Bangladesh once again witnessed their hopes sink on the shore. The Bangladesh women’s cricket team failed to turn their dream into reality, losing to South Africa by three wickets in a thrilling Women’s Cricket World Cup match.
Batting first, the Tigresses set a competitive target of 233 runs. Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khatun bowled impressively, but Bangladesh’s final defense couldn’t hold as the Proteas mounted a stunning comeback.
South Africa, who were in deep trouble at 78 for 5, eventually chased down the target, finishing on 235 for 7 in 49.3 overs. Bangladesh’s missed catches at crucial moments proved costly once again.
Earlier, Bangladesh had also failed to capitalize on England’s shaky start in their previous match. This time, despite being in control against South Africa, the outcome was heartbreakingly similar.
Chasing 233, South Africa’s opener Tazmin Brits fell for a duck in the second over. Captain Laura Wolvaardt (31 off 56) and Anneke Bosch (28 off 35) steadied the innings with a 55-run stand, but quick dismissals left the Proteas reeling. At one stage, they were 78 for 5 and on the brink of collapse.
However, Chloe Tryon (62 off 69) and Cup (56 off 71) anchored the innings with an 85-run partnership that turned the tide in South Africa’s favor. Their composed batting not only revived the chase but also piled pressure back on Bangladesh.
Tryon hit six fours and a six before falling while attempting a quick single. Later, Nadine de Klerk and Masabata Klaas guided South Africa to victory in the final over.
Despite the defeat, there were bright moments for Bangladesh. Shorna Akter made history by scoring the fastest fifty in Bangladesh women’s ODI history, reaching her half-century in just 34 balls—breaking captain Nigar Sultana’s previous record of 39 balls.
Thanks to solid contributions from the top order, Bangladesh posted 232 for 6. Sharmin Akhter scored her ninth ODI fifty, while Fargana Hoque made 30 runs. Shorna remained unbeaten on 51 off 35 balls, hitting three sixes and three fours—both records for Bangladesh in Women’s ODIs.
Despite another valiant effort, the Tigresses fell short once more, leaving fans waiting for their long-desired breakthrough on the world stage.
Translated by AM
