T20 World Cup 2024 – SA vs BAN : In a breathtaking display of resilience and strategic brilliance, South Africa etched their name into the T20 World Cup history books by defending the lowest ever total against Bangladesh in a thrilling Group D encounter. This remarkable feat was accomplished on a challenging pitch at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, where South Africa defended a meager score of 113, eclipsing the previous joint record of 119 runs held by Sri Lanka and India.
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South Africa’s victory over Bangladesh not only secured their third win in the tournament but also marked a monumental moment in T20 World Cup history. The Proteas ability to defend 113 runs, winning by a narrow margin of four runs, surpassed the previous record where Sri Lanka defended 119 runs against New Zealand in 2014, and India did the same against Pakistan just days before South Africa’s game.
Lowest Totals Successfully Defended in T20 World Cup History
- South Africa (113/6) vs Bangladesh (109/7) – New York, 2024
- Sri Lanka (119/9) vs New Zealand (60 all out) – Chattogram, 2014
- India (119/9) vs Pakistan (113/7) – New York, 2024
- Afghanistan (123/7) vs West Indies (117/8) – Nagpur, 2016
- New Zealand (126/7) vs India (79 all out) – Nagpur, 2016
The Thrilling Encounter
On a pitch known for its unpredictable bounce and challenging conditions, South Africa elected to bat first. The Proteas struggled initially against a disciplined Bangladeshi bowling attack led by Tanzim Hasan Sakib (3/18) and Taskin Ahmed (2/19). Despite early setbacks and being reduced to 23 for 4 within the first five overs, Heinrich Klaasen (46 off 44 balls) and David Miller (29 off 44 balls) mounted a recovery. Their partnership of 79 runs for the fifth wicket helped South Africa post a modest total of 113 for six.
Bangladesh’s Fightback
Chasing 114, Bangladesh faced a stern challenge from the South African bowlers. Anrich Nortje (2/17), Kagiso Rabada (2/19), and Keshav Maharaj (3/27) were instrumental in keeping the pressure on the Bangladeshi batsmen. Bangladesh’s innings saw a mix of steady partnerships and crucial breakthroughs for South Africa. Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das perished early, putting Bangladesh on the back foot. However, Towhid Hridoy (37) and Mahmudullah (20) formed a critical 44 run partnership that brought Bangladesh close to the target.
With six runs needed off the last two balls, the tension was palpable. Maharaj, showing nerves of steel, bowled three full tosses in the final over, which the Bangladeshi batsmen failed to capitalize on. Aiden Markram’s crucial catch off Mahmudullah near the boundary sealed the match in South Africa’s favor, as Bangladesh finished at 109 for seven, falling just short of the target.
With this victory, South Africa leads Group D with six points from three matches, maintaining an unbeaten record. Bangladesh, with one win and one loss, stands in second place, but this narrow defeat underscores their competitiveness in the tournament.
South Africa’s record breaking defense of 113 runs will be remembered as one of the most thrilling and strategically masterful matches in T20 World Cup history. It not only highlights the unpredictability of cricket but also the sheer determination and tactical acumen required to triumph in the face of adversity. As the tournament progresses, South Africa’s confidence will be buoyed by this historic win, while Bangladesh will look to bounce back and keep their hopes alive.
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