South Africa looks to improve NRR against Bangladesh

South Africa looks to improve NRR against Bangladesh

Women's ODI World Cup 2025: South Africa Women have won their last two games after a crushing defeat in their opener, where they were bowled out for 69 against England.

Both South Africa and Bangladesh have had very different journeys since their opening matches at the Women’s World Cup 2025.

South Africa had a rough start, getting bowled out for just 69 against England. But they’ve bounced back strongly first by edging past New Zealand in a close game, and then by chasing down a big total against hosts India in a thrilling match. These wins have put them back in the race for a top-four spot.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, began with a confident win over Pakistan. But things haven’t gone well since. They gave England a tough fight but were completely outplayed by New Zealand. Their campaign now hangs in the balance.

South Africa’s turnaround has come thanks to some standout performances. Tazmin Brits played a key role against New Zealand, Nadine de Klerk was brilliant against India, and Chloe Tryon supported well. Captain Laura Wolvaardt has also found her rhythm at the top of the order. South Africa will hope their main batters continue to perform as the tournament heats up.

Their bowling has also been impressive. Nonkululeko Mlaba’s left-arm spin has been especially effective in the middle overs. South Africa’s next matches are against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—the bottom three teams on the points table. But with a negative net run-rate (-0.888), they’ll need big wins to stay in the top-four race.

Bangladesh’s bowlers have done well, with the second-best team average in the tournament (23.26), just behind England. But their batting has been inconsistent. Two players have scored fifties, but the team hasn’t built strong partnerships. To beat South Africa, their top and middle order must step up.

Chloe Tryon had a quiet start to the tournament but made a big impact against India. She took 3 wickets, removing key batters like Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur. Then, with South Africa struggling at 81 for 5 in a chase of 252, she helped guide them to a famous win—all while dealing with a calf injury.

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana has led with energy on the field, but her batting form is a concern. She’s scored just 23, 0, and 4 in her last three games, each ending in soft dismissals. After the loss to New Zealand, she praised her bowlers but pointed out the need for better batting, especially when chasing big totals.

Bangladesh Squad: Rubya Haider, Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana (c & wk), Sobhana Mostary, Sumaiya Akter, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Nishita Akter Nishi

South Africa Squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch/Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Tumi Sekhukhune, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba