South Africa ended Bangladesh's hopes of making a maiden Women's T20 World Cup semifinal as the Proteas won the Group B match between the two teams by seven wickets on Saturday. (Scorecard | More Cricket News)
BAN-W Vs RSA-W, Women's T20 WC: South Africa Win By 7 Wickets To End Bangladesh's SF Chances
The match is a must-win game for Bangladesh. A loss for Bangladesh would put a full stop to their campaign while a defeat for South Africa would mean their fortunes will be now in other teams' hands
Bangladesh had won the toss and opted to bat first against South Africa in at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
These were the Playing 11s of both the sides.
Bangladesh Women Playing XI: Dilara Akter, Shathi Rani, Sobhana Mostary, Nigar Sultana (wk/c), Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Nahida Akter, Marufa Akter
South Africa Women Playing XI: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka
Bangladesh's innings never took off and eventually they managed just 106 runs despite losing only three wickets. Sobhana Mostary scored 38 off 43 balls while skipper Nigar Sultana made 32 off 38 balls. However, the score was just too small in front of a strong South African batting line up.
Despite losing captain Laura Wolvaardt early, South Africa kept the run flow steady to reach the 107-run target with seven wickets in hand and 16 balls still remaining in the contest. Opener Tazmin Brits scored a 41-ball 42 to lay the foundation of the win and thus was given the Player Of The Match award.
The win helped South Africa get to the top position in Group B while Bangladesh were eliminated. England and West Indies, alongside South Africa, remain in contention to get the two semifinal spots from the pool. All three teams can currently make it or may fail to advance.