South Africa won another nail-biter in the T20 World Cup by defeating Bangladesh by four runs in a low-scoring game at New York’s Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Monday, June 10th.
After winning the toss Bangladesh chose to bowl first. It was a good decision by them since their bowlers led by the pace duo of Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman were able to limit South Africa’s score to 113 runs only. Appearing disciplined throughout, Proteas’ lineup found it hard to score as Heinrich Klaasen’s laborious 34 stood out as the most noteworthy batting performance.
Bangladesh’s chase was anything but convincing even though the target was not aggressive. Innings began cautiously by some of the openers, with regular fall of wickets. At important moments, the experienced Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje spearheaded South Africa’s bowling attack and took key wickets that greatly pressured them.
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Shakib Al Hasan, who is Bangladesh’s batting mainstay; was dismissed in the 16th over and this marked the turning point of the game. Consequently, the remaining batsmen began to feel the pressure as they saw the need for an increased run rate. Taskin Ahmed, batting at number eight, provided a glimmer of hope with a valiant 37-run knock. He even smashed a six off the first ball of the final over, needing 19 runs for victory.
However, South Africa’s left-arm seamer, Wayne Parnell, held his nerve under immense pressure. He conceded just enough runs, including a crucial wide, to ensure a thrilling victory for the Proteas. South Africa’s fielding deserves credit as well, with Aiden Markram taking a spectacular catch at deep mid-wicket to dismiss Mahmudullah in the penultimate over.
Despite the fact that they lost, Bangladesh remained truly competitive against the powerful South Africa. It is good that they managed to put up such a fight. It was a good lesson that at times chasing targets within limits can be quite difficult in the T20 format especially when there is steady performance from the bowlers. This victory helped South Africa to maintain the unbeaten record in this competition because their speed merchants were at their best plans to defend small scores without getting clobbered.
