Graeme Smith

The modest total was unlikely to challenge even a woefully out of form South African team. However, it did prove to be too much for Herschelle Gibbs. The opening batsman has been in miserable form thus far this season and, when he missed a dead straight delivery from Tapash Baisya, he was bowled for four.

Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis played some glorious strokes in their partnership of 79 runs. Both men used their feet to the Bangladesh opening bowlers, with Kallis driving well through the covers and Smith turning the ball through midwicket in a fashion that has become a trademark for the young batsman.

Smith ended the match undefeated on 42 and Kallis on 40. They hauled in the Bangladesh target in 17.5 overs and it is doubtful, were it not for the ease with which they won, that they could be happier at having won a match. The South Africans have avoided their 11th consecutive one-day loss.

Bangladesh next play the West Indies on Wednesday in Southampton, while South Africa and the West Indies will meet on Saturday at The Oval.