In a thrilling T20 World Cup encounter on Monday, South Africa clinched a four-run victory over Bangladesh in another tense low-scoring match. Spinner Keshav Maharaj emerged as the hero, narrowly defending 11 runs in the final over to secure the win.
Bangladesh’s chase of a modest 114 started shakily but saw a resurgence thanks to gritty innings from Mahmudullah (20) and Towhid Hridoy (37). The match came down to the wire with Bangladesh needing six runs off the last two balls. Mahmudullah, facing the crucial delivery from Maharaj, was caught brilliantly by Aiden Markram near the ropes. Maharaj finished with figures of 3/27, despite bowling three full tosses in the final over, as Bangladesh ended their innings at 109 for seven.
South Africa’s bowling unit put on a solid performance, with Anrich Nortje (2/17), Kagiso Rabada (2/19), and Marco Jansen (0/17) providing vital support to Maharaj.
Opting to bat first on a challenging surface, South Africa managed to post 113 for six. Their innings were marked by an early collapse, thanks to a superb bowling display by Bangladesh’s pacers Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Taskin Ahmed. Tanzim claimed 3/18 and Taskin took 2/19, dismantling the Proteas’ top order and reducing them to 23 for four within the first five overs.
South Africa’s recovery was spearheaded by Heinrich Klaasen (46) and David Miller (29), who added a crucial 79-run partnership for the fifth wicket. However, they struggled to accelerate the scoring on a pitch that favored the bowlers, particularly the spinners from Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s run chase faltered early as Tanzid Hasan (9) was dismissed after hitting a couple of boundaries. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (14 off 23) and Litton Das (9 off 13) also failed to capitalize on their starts. The pressure mounted as Shakib Al Hasan (3) fell to a mistimed shot off Nortje’s bowling.
At 50 for four, Bangladesh found hope in the partnership between Hridoy and Mahmudullah, who added 44 runs for the fifth wicket. However, Hridoy’s dismissal in the 18th over, leg-before to Rabada, shifted the momentum back to South Africa.
Earlier in the innings, Klaasen and Miller’s resistance provided some stability after South Africa’s top order crumbled. Klaasen struck a couple of sixes against the spinners, while Miller rotated the strike effectively. Nonetheless, Taskin’s late breakthrough to dismiss Miller prevented South Africa from posting a more formidable total.
The match played on the challenging Nassau County pitch, saw both teams struggling to find their rhythm. South Africa’s ability to defend a low total was a testament to their disciplined bowling and fielding efforts. Maharaj’s calm under pressure in the final over sealed a memorable win, leaving Bangladesh to reflect on missed opportunities in a closely contested game.
