After winning the toss, South Africa’s captain, Aiden Markram, decided to bat first, a decision that quickly proved costly. The Proteas found themselves in dire straits, losing four wickets for just 25 runs within the powerplay.
However, David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen adopted a cautious approach and managed to stabilize the innings with a resilient 79-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Their efforts ended when Shanto’s astute captaincy led to Klaasen’s dismissal.
In the 18th over, Taskin Ahmed dismissed the dangerous Klaasen, prompting Shanto to bring in leg spinner Rishad Hossain, who had been struggling, conceding 28 runs in his three overs without taking a wicket. Hossain bowled the second ball of the penultimate over, a tossed-up leg-break aimed at the leg stump.
Miller attempted a powerful heave, but the ball held up on the surface, causing him to mistime his shot and ultimately lose his wicket as the ball clattered into the stumps.
— Bill Jax (@jax_bill74377) June 10, 2024
Wrist spinners are rarely seen in the slog overs, especially against well-set left-handed batters, as their deliveries typically turn into the batsman, making it easier to score. However, Shanto’s bold decision paid off handsomely for Bangladesh, with Miller’s dismissal earning praise across social media for the captain’s tactical acumen.
