Host nation South Africa women replaced New Zealand women from the 2nd Group A spot to advance to the last 4 stages of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023. They had very narrow chances of reaching the Semis after 2 losses against Sri-Lanka and Australia but a 10-wicket victory against Bangladesh has set up a meeting with England on Feb 24.
South Africa led by Sune Luus lost the toss and were asked to bowl first at Newlands Cricket Ground. The home team bowlers’ gave Bangladesh a hard time right from the beginning. Their opening pair was broken in the 2nd over as Murshida Khatun was removed for a Duck.
Her partner Shamima Sultana also departed soon by scoring 11 off 16 balls. Number 3 and Number 4 Sobhana Mostary and Nigar Sultana had a brief partnership in the middle. The latter was Bangladesh’s highest run-scorer with 30 runs while Mostary got out after 27 runs.
ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023 – Group Stage Match
South Africa Vs BangladeshSouth Africa Women’s team won by 10 wickets
Photo credit: ICC T20 World Cup
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— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) February 21, 2023
The Asian’s end to 1st innings was similar to their start. They could not score more than 30 runs in the last 4 overs and as a result, Bangladesh were restricted to 113 runs. Nonkululeko Mlaba, Shabnim ismail took a wicket each while Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka shared 4 wickets between them.
While chasing, South Africa reached to the total comfortably by the end of 17th over. Laura Woolvardt and Tazmin Brits successfully navigated the Proteas’ women to replace New Zealand in the 2nd position at Group A. With the 10-wicket win, South Africa Women’s team have become the first Proteas’ side ever to reach the final 4 of an ICC event at their soil.
