South Africa emerged as the first squad to secure a spot in the T20 World Cup Super Eight phase after spinner Keshav Maharaj successfully defended 11 runs in the last over, leading to a thrilling four-run win against Bangladesh in a low-scoring Group D match on Monday. South Africa, after winning the toss, chose to bat on a challenging pitch in New York, which was used for the third consecutive day. They managed to reach 113 for six in their 20 overs, recovering from a precarious 23-4. Heinrich Klaasen's 46 and David Miller's 29 contributed to a crucial 79-run partnership for the fifth wicket, setting a new record for South Africa in T20 World Cups, against strong Bangladesh bowling. The Asian team also struggled with scoring but seemed poised for victory when Towhid Hridoy (37) and Mahmudullah (20) combined for a 44-run fifth-wicket stand. However, the pace slowed after Hridoy's dismissal, and with six needed off the last two balls, Mahmudullah nearly cleared the boundary but was caught on the rope by Aiden Markram, leaving Maharaj with figures of 3-27 in his four overs. South Africa boasts three wins from their three pool matches, all played on the uneven New York wicket, while Bangladesh has a win and a loss from their two games.
Text: Lara Palmer
11.06.2024
Maharaj's Final Over Heroics Seal Narrow Victory Over Bangladesh in Group D Clash