South Africa maintained their dominance over Bangaldesh in the T20I as Keshav Maharaj’s masterclass in bowling helped the Proteas clinch a thrilling win during the ongoing T20 World Cup match at New York Stadium on Monday.
Maharaj successfully defended 11 runs in the nervy final over as South Africa narrowly defeated Bangladesh by four runs. Bangladesh, chasing a modest target of 114, ended at 109 for seven despite valiant efforts from Mahmudullah (20) and Towhid Hridoy (37). Bangladesh have never beaten South Africa in T20I and this was the closest they could have gone.
In a tense final over, with six needed off the last two balls, Mahmudullah was caught near the ropes by Aiden Markram off Maharaj (3/27), who emerged as South Africa’s most successful bowler. Anrich Nortje (2/17), Kagiso Rabada (2/19), and Marco Jansen (0/17) provided strong support. Markram’s screamer made sure that South Africa were on the top till the very end.
South Africa scored 113/6 after winning toss and electing to bat on a challenging surface. Tanzim Hasan Sakib (3/18) and Taskin Ahmed (2/19) excelled for Bangladesh, restricting South Africa despite a 79-run stand from Heinrich Klaasen (46) and David Miller (29).
Bangladesh struggled at 50 for four but found hope through a 44-run partnership between Hridoy and Mahmudullah. However, Hridoy’s dismissal in the 18th over shifted the game back in South Africa’s favor. Earlier, Tanzim’s effective bowling had left South Africa reeling at 23 for four, with Taskin Ahmed providing crucial support.
A day after the India vs Pakistan match, which was also a low-scoring game, the Nassau County pitch once again proved challenging for the batters.