By Deepak Sharma (Indian Correspondent)
E-mail: spacewalker008@gmail.com
Dubai, UAE (12-10-2024): South Africa secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Dubai, propelling them to the top of Group B in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Marizanne Kapp starred with the ball for the Proteas, conceding just 10 runs from her four overs and taking a wicket as Bangladesh were restricted to 106 for 3. In reply, Tazmin Brits (42) and Anneke Bosch (25) laid the groundwork for South Africa’s chase, with Kapp and Chloe Tryon sealing the win with 16 balls to spare.
Bangladesh’s Innings: Bangladesh chose to bat first but got off to a shaky start as Dilara Akter was dismissed for a duck just two balls into the innings, caught behind off Kapp’s bowling.
Shathi Rani and Sobhana Mostary attempted to rebuild the innings, with Rani smashing a six to get things moving. However, her aggressive approach was short-lived as she was dismissed for 19, caught by Bosch.
Sobhana then combined with skipper Nigar Sultana to produce Bangladesh’s best partnership of the tournament, adding 45 runs for the fourth wicket. Sobhana looked poised for a big score but was bowled for 38 by South Africa’s leading wicket-taker, Nonkululeko Mlaba.
Nigar fought until the end, finishing unbeaten on 32, as Bangladesh added 23 runs in the last two overs, setting a modest target of 107 for the Proteas.
South Africa’s Innings: In response, South Africa made a quick start, with early boundaries keeping them ahead of the required rate. Laura Wolvaardt (7) was stumped off Fahima Khatun, giving Bangladesh hope, but a timely boundary from Bosch in the sixth over restored the Proteas’ momentum.
The Tigresses missed a golden opportunity when Brits was dropped on 21, a mistake that not only spared her wicket but also resulted in a boundary.
Brits and Bosch dominated, adding 53 runs for the second wicket before Bosch fell, attempting to finish the game quickly. Fahima Khatun once again claimed a crucial scalp, but it was too late for Bangladesh to turn things around.
Ritu Moni struck to dismiss Brits for 42, but Kapp (10*) and Tryon (10*) comfortably guided South Africa to 107/3, securing victory with 16 balls to spare.
Match Summary:
Bangladesh: 106/3 in 20 overs (Sobhana Mostary 38, Nigar Sultana 32*; Annerie Dercksen 1/7, Marizanne Kapp 1/10)
South Africa: 107/3 in 17.2 overs (Tazmin Brits 42, Anneke Bosch 25; Fahima Khatun 2/19, Ritu Moni 1/22)
Result: South Africa won by seven wickets.