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

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.

Final over by Keshav Maharaj sets the stage

Maharaj began the final over with a full delivery drifting down leg, conceding a wide and reducing the target to 10 runs off 6 balls. Mahmudullah then managed a single off the next ball, making it 9 runs needed from 5. Jaker Ali slapped a full toss to long-on, and a misfield allowed them to run two, leaving 7 needed from 4. Maharaj then dismissed Jaker Ali, who miscued a shot to long-on where Markram took an easy catch, leaving 7 needed from 3.

Rishad Hossain missed a sweep on the next delivery, and the ball deflected off his pad for a leg bye. South Africa reviewed, but the impact was outside off, leaving 6 needed from 2. Mahmudullah then hit a low full toss hard, but Markram took a superb catch near the boundary, leaving 6 needed from the last ball. Taskin Ahmed could only slash another high full toss to the covers for a single, securing a 4-run victory for South Africa.

Bangladesh’s bowling performance

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, forming the backbone of South Africa’s innings, which culminated in a modest total of 113 runs.

Bangladesh’s bowlers were in top form, led by Tanzim Hasan and Taskin Ahmed. They consistently troubled the South African batsmen, with early breakthroughs keeping the pressure on. Their disciplined bowling in the middle overs was crucial in restricting South Africa to a low total. Each bowler contributed, but it was their collective effort that stood out.

The turning point by Kagiso Rabada

Chasing a target of 114, Bangladesh began confidently but soon found themselves in trouble, losing early wickets. The top four batsmen fell cheaply, and the match seemed to be slipping away. However, a partnership between Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudullah, who added 44 runs for the fifth wicket, rekindled hope.

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

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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.

Heinrich Klaasen was named Player of the Match for his vital contribution to South Africa’s total. Reflecting on the game, Klaasen said, “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.”

This victory placed South Africa firmly in the driver’s seat for a spot in the Super Eight, highlighting their ability to defend even low totals and boosting their morale for the upcoming matches.