NEW YORK:
In another nail-biting clash at the T20 World Cup, South Africa clinched a narrow victory over Bangladesh by just four runs, as the battle unfolded on the controversial pitch at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Monday.
The match saw South Africa struggling to put up a challenging total, as they were restricted to 113-6 in their allotted 20 overs. Heinrich Klaasen’s resilient 46 emerged as the top score, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib shone with the ball, claiming a career-best 3-18.
Despite a modest target, Bangladesh faltered in their chase, managing only 109-7. At the 10-over mark, they found themselves at 50-4, with Tanzid Hasan, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Shakib Al Hasan falling victim to the Proteas’ pace attack.
However, Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudullah staged a commendable partnership, adding 44 runs for the fifth wicket. Hridoy’s departure for 37, followed by Mahmudullah’s dismissal, added to the mounting pressure on Bangladesh.
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With seven needed off the final over, Bangladesh’s hopes were dashed as they fell short by just four runs. Taskin Ahmed’s scrambled single on the last ball sealed South Africa’s victory.
Earlier, Bangladeshi bowlers, led by Tanzim Hasan and Taskin Ahmed, had put up a strong performance to limit South Africa’s scoring opportunities.
The Proteas, who were reeling at 23-4 at one point, were rescued by Klaasen and David Miller’s crucial partnership, which added 79 runs for the fifth wicket.
Despite the collapse, South Africa managed to post a competitive total, thanks to Klaasen’s 46 and Miller’s 29. However, Bangladesh’s resilient bowling effort restricted them to 113-6.
With this win, South Africa maintained their unbeaten record in Group D of the T20 World Cup, while Bangladesh face a tough challenge ahead in the tournament.
The match highlighted the significance of partnerships and resilience in T20 cricket, as both teams battled it out on a challenging pitch, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final ball.