T20 World Cup 2024: South Africa pulls off a heist

South Africa pulls off a heist against Bangladesh

South Africa flustered yet succeeded in winning against Netherlands. Once again, they faced similar situation against Bangladesh, in T20 World Cup 2024. They have been restricted to a score below 115 at New York, which has been harboring bowling friendly pitch. Still, South Africa won the match by 4 runs in a low scoring thriller in the final over against Bangladesh.

Going in to the details, South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first. But they lost Reeza Hendricks(0), Quinton de Kock(18), Aiden Markram(4), Tristan Stubbs(0) for just 23 runs on board in 4.2 overs. Tanzim Hasan Sakib(3/18) gave Bangladesh early advantage against SA. Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller came together at this juncture.

David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen save South Africa from a humiliating score
David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen save South Africa from a humiliating score

They both have put on 79-run partnership for 5th wicket. Heinrich Klaasen scored 46 runs from 44 balls and Miller scored 29 runs from 38 balls. With great difficulty, South Africa scored 113/6 in their 20 overs. Taskin Ahmed(2/19), Rishad Hossain(1/32) took wickets while SA could not score enough runs on the board.

Bangladesh could have decided to rotate the strike and not let pressure build on them. Until Towhid Hridoy came to bat, their batters struggled to score. He scored 37 runs from 34 balls. But he got at the wrong moment. Once again, Mahmudullah needed to finish the innings. But he failed to convert a full-toss from spinner Keshav Maharaj in the last over.

Keshav Maharaj wins in the last over for South Africa
Keshav Maharaj wins in the last over for South Africa

Bangladesh scored only 109/7 in their 20 overs. South Africa won the match by 4 wickets. Keshav Maharaj(3/27), Anrich Nortje(2/17) and Kagiso Rabada(2/19) took wickets restricting already defensive Ban batters further. Like Pakistan against India, Bangladesh looked like playing to lose the match and hence, South Africa could pull off a heist.

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