South Africa clinched a narrow 4-run victory over Bangladesh in a low-scoring match at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York, on Monday. Opting to bat first, South Africa managed only 113/6 in 20 overs. However, the Proteas successfully defended that, thanks to Aiden Markram and his team’s bowling. For a record, this is the lowest total ever defended in T20 World Cups and South Africa’s lowest in T20Is.
South Africa’s top-order batsmen stumbled once again. Quinton de Kock (18), Reeza Hendricks (0), Aiden Markram (4), and Tristan Stubbs (0) faltered, leaving them at 23/4. Heinrich Klaasen (46) and David Miller (29) then mounted a recovery, adding 79 runs for the fifth wicket. However, both fell in the death overs, and South Africa ended at 113/6 in 20 overs.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib (3/18) shone with the ball for Bangladesh, with Taskin Ahmed being economical and taking two wickets. Rishad Hossain chipped in with one.
The chase on New York’s tricky surface was challenging. South African bowlers capitalized on the conditions, and Bangladesh’s top order faltered similarly. Tanzid Hasan (9), Najmul Hossain Shanto (14), Litton Das (9), and Shakib Al Hasan (3) fell cheaply.
Towhid Hridoy (37) and Mahmudullah (20) then steadied Bangladesh. Needing just 20 runs from the last three overs with six wickets in hand, Bangladesh faltered. They lost crucial wickets and couldn’t find the boundaries, falling short by 4 runs.
Keshav Maharaj used his experience to secure the win for South Africa, taking 3/27. Kagiso Rabada (2/19) and Anrich Nortje (2/17) were also instrumental, triggering Bangladesh’s top-order collapse.
Key Moments of the Match
Tanzim-Taskin Topple the Top Order
Quinton de Kock launched Tanzim Hasan Sakib for a six over square leg on the second ball, followed by a boundary on the third. Reeza Hendricks was then trapped for a golden duck on the final ball. Tanzim continued to dominate, removing de Kock and Stubbs in quick succession, claiming three wickets in three overs. Taskin Ahmed dismissed Markram, leaving South Africa at 23/4 by the fifth over.
Klaasen’s Crucial Wicket
Amid early setbacks, Klaasen adapted quickly, rotating the strike and capitalizing on loose deliveries. He reached the 40s with calculated risks, hitting two fours and three sixes. However, Taskin Ahmed dismissed him in the 18th over, a breakthrough that prevented South Africa from adding at least 20 more runs 
South Africa’s Bowling Fightback
Defending 113, South Africa needed regular wickets. The bowlers delivered, removing four Bangladeshi batsmen for 50 runs by the 10th over, keeping South Africa in the contest.
Hridoy’s Untimely Fall
At 94/4 after 17 overs, Bangladesh needed 20 runs from 18 balls. KG Rabada bowled a stellar over, trapping Hridoy and conceding only two runs, swinging momentum back to South Africa.
Maharaj’s Final Over Composure
With 11 runs needed off the final over, Markram handed the ball to Keshav Maharaj. Despite it being his first 20th over in T20Is, Maharaj remained composed, taking two wickets and conceding just six runs, sealing the win.
Bangladesh remains winless against South Africa in T20Is after nine matches. Positioned second in Group D with 2 points, they face the Netherlands on June 13 at Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent, aiming to keep their Super Eight hopes alive after both teams lost to South Africa.
South Africa, on a three-match winning streak, will play Nepal in their last league stage fixture at the same venue on June 14.
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