Rilee Rossouw spent six years in the international wilderness wondering whether he would get another chance to play for the Proteas.
On Thursday, on the game’s biggest stage in the T20 World Cup, the 33-year-old scored South Africa’s first century in the tournament’s history and the fourth fastest (52 balls) ton of all-time.
Rossouw came to the crease after captain Temba Bavuma was caught behind off the last ball of the first over.
“Today is extremely special,” Proteas great Dale Steyn said.
He fell with nine balls to spare, having belted eight sixes and seven fours in his 56-ball 109.
It was the left-hander’s second straight century, having hit 100* against India in Indore earlier this month. He did not bat in their abandoned match against Zimbabwe on Monday.
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South Africa set Bangladesh an imposing 206 for victory, having finished 5-205.
Wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock continued his fine form from Monday, smashing a 38-ball 63 before falling to Afif Hossain. His innings ended a 173-run stand with Rossouw — the highest partnership in Proteas history.
Aiden Markram (10) was the only other batter to reach double figures.
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