[Watch] Teammates applaud Mahmudullah's valiant 100 in SA vs BAN 2023 World Cup clash
Bangladesh all-rounder Mahmudullah slammed a spirited hundred in the ongoing 2023 World Cup clash against South Africa at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, despite wickets falling from the other end consistently.
The veteran performed the 'Sajdah' after reaching three figures, even though he knew it was going to end in a losing cause.
The right-hander got to the magical three-figure mark in the 45th over of the innings as he helped one to the fine leg region.
There was certain relief on Mahmudullah's face as skipper Shakib Al Hasan and his other Bangladesh teammates applauded him for showing some fight on their behalf.
Watch the video here:
The former T20I captain walked in at 42-4 after Mushfiqur Rahim holed out to Andile Phehlukwayo at third man.
The 37-year-old got off the mark with a boundary off Gerald Coetzee's bowling and reached his half-century off 65 balls in the 35th over. Mahmdullah went down fighting as Coetzee got him for 111 in the 46th over.
South Africa register massive win despite Mahmudullah's century
While Mahmudullah's 4th ODI century significantly reduced South Africa's winning margin, the Proteas still muscled Bangladesh to register their 4th victory in 5 matches.
Quinton de Kock's 174 set up a massive 383 to chase. Following the loss of two early wickets, De Kock and Aiden Markram added 131 off 137 deliveries.
After Markram departed for 60, De Kock added another whirlwind 142 with Heinrich Klaasen. Klaasen, who smashed a century in the last game, missed out by 10 runs but didn't depart before adding 65 with David Miller.
With the ball, Coetzee picked up 3 wickets, while Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, and Lizaad Williams snared 2 each. Keshav Maharaj managed only one wicket but conceded only 32 runs in his 10-over spell as South Africa registered a 149-run win.
The loss was also Bangladesh's fourth loss of the tournament, having earlier lost to India, England, and New Zealand. Meanwhile, the Proteas have almost sealed a semi-final spot and have climbed to the 2nd spot, with New Zealand dropping to 3rd.