Before Bangladesh fans faced heartbreak with a narrow four-run defeat to South Africa, they enjoyed watching their pace bowlers shine at the Nassau Country Cricket Stadium in New York.
Despite the gut-wrenching loss, Bangladesh had positives to take, especially from their bowlers. The pace trio of Tanzim Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, and Mustafizur Rahman kept South Africa’s batters in check, limiting them to 113 for four.
Tanzim was the standout, achieving a career-best 3-18. Taskin took 2-19, and while Mustafizur didn’t take any wickets, he gave away just 18 runs in his four overs, including a tight four-run final over.
Collectively, the three pacers conceded just 4.59 runs per over across their 12 overs, with six of those in the Powerplay.
Interestingly, the Bangladesh pacers succeeded by sticking to the basics on a tricky pitch. “We saw all matches have been low-scoring in New York. Tried to stick to the basics and that worked,” Tanzim said.
Both teams’ bowlers aimed for a good length to exploit the pitch’s variable bounce. While South Africa was familiar with the conditions, Bangladesh’s pacers compensated for their lack of height with determination and skill.
In the end, Mahmudullah Riyad had a chance to seal a historic win with six needed off two balls but got caught at the boundary off a full toss.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto praised his bowlers but lamented the loss. “Tanzim really worked hard last couple of games, we needed new-ball wickets and he showed his character. This is a match we should have won, we nearly did but the last couple of overs they bowled well. It can happen in cricket,” Shanto said.
Cricket fans will remember this New York stadium as a place where the game felt like it returned to its old days. Bangladesh fans will remember it as the place where the Tigers almost defeated the Proteas.
#T20WorldCup #BangladeshCricket #CricketNews #TanzimSakib #TaskinAhmed #MustafizurRahman #NarrowDefeat #BowlingMasterclass