South Africa vs Bangladesh: T20 Cricket World Cup 2024
Renowned for their misfortune in ICC tournaments, South Africa has finally managed to change their narrative. Last week, they found themselves in a precarious position at 12/4, chasing 104 against the Netherlands. Today was no different. Choosing to bat first, they lost their top four batsmen within the first five overs but still managed to secure a remarkable victory.
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South Africa’s Struggle and Comeback
South Africa’s innings started poorly, losing their top four batsmen early. However, they displayed resilience and determination, turning a dire situation into a triumph. Their lower-order batsmen stepped up, ensuring they reached a defendable total.
Bangladesh’s Fightback
Similarly, Bangladesh also lost their top four batsmen cheaply and needed a solid partnership to stabilize their innings. Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudullah formed a crucial fifth-wicket partnership, adding 44 runs to bring Bangladesh close to the victory line. They needed just 20 runs off 18 balls with six wickets in hand, seemingly in a comfortable position to win.
Rabada’s Game-Changing Over
The 18th over by Rabada turned the game around completely. He managed to dismiss the dangerous Hridoy and conceded only 2 runs in that over. With limited pace options, Markram entrusted Maharaj to bowl the final over. Despite bowling three full tosses, Maharaj’s luck held, and South Africa managed to clinch a thrilling victory, maintaining a perfect record of 3/3 in the tournament.
Historical Context
This victory was significant for South Africa, as they defended one of the lowest totals in T20 Internationals. Here are some of the lowest targets successfully defended by South Africa in T20I:
- 114 vs Bangladesh, New York 2024
- 116 vs Sri Lanka, Colombo RPS 2013
- 121 vs West Indies, North Sound 2010
- 129 vs New Zealand, Lord’s 2009
Lowest Targets Defended in T20 World Cups
This match also marked one of the lowest targets defended in T20 World Cup history:
- 114 by South Africa vs Bangladesh, New York 2024
- 120 by Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, Chattogram 2014
- 120 by India vs Pakistan, New York 2024
- 124 by Afghanistan vs West Indies, Nagpur 2016
- 127 by New Zealand vs India, Nagpur 2016
South Africa’s victory against Bangladesh stands out as a remarkable example of their determination and strategic prowess in defending low totals.