South Africa, fresh from the morale-boosting win against India, will look to build on the momentum when it takes on a persistent Bangladesh in a league-stage clash of the women’s World Cup at the ACA-VDCA Stadium here on Monday.
The Proteas, who were humiliated by a 10-wicket thrashing by England in their opening match, have bounced back in sublime fashion, with a dominant win against New Zealand followed by a nail-biter triumph against India on Thursday.
While Richa Ghosh made a mockery of the versatile Protean bowling order, the side still managed to strike when it mattered. Their own batting muscle make them automatic favourites against Bangladesh, a side that’s not managed to roar as loudly with the bat as it has with the ball.
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Unlike the batters, Bangladesh’s bowlers have done well so far. Marufa Akter has made inroads with the new ball, while left-arm spinner Nahida Akter and the leg-spin duo of Fahima Khatun and Rabeya Khan have largely kept a tight leash on the opposition.
That said, Marufa’s lack of endurance to sustain the bite she manages early is a concern and something South Africa will be eager to exploit. Its famed top order – Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp – will hope to have a good game, with their inconsistencies often landing the side in a pickle.
It remains to be seen whether seaming allrounder Annerie Dercksen finally gets a game in this campaign.
Bangladesh will want to see better returns from Nigar Sultana Joty, who has had a rather quiet run so far in the showpiece. Performances from Shorna Akter, Rubya Haider and Sobhana Mostary have been encouraging. Partnerships are the need of the hour for the side, against a lethal Protean attack led by Kapp and Nonkululeko Mlaba.
Published on Oct 12, 2025
