South Africa secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their final group-stage Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 match. Despite Bangladesh’s valiant efforts, South Africa’s controlled chase ensured they ended the league stage with six points and a net run rate of 1.382. Conversely, Bangladesh finished the tournament with just one win, bowing out after the league stage.
Bangladesh: 106/3 (20 overs) Mostary 38 (39), Nigar 32 (30), Mlaba 1-11, Kapp 1-10
South Africa: 107/3 (18.4 overs) Brits 42 (41), Bosch 25 (28), Fahima 2-19
South Africa women beat Bangladesh women by 7 wickets
Bangladesh’s Struggles in the First Innings
After losing the toss, Bangladesh batted first but could only manage a modest 106 for 3 in their 20 overs. Their innings started poorly when Dilara Akter was dismissed in the very first over, edging behind the wicket to the keeper. Despite the early setback, Shathi Rani and Sobhana Mostary tried to build a partnership, but a disciplined South African bowling attack stifled their efforts.
Rani, in particular, struggled to get going. She faced 30 balls but managed just 19 runs, hitting only a four and a six. Her slow start was a sign of Bangladesh’s difficulties in scoring freely. Mostary and Nigar Sultana, however, found some rhythm in the middle overs, adding 45 for the third wicket. Mostary’s patient 38 off 43 balls and Nigar’s unbeaten 32 from 38 balls helped Bangladesh to a respectable total, but it never looked like a score that would challenge South Africa significantly.
South Africa’s spinners, Nonkululeko Mlaba (1-11) and Marizanne Kapp (1-10), were particularly effective. Mlaba’s wicket of Mostary, who was bowled out after trying to force the pace, was crucial in keeping Bangladesh’s score in check. The final two overs saw Bangladesh scrape together 23 runs to reach 106, but it was a score well within South Africa’s reach.
South Africa’s Methodical Chase
South Africa’s chase began with a solid foundation as Tazmin Brits (42 off 41) came out attacking. She hit three fours in the first two overs, giving South Africa a brisk start. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt also found the boundary early with some clever placement but fell to Fahima Khatun, who deceived her with the flight to have her stumped.
Bangladesh tried to build pressure with disciplined bowling, and despite the efforts of Brits and Anneke Bosch, they struggled to break free. Fahima’s smart bowling had them in a tight grip, and the pressure nearly paid off when she forced Bosch into a false stroke. However, an easy chance was missed at deep midwicket, allowing Brits to continue her innings. At that point, Brits was on a run-a-ball 21, but she managed to regroup and control the chase.
After Bosch’s dismissal, South Africa were 68 for 3 in the 14th over, but there were no real signs of panic. Brits’s dismissal soon after, left South Africa needing 28 runs from the final six overs. Marizanne Kapp (13 off 13) and Chloe Tryon (14 off 13) completed the job with a calm and steady finish, taking South Africa home with 16 balls to spare.
South Africa Clinch Victory, but Eyes on NRR
Though South Africa won the match with relative ease, they will be slightly concerned about their net run rate, which dipped from 1.527 to 1.382 after the win. As they await the results of other teams, particularly England and West Indies, they may find themselves nervously watching the remaining group matches to determine their qualification for the semifinals.
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