Incredible Bangladesh are playing great cricket, says South Africa T20 captain Faf du Plessis

Bangladesh have dazzled South Africa T20 captain Faf du Plessis with their recent brand of cricket that forced critics to see them in a new light.

Du Plessis believes the Tigers have shed off their minnows tag and that their resurgence is positive for world cricket.
 
The South Africa team reached Dhaka for the month-long tour on Tuesday afternoon.
 
“It’s incredible, Bangladesh are playing good cricket. It’s good for world cricket. They are no longer minnows anyway,” du Plessis said in a press conference on Wednesday. 
 
“They are beating big nations. It was great to see them beat India.” 
 
Several Bangladesh youngsters have caught the eyes of the Proteas skipper.
 
“I watched quite a bit of the India series. There are nice young guys coming through for Bangladesh. It’s great Bangladesh cricket is doing well.”
 
Their Head Coach Russell Domingo had said before flying to Bangladesh that they were expecting a ‘tough tour’ and praised Bangladesh’s aggressive brand of cricket.
 
Bangladesh scaled new heights after winning three ODI series on the trot at their own backyard that included maiden series wins against former world champions India and Pakistan.
 
After thumping Zimbabwe 5-0 towards end of last year, they blanked Pakistan 3-0.
 
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and his men made a loud statement to claim their place as a sub-continent force to be reckoned with after handing the mighty Indians a pride-puncturing 2-1 series loss.
 
Under no illusion of having an easy ride, du Plessis is giving the hosts every bit of respect they deserve, but he is excited over the challenge of facing them in their home condition.
 
“And it also makes us come here and respect their capabilities as a team. They have played really well.”
 
“But we wouldn’t want any other way. We have got a strong squad. We are going to play the best players to try and beat Bangladesh.”
 
"But the heat is always a challenge. I suppose we have to get used to the conditions,” said du Plessis, whose side arrived in Bangladesh five days before the first match.
 
The teams will square off in two T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests during the tour that stretches a little over a month. 
 
The series kicks off on Jul 5 with the first 20-over game while the second will be played two days later at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.
 
The ODIs are scheduled for Jul 10, 12 and 15 with the first two to be played out in Mirpur.
 
The third will be held at Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong. AB de Villiers will lead the tourists in the 50-over games.
 
The first Test will start on Jul 21 in Chittagong before the teams return to Dhaka for the second, on 30.
 
South Africa will be led by Hashim Amla in the Tests.