South Africa beat Bangladesh by 4 runs: T20 World Cup 2024 – as it happened..
South Africa edge Bangladesh by 4 runs in last over thriller..
South Africa defeated Bangladesh by just four runs in another low-scoring game at the T20 World Cup on Monday, a result likely to spark fresh debate over the suitability of the pitch being used in New York.
South Africa were restricted to 113-6 in their 20 overs with Heinrich Klaasen top-scoring on 46 while fast bowler Tanzim Hasan Sakib returned a career-best 3-18.
However, Bangladesh could only manage 109-7 in reply as South Africa wrapped up a third win in three Group D games.
Chasing a modest target of 114 on the controversial drop-in pitch at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh initially found themselves in a tough spot against South Africa's formidable pace attack.
Their innings started shakily, reaching 50-4 by the 10-over mark. Kagiso Rabada claimed Tanzid Hasan's wicket for just nine runs, while Anrich Nortje dismissed skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (14) and Shakib Al Hasan (three). Spinner Keshav Maharaj added to their woes by sending Liton Das back to the pavilion for a mere nine runs.
However, Towhid Hridoy, who had previously top-scored with 40 in Bangladesh's victory over Sri Lanka, and the experienced Mahmudullah stabilized the innings. Together, they forged a crucial 44-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Hridoy's knock of 37, featuring two fours and two sixes off 34 balls, ended when he fell lbw to Rabada.
With the pressure mounting, Bangladesh managed to take seven runs off the penultimate over but still required 11 off the final over bowled by Maharaj. The chase boiled down to seven runs needed from four balls. Under intense pressure, both Jaker Ali and Mahmudullah attempted big shots but were caught in the deep.
Requiring six runs off the final delivery, Taskin Ahmed could only muster a single, falling short of the target.
Earlier, Bangladesh's bowlers restricted South Africa to 113-6 after Proteas skipper Aiden Markram elected to bat first. Tanzim and Taskin led the bowling attack, with Taskin claiming 2-19. South Africa found themselves struggling at 23-4 before Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller staged a rescue effort, stitching together a crucial 79-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Klaasen's aggressive 46 off 44 balls, supported by Miller's 29 off 38 deliveries, propelled South Africa to a competitive total. Despite the late flourish, South Africa's innings was marred by a collapse early on, triggered by Tanzim's early breakthroughs.
Overall, Bangladesh's valiant effort fell just short, as South Africa emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter.
