Online Report
Bangladesh suffered a heartbreaking three-wicket defeat against South Africa in a thrilling ICC Women’s World Cup encounter at Rajasekhara Reddy Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Monday.
The match went down to the wire, with the Proteas chasing down a target of 233 with three balls to spare.
Defending eight runs in the final over, Bangladesh’s Nahida Akter bowled the decisive over. However, Nadine de Klerk smashed a boundary off the first delivery to ease the pressure.
After a dot ball, she sealed the victory with a six, remaining unbeaten on 37 off 29 balls. The defeat made Bangladesh’s semifinal hopes significantly tougher.
Batting first after winning the toss, Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 232 for 6 in 50 overs. Shorna Akter played a brilliant unbeaten knock, smashing a rapid fifty — the fastest by a Bangladeshi in Women’s ODI history — off just 34 balls. Her explosive finish lifted the Tigers to a strong total after steady contributions from the top order.
Openers Rubaiya Haider Jhellik (25 off 52) and Fargana Hoque Pinky (30 off 76) gave Bangladesh a cautious but solid start, putting up a fifty-run stand — a rare opening partnership milestone for the team in recent matches.
At No. 3, Sharmin Akhter anchored the innings with a fluent half-century, scoring 50 off 74 balls. Captain Nigar Sultana Joty added 32 off 42, sharing a vital 77-run stand with Sharmin.
In the final overs, Shorna Akter took charge, showcasing her power-hitting ability alongside Ritu Moni, who added a quickfire 19 off 8 balls to help Bangladesh cross the 230-mark.
Chasing 233, South Africa stumbled early as Nahida Akter struck in her first over, dismissing Tazmin Brits for a duck. The Proteas lost regular wickets and were reduced to 89 for 5 after 25 overs, with Laura Wolvaardt (31), Anneke Bosch (28) and Annerie Dercksen (2) all departing cheaply.
However, Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon revived the innings with an 85-run stand for the sixth wicket. Kapp made a composed 56, while Tryon added 62, steering South Africa back into the contest.
De Klerk’s late heroics ensured the visitors crossed the finish line with three balls remaining, handing Bangladesh a narrow defeat despite a spirited all-round performance.
With this loss, Bangladesh’s chances of reaching the semifinals have become increasingly difficult but their fighting display once again showcased the team’s growing maturity and potential on the world stage.