South Africa and Bangladesh clashed in a thrilling T20 World Cup 2024 match on June 10, at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

South Africa elected to bat first after winning the toss. Tanzim Hasan Sakib struck early, dismantling the South African top order by taking the wickets of Reeza Hendricks (0), Quinton de Kock (18), and Tristan Stubbs (0). Taskin Ahmed further compounded South Africa’s troubles by dismissing Aiden Markram (4), leaving the team reeling at 23/4 within 5 overs.

Heinrich Klaasen (46) and David Miller (29) then steadied the innings with a crucial 79-run partnership for the fifth wicket, helping South Africa reach a total of 113/6 in 20 overs. For Bangladesh, Sakib (3/18) and Taskin (2/19) were the standout bowlers.

In response, South Africa’s bowlers were equally effective, reducing Bangladesh to 50/4 in 10 overs. However, Towhid Hridoy (37) and Mahmudullah (20) mounted a comeback with a 44-run partnership. Despite their efforts, excellent death bowling by Kagiso Rabada and Ottniel Baartman stifled Bangladesh’s chase.

In the final over, Keshav Maharaj successfully defended 11 runs, taking the crucial wickets of Jaker Ali and Mahmudullah to restrict Bangladesh to 109/7. Maharaj finished with figures of 3/27, while Rabada and Nortje claimed two wickets each.

South Africa clinched the match by 4 runs, setting a new record for the lowest total defended in T20 World Cup history, surpassing the previous record held by Sri Lanka (2014) and India (2024), both of whom had defended 119 runs. India had achieved their feat just a day earlier at the same venue against Pakistan.

The cricket community was astounded by South Africa’s performance, with many praising the team on social media for their remarkable defense of such a low total.