South Africa survived a major scare before Nadine de Klerk’s late hitting guided them to a thrilling three-wicket win over Bangladesh in their Women’s ODI World Cup clash on Monday.
With eight runs needed off the final over, De Klerk — dropped earlier by Shorna Akter — smashed a four and a six in three balls to take South Africa home at 235/7 in 49.3 overs, chasing Bangladesh’s 232/6. It was her second successive match-winning finish after a similar act against India at the same venue.
Kapp and Tryon Lead Middle-Order Fightback
After a shaky start at 78/5, South Africa’s seasoned pair Marizanne Kapp (56) and Chloe Tryon (62) rebuilt the innings with a crucial 85-run stand for the sixth wicket. Both played with calm assurance, blunting Bangladesh’s spinners before accelerating in the final phase. Kapp reached her half-century off 67 balls before falling to Nahida Akter, while Tryon’s power game lifted the run rate with four boundaries and two sixes, including 16 runs off a single over from Rabeya Khan.
When Tryon was run out for 62, the game was finely poised — but De Klerk once again proved her composure under pressure, sealing victory in style.
Bangladesh Build Competitive Total
Earlier, Bangladesh recovered from a slow start to post a fighting 232/6 after electing to bat. Sharmin Akhter (50 off 77) anchored the innings, while Shorna Akter (51 off 35)* produced fireworks late on — her half-century being the fastest by a Bangladesh woman in ODIs.
Captain Nigar Sultana Joty (32) and Ritu Moni (19 off 8)* also chipped in as Bangladesh hammered 82 runs in the final 10 overs, turning a sluggish start into a respectable total.
Nonkululeko Mlaba (2-42) was the pick of South Africa’s bowlers, while Kapp and Sekhukhune kept the run flow in check for most of the innings.
Captains React: ‘Nerves Shot, but Glad We Got There’
South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt admitted her side made it harder than they should have.
Nerves are shot — that was a lot closer than we wanted, but glad we got the points. Kappy and Chloe were amazing. There’ve been times we’ve lost such games, so it’s good to see our middle order getting us across the line.
Wolvaardt also praised Bangladesh’s batting, particularly Shorna Akter’s explosive finish. “Frustrating not to get early wickets, but Shorna was amazing at the end. We had to stay patient and hit the stumps consistently.”
Joty Proud Despite Narrow Defeat
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty lauded her young side’s spirit despite falling short.
Really proud of the way we fought till the last ball. The girls are young, emotional, but learning fast. Maybe we were 10-15 runs short, but we gave them a tough fight.
On Shorna’s knock, Joty added: “I’ve been talking about her for a long time. The way she batted showed how we should approach the innings — fearless and positive.”
Brief Scores: Bangladesh 232/6 (Sharmin Akhter 50, Shorna Akter 51, Nigar Sultana Joty 32; Nonkululeko Mlaba 2-42)* lost to South Africa 235/7 (Chloe Tryon 62, Marizanne Kapp 56, Nadine de Klerk 37; Nahida Akter 2-44)* South Africa won by three wickets (with three balls to spare).
