"They activate the monster mode when they bat first" - Aakash Chopra on South Africa's destructive batting in 2023 World Cup clash vs Bangladesh

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has lauded South Africa for being at their destructive best when setting a target in the 2023 World Cup.

The Proteas set a 383-run target after opting to bat first against Bangladesh in Mumbai on Tuesday, October 24. They then bowled out Shakib Al Hasan and company for 233 to complete an emphatic 149-run win and move to second spot in the points table.

Reviewing the game in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra pointed out that South Africa brought their attacking game to the fore when they bat first. He said:

"This is a team. They activate the monster mode when they bat first. They got stuck once. That was in the run chase against the Netherlands but this team is different while batting first."

The former India opener praised Quinton de Kock for taking the game away from Bangladesh after they had picked up two early wickets. He elaborated:

"Bangladesh made a good start, they picked two wickets in the powerplay. It seemed like they would change the game but how will they do that because Quinton de Kock has decided and come that it is his last World Cup and every time it should be said - 'Abhi na jao chhod kar ki dil abhi bhara nahin' (Please don't leave now, it seems to early)."

Chopra added that the Proteas wicketkeeper-batter's performances will compel fans to ask why he is quitting the ODI format. He stated:

"He is doing exactly that. He has scored three centuries and has already said that his ODI cricket is over after this. Now you won't ask when will you go and instead ask why are you going. This is the kind of tournament he is having."

De Kock scored 174 runs off 140 deliveries with the help of 15 fours and seven sixes. With 407 runs to his name, he has now surpassed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to become the highest run-scorer in the tournament.

---

"Heinrich Klaasen is playing differently" - Aakash Chopra

Heinrich Klaasen smashed 90 runs off just 49 balls. [P/C: AP]

While observing that Quinton de Kock was dismissed when he seemed headed for a double century, Aakash Chopra praised Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram and David Miller for playing their roles to perfection. He said:

"Considering the sort of batting form he (De Kock) was in and the number of overs that were left, I think 200 was there for the taking. Aiden Markram - he also scored a half-century. He has struck a century earlier. David Miller also scored runs this time and Heinrich Klaasen is playing differently."

Klaasen smashed two fours and eight sixes during his 90-run knock. While Markram scored a 69-ball 60, Miller smoked an unbeaten 34 off just 15 deliveries.