London: Bangladesh overcame a shaky start to post 117/5 in their allotted 20 overs against the South Africa women’s national cricket team in the penultimate group-stage match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday.
After opting to bat first, Bangladesh found themselves in trouble almost immediately as South Africa’s pace attack made full use of the conditions on offer. However, a crucial partnership between Sobhana Mostary and Sharmin Akhter, followed by a late flourish from captain Nigar Sultana, enabled the side to recover and post a competitive total.
South Africa’s experienced seamers dominated the opening exchanges on a surface offering movement. Marizanne Kapp made an immediate impact by dismissing Juairiya Ferdous with the very first delivery of the innings, leaving Bangladesh reeling.
Kapp continued to trouble the batters with consistent swing, while Shabnim Ismail maintained relentless pressure with pace and accuracy. Bangladesh struggled to score freely during the powerplay and suffered another setback when Taj Nehar was trapped leg-before by Ismail after a successful review.
At 14/2 after four overs, Bangladesh were under considerable pressure, with scoring opportunities proving difficult against disciplined bowling.
Sobhana Mostary then began rebuilding the innings with a composed knock. Initially cautious, she gradually settled into her innings and started rotating the strike effectively. Sharmin Akhter provided valuable support at the other end as the pair put together a crucial 55-run stand for the third wicket.
The introduction of spin allowed Bangladesh to score more freely. Mostary used the sweep shot effectively against Nonkululeko Mlaba and capitalised on loose deliveries from Chloe Tryon. Sharmin also contributed with timely boundaries and smart placement around the field.
Mostary registered the innings’ first six when she pulled Nadine de Klerk over deep square leg, signalling Bangladesh’s intent to push the scoring rate higher.
South Africa eventually broke the partnership when Mlaba dismissed Sharmin for 22, deceiving her in flight and bowling her to halt Bangladesh’s progress.
Mostary, who had anchored the innings with 42 off 48 deliveries, departed soon after. She miscued a slower delivery from de Klerk and was caught in the deep, leaving Bangladesh at 81/4.
With only a few overs remaining, captain Nigar Sultana took charge of the innings. After settling in, she accelerated in the closing stages, striking boundaries off Ayabonga Khaka and launching a powerful slog sweep for six.
Although Mlaba dismissed Shorna Akter in the penultimate over, Nigar continued to attack and finished unbeaten on 32 from just 20 deliveries. Her late assault, including consecutive boundaries in the final over, helped Bangladesh collect 22 runs in the last two overs.
For South Africa, Kapp impressed with figures of 1/9 from four overs, while Ismail returned 1/15. Mlaba claimed 2/22, and de Klerk also picked up an important wicket.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh 117/5 in 20 overs (Sobhana Mostary 42, Nigar Sultana 32*; Nonkululeko Mlaba 2/22, Marizanne Kapp 1/9) against South Africa.
