On Monday, South Africa wrote a new chapter in the history of ICC T20 World Cups by successfully defending the lowest total ever recorded. The Proteas defeated Bangladesh by a mere four runs while defending their 113-run target during an intense Group stage match that was played at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.
This record breaking achievement by South Africa surpasses one set just few hours before. India had also defended a target of 120 runs against Pakistan at this same location in Group A’s T20WC match.
Moreover, it is important to note that this was South Africa’s lowest score ever defended in T20 games eclipsing previous best of 116 against Sri Lanka in Colombo back in 2013.
On winning the toss, South Africa opted to bat first. They found themselves into trouble early on slumping to 24/4. Nevertheless, Heinrich Klaasen (46 off 44 balls with two fours and three sixes) and David Miller (29 off 38 balls with one four and one six) salvaged them slightly till they reached113/6 in their allotted overs.
For Bangladesh, Tanzim Hasan Sakib registered outstanding statistics figures of 3/18 whilst Taskin Ahmed provided support with his economy rate being less than or equal to five runs per over.
Bangladesh were struggling at 50/4 after playing for only nine point five overs when Towhid Hridoy (37 off 34 balls comprising two fours and two sixes) put them into contention again. Mahmudullah (20 off 27 balls with two fours) almost won Bangladesh but he was caught by Aiden Markram thus dashing their hopes.
A heart-breaking finish saw Bangladesh end their innings at109/7 within twenty overs and miss their target by four runs only.
Keshav Maharaj became an instant hero for South Africa as he took 3/27. Also, Kagiso Rabada (2/19) and Anrich Nortje (2/17) were instrumental in the team’s success.
With this victory South Africa is top of Group D with three wins out of three matches played which gives them a total of six points. Bangladesh has one win and one loss while on two points.
