- By Vishal Pushkar
- Tue, 11 Jun 2024 12:26 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
South Africa secured a narrow four-run victory over Bangladesh in a low-scoring thriller at the T20 World Cup on Monday. Spinner Keshav Maharaj held his nerve in the final over to defend 11 runs, despite bowling three full tosses. Bangladesh, chasing a modest target of 114, finished at 109 for seven.
Bangladesh's innings saw moments of promise, particularly through the efforts of Mahmudullah (20) and Towhid Hridoy (37). However, crucial wickets and South Africa's disciplined bowling in the final overs prevented them from clinching the win. With six runs needed off the last two balls, Mahmudullah was caught near the boundary by Aiden Markram off Maharaj, who finished with figures of 3/27.
Anrich Nortje (2/17) continued his impressive form, supported by Kagiso Rabada (2/19) and Marco Jansen (0/17). Earlier, South Africa had recovered to post 113 for six after opting to bat on a challenging surface. Heinrich Klaasen (46) and David Miller (29) provided a crucial 79-run partnership for the fifth wicket, helping to stabilize the innings after a shaky start.
Bangladesh's bowlers, particularly Tanzim Hasan Sakib (3/18) and Taskin Ahmed (2/19), excelled in restricting South Africa. Tanzim's early breakthroughs left South Africa at 23 for four inside the first five overs, but Klaasen and Miller's resistance proved vital.
In the run chase, Bangladesh struggled initially, losing Tanzid Hasan (9), Najmul Hossain Shanto (14 off 23), and Litton Das (9 off 13) early. Shakib Al Hasan (3) was dismissed by Nortje, leaving Bangladesh in trouble at 50 for four. The partnership between Hridoy and Mahmudullah brought Bangladesh close, but Rabada's dismissal of Hridoy in the 18th over shifted the momentum back to South Africa.
Brief scores: South Africa 113/6 in 20 overs (Heinrich Klaasen 46, David Miller 29; Tanzim Hasan Sakib 3/18).
Bangladesh 109/7 in 20 overs (Towid Hridoy 37, Mahmudullah 20; Keshav Maharaj 3/27).
