The controversial New York pitch produced another low-scoring encounter. After India defended the target of 120 against Pakistan, South Africa managed to defend 114 against the inconsistent Bangladesh side. As South Africa won the game by just four runs, they broke an all-time T20 World Cup record. This is the lowest target a side has defended in T20 World Cup history.
The previous-best belonged to Sri Lanka when they defended 120 against New Zealand in Chattogram in the 2014 edition of T20 World Cup. It is also the lowest target South Africa have successfully defended in T20Is. Their previous lowest target successfully defended was 116 against Sri Lanka in 2013.
This is South Africa's ninth consecutive win over Bangladesh in the format, the second joint-most against Bangladesh in the format alongside Pakistan.
In addition, South Africa became the first team to win by a margin of one, two, three and four runs in T20 World Cups. No other team has managed to win by a margin of under five runs more than twice.
Markram’s thoughts after South Africa’s thrilling win
Skipper Aiden Markram was ecstatic after a four-run win over Bangladesh.
“You're always pretty nervous in the final over in a game like that. Sometimes you get on the right side, sometimes not, but it's very entertaining. 19.5 could've gone anywhere, could've gone two more metres. Depends on the situation, you want to drag the game. Seamers were bowling well, anything could happen in the last over,” he said in the post-match presentation.
Markram who has struggled for runs in the tournament so far lauded Heinrich Klaasen for his gritty 44-ball 46 which helped South Africa post 113/6 despite losing four wickets in the powerplay overs.
“We're putting Klaasen and Miller under pressure but they've been great. Fantastic for Klaasy to get back in form,” he added.
South Africa in Super 8
With their third win on the trot in New York, South Africa have cemented their place in the Super 8 stage of T20 World Cup 2024. They will now move to Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown for their last group stage clash on June 14 against Nepal.
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