It was a ‘so close yet so far’ case as Bangladesh failed to chase down a total that was achievable on any kind of wicket on any day.
After restricting South Africa to 113-6, Bangladesh appeared to seal the deal with ease by reaching 94-4 in 17 overs. With in-form Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudullah at the crease, Bangladesh had already dreamt of making a Super 8 berth for the first time after the inaugural edition in 2007.
However, South Africa came up with a high-risk strategy that paid off eventually. The rot began with the dismissal of Hridoy when he was trapped leg-before by Kagiso Rabada and then Ottneil Baartman and Keshav Maharaj bowled two decisive overs, executing a high-risk strategy perfectly to snatch the game away from Bangladesh, reports BSS.
“This is the match we should have won, we nearly did but in the last couple of overs, they bowled well. It can happen in cricket,” Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said.
Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka in the first match by two wickets in a nail-biting finish. And in another nail-biting game, they however were outsmarted particularly by Keshav Maharaj who defended 11 runs in the last over.
Nevertheless, Shanto praised the effort of his teammates.
“Everyone was nervous but were confident when Jaker was there. It didn't happen but that's okay,” he said.
“Tanzid really worked hard in the last couple of games, we needed new-ball wickets and he showed his character. Rishad is very good, he's bowled well in the last two games and in practice.”
South Africa now won their three matches in a row and confirmed the Super 8 berth as the first team of the tournament.
“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,” South Africa captain Aiden Markram said.
“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. We're putting Klaasen and Miller under pressure but they've been great. Fantastic for Klaasen to get back in form.”
