NEW DELHI: Spinner Keshav Maharaj narrowly defended 11 runs in the final over, securing a nail-biting four-run victory for South Africa over Bangladesh in another tense low-scoring match at the T20 World Cup on Monday.
In a seesaw battle, Bangladesh fought valiantly until the end, propelled by gritty innings from Mahmudullah (20) and Towhid Hridoy (37). However, they fell short in the 20th over, chasing a modest 114.
With six needed off the last two balls, Mahmudullah was caught brilliantly by Aiden Markram near the ropes off Keshav Maharaj (3/27), who emerged as South Africa's most successful bowler. Despite Maharaj bowling three full tosses in the final over, Bangladesh couldn't capitalize, ending at 109 for seven.
Anrich Nortje (2/17), Kagiso Rabada (2/19), and Marco Jansen (0/17) provided solid support.
South Africa recovered to post 113 for six after opting to bat on a challenging surface.
Bangladesh struggled in their run chase, losing Tanzid Hasan (9) early after a couple of boundaries, while skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (14 off 23) and Litton Das (9 off 13) failed to capitalize on their starts.
Shakib Al Hasan (3) fell victim to Nortje's pace, lobbing a mishit high in the air.
At 50 for four, Bangladesh found hope in a crucial partnership between Hridoy and Mahmudullah, adding 44 runs for the fifth wicket. However, Hridoy's dismissal in the 18th over, leg-before off Rabada, changed the game's dynamics.
Earlier, pacers Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Taskin Ahmed impressed in favorable conditions, restricting South Africa to a below-par total.
Tanzim (3/18) and Taskin (2/19) dismantled the Proteas top order, with support from Mustafizur (0/18), despite resistance from Heinrich Klaasen (46) and David Miller (29).
Klaasen and Miller attempted to stabilize South Africa's innings with a 79-run partnership for the fifth wicket, but struggled to accelerate on a challenging pitch where the Bangladesh spinners maintained control.
Tanzim's early strikes left South Africa reeling at 23 for four within the first five overs. He dismissed captain Aiden Markram (4) and Tristan Stubbs (0) with simple yet effective tactics.
Klaasen managed a couple of sixes against Bangladesh spinners, while Miller rotated the strike. However, Taskin dismissed Miller late in the innings, ending his 44-ball knock.
Despite their efforts, Klaasen and Miller found scoring difficult on the Nassau County pitch, unable to unleash their attacking instincts.
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