South Africa scored 113/6 in 20 overs, where as Bangladesh scored 109/7 in 20 overs.
So, finally South Africa beat Bangladesh by 4 runs.
South Africa defended their lowest ever target in T20Is to secure a narrow 4-run victory over Bangladesh, nearly ensuring their progression to the next round of the T20 World Cup.
This third consecutive win demonstrated their ability to prevail in challenging situations, despite being 23 for 4 inside the Power Play after opting to bat first.
Managing to reach a total of 113 proved enough as Bangladesh faltered in their chase on another tacky pitch in New York.
Just how close was it?
Very close.
During the run-chase, the second ball of the 17th over ran off Mahmudullah’s front pad to the fence, but he was given lbw by the on-field umpire.
Although the decision was overturned, the four leg byes didn’t count, ultimately becoming the margin between victory and defeat for Bangladesh.
What made the difference?
Heinrich Klaasen’s innings.
Coming in at No. 5 when South Africa was struggling, Klaasen scored 46 off 44 and was named Player of the Match.
His innings included 2 fours and 3 sixes and saw him adapt his approach, starting defensively against the seamers before attacking the spin of Rishad Hossain.
His partnership with David Miller stabilized South Africa and helped set a target they could defend.
South Africa’s Innings
Power Play: Tanzim Sakib blows SA away
Score: 25/4 (RR: 4.16, 4s/6s: 2/2)
Tanzim Sakib’s three wickets in the first six overs reduced South Africa to 25/4, their third lowest Power Play score in T20 World Cups.
Despite Quinton de Kock’s early aggression, Sakib’s strikes and Taskin Ahmed’s dismissal of Aiden Markram left South Africa reeling.
Middle overs: Klaasen and Miller rebuild
Score: 59/0 (RR: 6.56, 4s/6s: 3/3)
Klaasen and Miller’s partnership steadied the innings, with Klaasen targeting Rishad Hossain and Miller managing to clear the boundary against Mustafizur Rahman.
A dropped catch of Miller on 13 by Litton Das cost Bangladesh dearly as the duo ensured no further wickets fell during this phase.
Death overs: Bangladesh hold back SA
Score: 29/2 (RR: 5.80, 4s/6s: 2/2)
South Africa couldn’t accelerate in the final overs, managing only one boundary when Klaasen hit a six off Mahmudullah.
Both Klaasen and Miller fell soon after, and Sakib’s early completion of his spell with figures of 3 for 18, restricted South Africa to 113/6 in 20 overs.
Bangladesh’s Innings
Power Play: Bangladesh minimize damage
Score: 29/1 (RR: 4.83, 4s/6s: 3/1)
Bangladesh started steadily, losing only Tanzid Hasan in the Power Play.
Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada bowled tightly, but Nazmul Hasan Shanto and Litton Das ensured no further damage.
Middle overs: Tug of war between runs and wickets
Score: 54/3 (RR: 6, 4s/6s: 3/2)
Keshav Maharaj struck with his first delivery after the Power Play, and Anrich Nortje’s short deliveries removed Shakib Al Hasan and Shanto.
Mahmudullah and Towhid Hridoy then added 33 steady runs, with Mahmudullah getting a reprieve on 10.
Death overs: Bangladesh can’t find the big hits
Score: 26/3 (RR: 5.2, 4s/6s: 1/0)
With 31 needed off the final five overs, Bangladesh struggled to find boundaries.
Rabada’s tight 18th over, which included the wicket of Hridoy, and Baartman’s economical 19th over left 11 needed off the final over.
Maharaj managed to defend these runs despite bowling three full tosses, with Markram catching Mahmudullah near the boundary, sealing a tense victory for South Africa.
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