Domingo backs Bangladesh ODI group to make series statement against Proteas

Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo has backed the strength of their ODI side to come through for them in the three-match series that starts on Friday at SuperSport Park in Centurion.

While the Proteas have generally got the better of Bangladesh in the past, the Tigers have come a long way to leveling the playing field.

SA have dominated the 22 ODIs between the teams, but the last six have been equally split at three each.

The last encounter between the sides was the 2019 World Cup round-robin game that Bangladesh won by 21 runs at The Oval in London.

Domingo coached the Proteas when they lost the ODI rubber in Bangladesh 2-1, but said the volume of ODIs they play has allowed them to form a strong and competitive nucleus.

"Our 50-over side has always been our stronger side in terms of the balance of the side," Domingo said.

"We've got a wicketkeeper batting in the top order, along with a left-arm spinner batting in the top-order.

"We've got some experience in the batting order, but it's going to be a tough ask, but white-ball cricket is our strongest suit."

With star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan set to tour South Africa after all, the ICC men's ODI Super League log leaders have a veneer of strength about them.

While the Proteas are coming together as a Test group, the same can't be said of them in ODI cricket.

They haven't played the format regularly, but when they have, they haven't been great.

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This is seen in the log where the South Africans are 10th with 39 points from their 10 matches, while Bangladesh have 100 points from their 15 games.

With the top eight qualifying automatically for next year's World Cup in India, the hosts must get