Proteas' mauling at the hands of Bangladesh raises fresh World Cup qualification doubts

A feisty, resolute, and resourceful Bangladesh side not only won their first-ever ODI in South Africa when they beat the hosts by 38 runs in the first ODI at SuperSport Park on Friday, but further dented SA's hopes of qualifying automatically for next year's World Cup.

In chasing the steep 315 set by Bangladesh, who were sent in after losing the toss in more than decent batting conditions, they could only muster 276 in response.

Rassie Van der Dussen's 86 was well supported by David Miller's 79 but starts from Temba Bavuma (31) and Kyle Verreynne (21), who was unusually used as an opener in Quinton de Kock's absence, scuppered SA's tough chase.

It also didn't help that Aiden Markram (0) and Andile Phehlukwayo (2) failed, but a rare bad day in the office for Janneman Malan (4) also set SA back.

AS IT HAPPENED | South Africa v Bangladesh, First ODI

However, Russell Domingo's side was better in all departments and deserved to win their fifth ODI against SA in 22 matches by all accounts.

Covid-19 cancellations and the weather have dented SA's journey there, but in matches that truly matter, they've had an unerring tendency of falling short.

It was a remarkable success in beating India 3-0, but one that doesn't matter in the grander scheme of World Cup qualification.

With the win, Bangladesh extended their lead at the top to 15 points over second-place England (95) while South Africa (35) in 10th-place, are 15 points adrift of the eighth-placed West Indians.

To reel in the West Indies, who are currently engaged in a Test series against England, they'll have to win the two remaining ODIs at the Wanderers on Sunday and SuperSport Park on Wednesday.

They still have rescheduled Super League ODIs against India, England and Australia, where