Bangladesh suffered a heartbreaking four-run defeat to South Africa in their second game of the T20 World Cup at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. Chasing a target of 114, Bangladesh needed 11 runs in the last over but managed only six, finishing at 109-7.

South Africa's decision to bowl left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj in the final over paid off as he gave away just six runs and took two crucial wickets. Bangladesh's attempt at aggressive shots instead of smart cricket proved costly.

On a challenging pitch, Bangladesh lost early wickets. Kagiso Rabada dismissed Tanzid Hasan Tamim for 9, and Maharaj claimed Liton Das's wicket. Anrich Nortje, in superb form, dismissed Shakib Al Hasan (3) and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (14), stifling Bangladesh's progress to 50-4 halfway through the innings.

Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudullah Riyad's 44-run partnership provided hope. Hridoy top-scored with 37 off 34 balls before Rabada trapped him leg-before, finishing with 2-19. Despite Mahmudullah's presence, Bangladesh needed 11 runs in the final over. Maharaj's strategy of enticing batters to go for big shots rather than singles worked, leading to the dismissals of Jaker Ali Anik and Mahmudullah.

Maharaj's 3-27 in four overs made him the best bowler for South Africa.

Earlier, Bangladesh's disciplined bowling restricted South Africa to 113-6. Tanzim took early wickets, including Quinton de Kock (18) and Tristan Stubbs (0). Taskin dismissed Aiden Markram (4), leaving South Africa at 23-4.

Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller's 79-run partnership helped South Africa recover, but their plan to attack in the death overs failed. Taskin bowled Klaasen (46), and Rishad dismissed Miller (29). Bangladesh's bowlers curbed Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj's aggression, giving Bangladesh a modest target to chase.

Despite the bowlers' efforts, Bangladesh's batting faltered in the final over, leading to a narrow defeat.