Bangladesh falter at the finish line, lose T20I thriller to South Africa
Proteas secure near-certain qualification for Super Eight stage after tense low-scorer
Bangladesh Falls Short in Thrilling T20I Clash Against South Africa
New York, June 11, 2024
Bangladesh came agonizingly close to securing their first-ever T20I victory over South Africa but fell short by just 4 runs in a low-scoring encounter. Chasing a modest target of 114 runs set by the Proteas, the Bangladeshi team managed 109/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
The Final Over Drama
With 6 runs needed off the last two balls of the match, all eyes were on Bangladesh. Keshav Maharaj, the South African left-arm spinner, bowled two full tosses under pressure. However, the Bangladeshi batsmen couldn't capitalize. Mahmudullah's attempt to clear the long-on boundary was caught by Aiden Markram, and tailender Taskin Ahmed failed to connect with the final delivery—a high and wide full toss.
South Africa's Victory and Points Table
The win secured South Africa's third victory in the group stage, earning them 6 points. They are now almost certain to progress to the Super Eight Stage. Bangladesh, with 2 points, will need to fight it out with other group members for a spot in the next round.
Missed Opportunities for Bangladesh
Despite restricting South Africa to a low total of 113/6, Bangladesh's top-order failure and a lack of big-hitters in the middle order hindered their chase. Pacers Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Taskin Ahmed bowled brilliantly, but the team couldn't maintain the required momentum.
Brief Scores:
- South Africa: 113/6 in 20 overs (Heinrich Klaasen 46; Tanzim Sakib 3/18, Taskin Ahmed 2/19)
- Bangladesh: 109/7 in 20 overs (Towhid Hridoy 37; Keshav Maharaj 3/27)
In a nail-biting finish, South Africa emerged victorious, leaving Bangladesh to reflect on what might have been—a golden opportunity missed.
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