South Africa women cricket team took 1-0 lead in the five-match ODI series with a massive 86-run victory over host Bangladesh women’s cricket team in the first ODI held on Thursday at Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium in Cox’s Bazar.
Chasing a winning target of 252 runs set by South Africa, Bangladesh found the chase stiff in face of tight bowling attacks by the visitors as they were restricted at 165 for 6 from their allotted 50 overs.
Middle order batsman Nigar Sultana was the highest scorer for the host with unbeaten 59 runs off 90 deliveries studded with seven boundaries and one over boundary while skipper Rumana Ahmed scored 37.
D Van Niekerk was the most successful bowler for South Africa as she captured two wickets conceding 23 runs. L Lee of South Africa was named the player of the match for her impressive batting performance in the match.
Earlier, touring South Africa piled up a total of 251 for 3 in their allotted 50 overs after being asked to bat first by Bangladesh. The two Protea openers Lizelle Lee and Andrie Steyn gave a solid start contributing 122-run for the opening stand. Lee smashed 87 runs off 71 balls six fours and seven sixes before she was sent back by Nahida Akter.
After the departure of Lee, another opener Steyn again paired another 79 runs with one down Mignon du Preez for the second wicket stand to take South Africa to a commanding position. Steyn contributed 68 off 123 that featured two boundaries.
Mignon and Marizanne Kapp’s added 37-run unbeaten partnership for the fourth wicket coming of just off 25 balls which helped South Africa to set a massive total for Bangladesh.
Mignon was unbeaten with 62 off 87 balls with five fours while Kapp supported her with a quick fire 20 off 13. Bangladesh’s Salma Khatun bagged two wickets for 30 in 4 overs while Nahida Akter got the other one wicket.
The second ODI between the two sides will be held on Saturday (January 14) at the same venue.
