Bangladesh need 285 to make quarterfinals

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DHAKA: Bangladesh were set an imposing 285-run target by mighty South Africa to reach the World Cup quarter-finals here at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Saturday.

South Africa made 284 for eight after captain Graeme Smith won the toss and elected to bat first in their World Cup Group B match.

Co-hosts Bangladesh have to defeat the Proteas for only the second time in 14 meetings if they are to stay alive in the tournament.

Defeat would send Group B rivals India, England and West Indies into the last eight along with South Africa, who have already qualified.

South Africa's only defeat to Bangladesh came during the World Cup 2007.

Jacques Kallis hit his ninth World Cup half-century as he hit five boundaries and a six in his 69 off 76 balls, sharing a fourth wicket stand of 82 with Faf du Plessis.

Du Plessis smashed a run-a-ball 52 before the lower order added 92 runs in the last 10 overs.

South African captain Graeme Smith (45) put on 98 for the first wicket with Hashim Amla (51).

Bangladesh will chase a stiff target of 5.7 runs an over to win against a South Africa side who rested fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel and brought in left-arm seamers Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Wayne Parnell.

Leg-spinner Imran Tahir, fully recovered from a thumb injury, joined Johan Botha and Robin Petersen in a rare three-man spin attack.