In a nail-biting finish, South Africa managed to edge out Bangladesh by just 4 runs in a thrilling T20 encounter. South Africa recorded the lowest total defended in T20 World Cup history in the match against Bangladesh at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Monday. The final over, bowled by Keshav Maharaj, was packed with drama, tension, and crucial moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Setting the Stage

With Bangladesh needing 11 runs off the last over, the match was finely poised. South Africa had the upper hand, but Bangladesh had Mahmudullah at the crease, a player known for his finishing abilities.

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The Tense Final Over

19.1: Maharaj to Mahmudullah, Wide

Maharaj starts with a full delivery drifting down leg, conceding a wide. Bangladesh needs 10 off 6 now.

19.1: Maharaj to Mahmudullah, 1 Run

Mahmudullah stabs the ball off the thick inside edge to square leg for a single. 9 needed from 5.

19.2: Maharaj to Jaker Ali, 2 Runs

A juicy full toss is slapped to long-on, but a misfield allows them to run two. 7 needed from 4.

19.3: Maharaj to Jaker Ali, Out

Jaker charges down but miscues it to long-on where Markram takes an easy catch. 7 needed from 3.

19.4: Maharaj to Rishad Hossain, Leg Byes, 1 Run

Rishad misses the sweep and the ball deflects off his pad for a leg bye. South Africa reviews, but the impact is outside off. 6 needed from 2.

19.5: Maharaj to Mahmudullah, Out

A low full toss is hit hard, but Markram takes a superb catch near the boundary. Mahmudullah is out. 6 needed from the last ball.

19.6: Maharaj to Taskin Ahmed, 1 Run

Another high full toss, Taskin can only slash it to the covers for a single. South Africa wins by 4 runs.

First Innings Highlights

South Africa’s decision to bat first seemed risky from the outset. The top order crumbled, losing four wickets within the first five overs. It was a shaky start that left fans worried and Bangladesh hopeful. However, a crucial partnership between David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen steadied the ship. The duo added 79 runs, a partnership that proved to be the backbone of South Africa’s innings.

Bangladesh’s Bowling Performance

Bangladesh’s bowlers were in top form. Led by the likes of Tanzim Hasan and Taskin Ahmed, they consistently troubled the South African batsmen. Early breakthroughs kept the pressure on, but it was their disciplined bowling in the middle overs that restricted South Africa to a modest total. Each bowler contributed, but it was their collective effort that stood out.

Second Innings Drama

With a target of 114, Bangladesh began their chase with confidence. However, they soon found themselves in trouble, losing early wickets much like their opponents. The top four batsmen fell cheaply, and it seemed as though the match might slip away. Yet, hope was rekindled through a partnership between Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudullah, who added 44 runs for the fifth wicket.

The Turning Point

The game’s momentum shifted dramatically during the 18th over bowled by Kagiso Rabada. Rabada managed to dismiss the dangerous Towhid Hridoy, who had been looking set to take Bangladesh to victory. His over conceded just two runs, a crucial period that turned the tide in South Africa’s favor.

Keshav Maharaj’s Final Over

Keshav Maharaj was entrusted with the final over, tasked with defending 10 runs. His over was a mix of skill and nerves. He bowled three full tosses, each a potential boundary, but Bangladesh failed to capitalize. His experience shone through as he delivered under pressure, ultimately securing the win for South Africa.

South Africa’s Bowling Strategy

South Africa’s bowlers executed a well-thought-out strategy, focusing on disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. Anrich Nortje was particularly impressive, consistently hitting speeds up to 146 kph and varying his pace effectively. His figures of 2 for 17 were a testament to his skill and determination.

This victory placed South Africa firmly in the driver’s seat for a spot in the Super Eight. It was a morale-boosting win that highlighted their ability to defend even low totals.

Player of the Match

Heinrich Klaasen | Player of the Match: That was not nice on the heart but good that we got over the line. The wicket is not too great for strokeplay. We got some good information from the last game and applied it today, we got a decent score. Luckily we’ve got experience in the change room, we almost had a One-Day mindset. Three pressure games now but I think we’re through so that’s good.

South Africa winning by a margin of under five runs in T20 WCs
1 vs NZ Lord’s 2009
2 vs NZ Chattogram 2014
3 vs Eng Chattogram 2014
4 vs Ban New York 2024
No other side have won by under five runs more than two instances in T20 World Cups.

Four outfield catches in a T20 World Cup match
Darren Sammy vs Ire Providence 2010
Aiden Markram vs Ban New York 2024

Most consecutive wins against Bangladesh in T20Is
10 New Zealand (2010-21)
9 Pakistan (2016-22)
9 South Africa (2007-24) *
8 India (2009-18)

Lowest targets successfully defended by South Africa (T20I)
114 vs Ban New York 2024 *
116 vs SL Colombo RPS 2013
121 vs WI North Sound 2010
129 vs NZ Lord’s 2009

Lowest targets successfully defended in T20 WCs
114 SA vs Ban New York 2024 *
120 SL vs NZ Chattogram 2014
120 Ind vs Pak New York 2024
124 Afg vs WI Nagpur 2016
127 NZ vs Ind Nagpur 2016