Bangladesh’s cricket team delivered a stunning performance that has given them a real shot at beating South Africa for the first time in a T20 game. With a remarkable bowling display led by Tanzim Hasan, Bangladesh restricted South Africa to a meager total of 114 in the 21st match of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Tanzim Hasan’s New Ball Burst

Tanzim Hasan was the star of the show with the new ball, delivering a spell that rattled South Africa’s top order. In a dazzling display of fast bowling, Hasan picked up three out of the top four wickets, reducing South Africa to a precarious 25/4 after the powerplay. His ability to swing the ball both ways and maintain a disciplined line and length left the South African batsmen in disarray.

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South Africa’s Top-Order Woes

The early dismissals of key players such as Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, and Quinton de Kock put South Africa on the back foot. Hasan’s spell was not just about the wickets but also about the psychological impact on the South African batsmen, who were unable to recover from the early blows.

The top-order failures have highlighted the need for a strategic rethink. Whether it’s the technique against the moving ball or the mental aspect of handling pressure, South Africa needs to address these issues urgently to improve their T20 performance.

David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen’s Recovery

Amid the chaos, David Miller once again emerged as the savior for South Africa. Along with Heinrich Klaasen, he forged a critical partnership that steadied the innings. The duo added 79 runs for the fifth wicket, setting a record for the highest stand at Eisenhower Park.

The wicket at Eisenhower Park was two-paced with some spongy bounce, making it difficult for the batsmen. Miller and Klaasen adopted a cautious approach, focusing on building a partnership rather than taking risks. Their patience and experience were evident as they navigated the tricky conditions.

Taskin Ahmed’s Key Strikes

Just when it seemed like Miller and Klaasen might take South Africa to a respectable total, Taskin Ahmed struck crucial blows. His dismissal of Klaasen was particularly significant, as it broke the momentum of the partnership. Taskin’s ability to bowl tight lines and vary his pace was instrumental in restricting South Africa.

Restricting South Africa in the Final Overs

Bangladesh’s fielding was top-notch, with sharp catches and quick ground fielding. The pressure created by the bowlers was complemented by the fielders, who saved crucial runs and maintained the pressure on South Africa.

South Africa managed to score only 13 runs in the last three overs, which was a testament to Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling and effective field placements.

Totals batting first in New York in T20 WCs
77 SL vs SA (Lost)
96 Ire vs Ind (Lost)
137/7 Can vs Ire (Won)
103/9 Net vs SA (Lost)
119 Ind vs Pak (Won)
113/6 SA vs Ban (?)

Pace vs spin in South Africa innings
Pace: 5/55 in 12 overs (ER 4.58)
Spin: 1/55 in 8 overs (ER 6.88)

Longest partnership for fifth wkt or below in T20 WCs (by balls)
79 H Klaasen – D Miller vs Ban New York 2024
78 V Kohli – H Pandya vs Pak Melbourne 2022
75 Misbah – Shoaib Malik vs Aus Joburg 2007

Highest partnership for fifth wkt or below for SA in T20 WCs
79 H Klaasen – D Miller vs Ban New York 2024
69 M Boucher – A Morkel vs Ind Durban 2007
65 T Stubbs – D Miller vs Net New York 2024