia in third place, with one more round-robin game to play against England on Saturday. 

After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Rabada picked up two wickets in as many balls, before returning in his next over to dismiss Mushfiqur Rahim as he went on to finish with his best T20 International figures of 3-20. 

Rabada was ably supported by Tabraiz Shamsi (2-21), Dwaine Pretorius (1-11) and Nortje (3-8), who all picked up wickets at regular intervals as Bangladesh were restricted to a measly total of 84.

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Speaking after the victory, Rabada said he was glad that today was “his day” on a wicket that suited the seamers.

“Every time we have an opportunity to practice, we try to implement what could work for us, and I guess today it paid off.

“It was really nice to see some swing again, especially in the T20 format, but we have seen some movement with the new ball in the IPL at this venue, so it wasn’t a surprise to see the wicket doing that.

“There was a bit of bounce, and some balls just took off. It seems to be the quickest wicket, even if it’s a bit two-paced at times.”

Rabada also had special praise for his fast-bowling partner, Nortje, who has also been in sensational form at the tournament so far.

“Anrich is riding the wave (of confidence), he works so hard and it’s paying off. I’m just so happy for him and it’s great to be bowling in tandem with him.”

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