Image Source: Instagram – ICC
[Saba Sports News] Players are under immense pressure to perform in critical moments, especially during a high-stakes tournament like the T20 World Cup. This pressure was palpable during Match 21 of the T20 World Cup 2024 between South Africa and Bangladesh.
After restricting South Africa to 113, Bangladesh aimed to chase the target easily. However, the challenging pitch and high-quality bowling from the Proteas left the match finely balanced with 18 runs needed off the final two overs. Ottneil Baartman bowled an exceptional penultimate over, allowing only five runs and stifling both Mahmudullah and Jaker Ali.
Jaker, struggling with 6 off 7 deliveries, mistimed a pull to deep midwicket and managed a double. Hearing a creak from his bat, he checked for damage and, in frustration, slammed it onto his thigh, breaking it. He signaled for a replacement bat.
With 11 runs needed in the final over, Keshav Maharaj held his nerve, dismissing Jaker and Mahmudullah on the third and fifth deliveries, both caught at long-on by Proteas skipper Aiden Markram. Bangladesh fell short by four runs, making South Africa’s defense of 113 the lowest target successfully defended in T20 World Cup history.