Keshav Maharaj’s brilliant performance saw South Africa beat Bangladesh by four runs to record their third win and take the lead in Group D. Watch the Men’s T20 World Cup live on Sky Sports in June
Monday, June 10, 2024 19:40 UK
Spinner Keshav Maharaj bowled two wickets for six runs in the final over as South Africa remained unbeaten in the T20 World Cup on Monday, holding off Bangladesh by four runs.
Bangladesh needed 11 runs off the last six balls and six off the final two balls to win.
Mahmudullah came close to scoring a few feet on that score with just one blow but after bowling a full toss down the ground he was caught by Aiden Markram at long-on.
Taskin Ahmed came out to bat and faced Maharaj’s final delivery, another full toss. Ahmed swung and could only get one run, and Bangladesh finished at 109 for 7, chasing South Africa’s 113 for 6.
In a typically tough batting performance at the Nassau County Stadium, South Africa achieved their target thanks to a combined run of 79 from Heinrich Klaassen (46) and David Miller (29).
Maharaj’s figures of 3-27 from his four overs saw Bangladesh fight back, while Kagiso Rabada (2-19) and Anrich Nortje (2-17) also bowled well.
With their third win, South Africa remain top of Group D and are the favourites to progress to the Super 8.
Bangladesh lost for the first time in two matches and remain in second place.
They said
South African captain Aiden Markram…
“In a match like this, the last over is always quite nerve-wracking. Sometimes you bat it the right way, sometimes you don’t, but it’s a lot of fun.”
“[delivery No] 19.5 could have gone anywhere, maybe even two meters. It depends on the situation, but I want to make the match longer.
“The seamers were bowling well and anything could have happened in the last over. We’re putting Klaassen and Miller under pressure and they’ve been excellent. It’s great to see Klaassen back on form.”
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto…
“It was a match we should have won. We came close but they bowled well in the last few overs. That’s what happens in cricket.”
On leg-spinner Rishad Hossain: “Rishad has been very good and has pitched well in the last two games and in practice.”
“We have struggled against leg-spin for the last 10-15 years and we are hoping to see him do more. Wherever we play, we get a lot of support and we are hoping for the same in West Indies.”
What’s next?
Only one match will be played on Tuesday, June 11, as Pakistan seeks their first win against Canada. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from 3:30 pm.
Sri Lanka will also play Nepal and the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from 12:30am.
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