South Africa held their nerve in a tense chase at Lord’s, edging past Bangladesh by four wickets with four balls to spare to keep their T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive. Chasing a modest target of 118, the Proteas were made to work for every run after Bangladesh’s bowlers repeatedly dragged them back into the contest.
Batting first, Bangladesh struggled to build momentum after also losing an opening wicket off the first delivery of their innings. Marizanne Kapp struck immediately to remove Juairiya Ferdous for 0(1) before Shabnim Ismail dismissed Taj Nehar for 1(12), leaving Bangladesh reeling at 14/2. A steady rebuilding effort followed through Sobhana Mostary, who top-scored with 42(48), and Sharmin Akhter, who contributed 22(29) in a 56-run stand.
Just as Bangladesh looked set for a late flourish, Nonkululeko Mlaba (2/22) broke through, while Nadine de Klerk (1/17) and Kapp ensured the scoring never got away. Captain Nigar Sultana provided the late spark with an unbeaten 32(20) helping Bangladesh reach 117/5. South Africa’s experienced pace duo were outstanding, with Kapp’s 1/9 and Ismail’s 1/15 laying the platform for another disciplined bowling effort.
The chase could hardly have begun in more dramatic fashion. Laura Wolvaardt was dismissed off the very first ball of the innings as Marufa Akter produced the perfect start, trapping the South African captain before the scoreboard had moved. Bangladesh sensed an opportunity, and from there they kept the pressure on throughout. Tazmin Brits made 20(24) before Nahida Akter struck twice, removing both Brits and the well-set Annerie Dercksen, who had anchored the innings with 45(45). South Africa’s middle order was repeatedly tested.
Dane van Niekerk fell for 4(5), Kapp was run out for 16(21) after helping steady the innings, and Nadine de Klerk’s 15(14) kept the equation manageable before she too departed late. With the match finely poised, Chloe Tryon remained calm, finishing unbeaten on 8* alongside Sinalo Jafta, as South Africa crossed the line on 118/6 with four deliveries remaining. Bangladesh’s bowlers gave little away. Alongside Nahida’s double strike, Marufa Akter (1/23), Sanjida Akter Meghla (1/28) and Ritu Moni (1/24) all claimed wickets, while Rabeya Khan was exceptionally economical with 0/17 from her four overs.
The victory keeps South Africa firmly in the hunt for a semi-final place, but it was far from straightforward. Bangladesh pushed one of the tournament contenders all the way, only to fall just short after producing one of their most disciplined performances of the campaign.
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