South Africa Edge Bangladesh in Thriller, Win by 3 Wickets

South Africa Edge Bangladesh in Thriller, Win by 3 Wickets

Women's ODI World Cup- South Africa Vs Bangladesh: A gritty half-century from Marizanne Kapp (56 off 71) and a match-winning partnership between Chloe Tryon (62) and Nadine de Klerk (37) guided South Africa to a tense three-wicket victory over Bangladesh after a tough chase of 233.

It was a close and entertaining contest where both teams displayed strong performances with the bat and ball. Bangladesh, after winning the toss, chose to bat and posted a competitive 232/6 in their 50 overs, thanks to Shorna Akter’s brilliant 51 off 35* and a steady half-century from Sharmin Akhter (50 off 77).

In reply, South Africa were pushed to the edge several times but managed to hold their nerve in the final overs. A composed finish from Nadine de Klerk and Masabata Klaas sealed the win with just three wickets in hand and three balls to spare.

Bangladesh Innings:

After opting to bat first, Bangladesh’s innings got off to a slow yet stable start. Fargana Hoque (30 off 76) and Rubya Haider (25 off 52) laid a cautious foundation before Sharmin Akhter anchored the middle overs with a well-made 50 from 77 balls, hitting six boundaries.

Captain Nigar Sultana (32 off 42) provided valuable support, building a strong stand that carried Bangladesh past 150. The real acceleration came in the death overs, led by Shorna Akter, who played a fiery unbeaten knock of 51 off just 35 balls, smashing 3 fours and 3 sixes to lift Bangladesh to 232/6.

Ritu Moni (19 off 8) also added late fireworks as Bangladesh ended with a fighting total.

For South Africa, Nonkululeko Mlaba (2/42) and Chloe Tryon (1/41) were the key wicket-takers, while Nadine de Klerk bowled with control, conceding only 39 runs in her 9 overs.

South Africa Innings:

Chasing 233, South Africa had an early setback as Tazmin Brits fell for a duck. Laura Wolvaardt (31 off 56) and Anne Bosch (28 off 35) tried to rebuild, but both were dismissed just when they looked set.

The experienced Marizanne Kapp steadied the innings with a composed 56 off 71 balls, striking 4 boundaries and a six. Her crucial partnership with Chloe Tryon (62 off 69) brought South Africa back into the contest after a shaky start at 78/5.

Tryon batted aggressively, hitting 6 fours and a six, keeping the required run rate in check. After her dismissal, Nadine de Klerk (37 off 29) finished things off in style, playing with maturity and precision alongside Masabata Klaas (10 off 13).

South Africa reached the target in 49.3 overs, clinching victory by 3 wickets.

Brief Scores:

Bangladesh Women: 232/6 (Sharmin Akhter 50, Shorna Akter 51*, Nigar Sultana 32; Nonkululeko Mlaba 2/42, Chloe Tryon 1/41, Nadine de Klerk 1/39)

South Africa Women: 235/7 in 49.3 overs (Marizanne Kapp 56, Chloe Tryon 62, Nadine de Klerk 37; Nahida Akter 2/44, Ritu Moni 1/29, Rabeya Khan 1/48