South Africa beats Bangladesh in a low-scoring thriller in the T20 World Cup.

New Delhi, June 10, 2024: In yet another low-scoring thriller at the ICC T20 World Cup in New York, South Africa edged past Bangladesh by just 4 runs on Monday. This comes a day after India defeated Pakistan in another tense, low-scoring encounter at the same venue.

South Africa batted first in a thriller:

South Africa won the toss and opted to bat, but the decision backfired as they slumped to 23/4/ the first breakthrough came at 11, with Quinton de Kock, who started aggressively, falling for 18 off 11 while attempting a cross-bat shot over mid-wicket. Two more wickets fell in quick succession, leaving the Proteas in deep trouble.

A crucial rescue act came from Heinrich Klaasen (46) and David Miller (29), who stitched a steadying partnership. No other South African batter reached double figures. South Africa eventually managed 113/6 in their 20 overs.

Chasing 114, Bangladesh stayed in the hunt till the last over but fell short at 109/7, losing by 4 runs in a gripping finish.

Bangladesh needed 18 runs off 12 balls, scoring just 7 in the 19^th over. With 11 needed in the final over, captain Aiden Markram handed the ball to Keshav Maharaj, who held his nerve under immense pressure.

Maharaj dismissed Mahmudullah and Jaker Ali in the final over while conceding only 6 runs. Markram also took a brilliant running catch on the boundary to turn the match South Africa’s way.

Bangladesh’s top scorer was Towhid Hridoy:

For Bangladesh, Towhid Hridoy (37 off 34), Mahmudullah (20 off 27) and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (14 off 23) were the top scores.

Among South African bowlers, Keshav Maharaj starred with 3/27, while Kagiso Rabada (2/19) and Anrich Nortje (2/17) kept Bangladesh under constant pressure.

For Bangladesh, Tanzim Hasan Sakib impressed with 3/18, while Taskin Ahmed picked 2/19 and Rishad Hossain claimed one wicket.

Also Read: The BCCI announced the Team India Squad for the T20 World Cup.

EOM.