South Africa wins toss and opts to bat against Bangladesh in T20 World Cup

WESTBURY, N. Y. (AP) — South Africa captain Aiden Markram called correctly at the coin toss and opted to bat against Bangladesh in their Group D encounter at the Twenty20 World Cup on Monday.

The pitch at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium continues to be under the spotlight for its dual-paced nature.

Bowling first has been an obvious call, with 120 considered to be a par score. But with India and Pakistan having played on it Sunday, the Proteas chose to take advantage of the used pitch by batting first.

South Africa leads the group after beating Sri Lanka and the Netherlands in its first two games. Bangladesh is second after winning its opener against Sri Lanka.

South Africa is unchanged from its previous game, while Bangladesh has made one change. Batting all-rounder Soumya Sarkar is left out, with opening batter Jaker Ali taking his spot.

South Africa can clinch a spot in the Super Eight stage with a win. The Proteas have won all three meetings with Bangladesh at the T20 World Cup.

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Line-ups:

South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram (captain), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Ottneil Baartman

Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Jaker Ali, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman

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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

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