Eddie Leie claimed the best T20I bowling figures for a debutant as South Africa clinched a 2-0 series victory after beating Bangladesh in the second T20 by 31 runs on Tuesday. Kobus Pretorius reports.

Leie, who was crowned the Man of the Match, celebrated his arrival on the international stage by taking 3-16 in three overs, even coming close to claiming a hat-trick after taking consecutive wickets in the 12th over. His last delivery in that over ended with a dot ball.

After posting 169-4, the Proteas’ bowling attack dismissed Bangladesh for 138 to clinch the series convincingly.

Russell Domingo’s decision to play a second out-and-out spinner in place of fast bowler Kagiso Rabada paid off, as Aaron Phangiso also made an impact with figures of 3-30 in his four overs.

Faf du Plessis again opted to bat first after winning the toss and this time AB de Villiers (40 off 34) and Quinton de Kock (44 off 31) got off a flying start.

The pair batted at nearly 10 runs an over as they shared an opening partnership of 95 off the first 10 overs.

Opening the batting with De Villiers is an exciting prospect and should be further explored in the future.

South Africa went from 95-0 to 102-3 in the space of six balls and it severely halted their momentum. JP Duminy (6) walked out ahead of Du Plessis (16) but hit one straight up in the air.

David Miller (30 off 28) and Rilee Rossouw (19 off 6) guided South Africa to 169 thanks in large part to Rossouw letting loose in the final few overs.

Bangladesh got off to a similar vibrant start, but after losing their first wicket with the score on 46, they quickly slumped to 69-3.

Soumya Sarkar (37) top scored for Bangladesh and look dangerous early on, but he fell victim to Leie’s fifth ball of his first over to swing the momentum South Africa’s way.

Leie and Phangiso took care of the middle order before Kyle Abbott (3-20) banged in some superb yorkers to wrap up the tail and secure another comfortable victory.

Picture: AFP