Bangladesh cricketers Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah and Mehidy Hasan maintained their fast during their side’s crucial ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 match against South Africa on June 2, Sunday. The trio of Bangladeshi cricketers produced an impressive performance as the Bengal Tigers beat South Africa by 21 runs to being their CWC 2019 campaign with a victory. BAN beat SA by 21 runs.

Ramadan, the holy month for Islamic followers when they fast, started last month and will end on June 5 or June 6 in most countries. It’s not easy to play an entire match and produce a performance like they did, despite abstaining from any food or drink during the daylight. The players’ respect for religious obligations despite knowing that they will have to play an entire 100 overs match should be commended. Bangladesh vs South Africa ICC CWC 2019 Stat Highlights: Mushfiqur Rahim Star in BAN’s Convincing Win Over SA.

Mushfiqur Rahim top-scored with 70 runs from 80 deliveries, while Mahmudullah made a quick-fire 46 off 33 balls to help Bangladesh post 330 for six wickets in 50 overs. Mehidy Hasan then chipped in with figures of 44/1 from 10 overs as Bangladesh romped to a famous win against the Proteas. Rahim was also involved in a record 142-run partnership – the highest partnership for Bangladesh at World Cups – with Shakib Al Hasan (75) to help his side recover from two-wicket down.

Elsewhere, Liverpool footballers Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane also kept their fast during the 2019 UEFA Champions League final clash against Tottenham Hotspur at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on June 1. Liverpool beat Tottenham 2-0 to clinch their sixth Europan title. Ramadan 2019: Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane Were Fasting During Liverpool’s Champions League Final Match Against Tottenham Hotspur.

Skipper Mashrfe Mortaza later praised the duo for their calm and risk-free approach while building the innings. "The main thing is that you have to spend time on the wicket, then playing becomes easier here. I hope our batsmen understood it very well, and I think the more time we spend on the crease, it will be easier for us to bat. So, I hope if we keep that in mind, the next match will be easier for us," said Mortaza.

Mortaza also asked his teammates to keep calm and not think too much far ahead but focus on one match at a time. "I will say that we don't have to look that far [semis] yet. It's just one match, we were focused today. This match is over and we should stop thinking about it,” added the Bangladesh skipper.

"One other thing is that it's very important for our players to stay calm. We have just won one match, there are eight more to go. This win doesn't take us anywhere in this tournament now. So, I don't think we have to be very excited right now. There is still a long way to go.” Bangladesh next plays New Zealand on June 5, Wednesday, at the Kennington Oval.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 03, 2019 10:59 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).