Riding high on confidence after back-to-back wins against West Indies and Sri Lanka, a recharged South Africa, sitting second on the points table, will look to take another firm step towards the semifinals when they meet a struggling Bangladesh, who've been left limping thanks to a string of defeats and a hamstring injury which has ruled out their talisman Shakib al Hasan, in a Group 1 Super 12 match of the T20 World Cup in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
TOI looks at key points in the match...
Shakib's absence a big blow for Bangladesh
As if three losses on the trot in the Super 12s weren't enough, Bangladesh lost their biggest cricketing icon, Shakib, a couple of days before this match, perhaps extinguishing whatever little hopes they had of coming back from this hopeless position and making a late bid for the semis. In the absence of the classy left-hander, senior players like skipper Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim need to take more responsibility. Bangladesh can only look to play party-poopers for others.
The 'Fizz' needs to be back
Bangladesh need Mustafizur Rahman or 'Fizz', as he's popularly known, to strike top form. The ace left-arm seamer had played a crucial role in his team's progress to the Super 12.
Shamsi, the ace in South Africa's pack
While South Africa have a well-rounded attack - amongst the best in the tournament - the biggest ace in their bowling pack is Chinaman Tabraiz Shamsi. The World's No 1 T20 bowler showed off his class in the last game, giving away just 17 runs and taking three wickets in four overs to play a key role in the four-wicket nerve-wracking win over Sri Lanka in the last game.
'Killer' Miller adds muscle
While their best batter, Quinton de Kock, is perhaps still searching for form and focus after the 'taking the knee' controversy, the Proteas would be pleased with the solidity shown by the middle order set up the stage for a dangerous finisher like David Miller. In the last game, Miller's two consecutive sixes off Lahiru Kumara in the final over sealed an inspiring win for South Africa.
