SA women beat Bangladesh again
ANOTHER dominant performance by the bowlers saw the Momentum Proteas overwhelm Bangladesh on their way to a commanding ninewicket victory in the third Cricket South Africa (CSA) Women’s OneDay International in Kimberley yesterday.
The win takes South Africa to an unassailable three-nil lead with two matches to come in the five-match series.
Skipper Dané van Niekerk won the toss and elected to bowl at the Diamond Oval as they went on to dismiss their opponents for just 71 runs in 36.5 overs.
In her 50th ODI, Ayabonga Khaka – the hero of Sunday’s triumph in Potchefstroom – produced a further stellar display with match figures of three for 16, as she again made early inroads into the visitors’ batting order.
She was well-supported by experienced fast bowler Marizanne Kapp (2/14) as they shared the first four wickets to fall.
The pace-bowling duo picked up two wickets apiece, leaving Bangladesh limping on 6/4 within the opening four overs.
After an abysmal start with the bat, the side from the sub-continent continued to struggle with the South African bowlers.
Wicket-keeper/batter Nigar Sultana was the only one to make an impression, top-scoring with an unbeaten 33 off 97 deliveries as Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for their second consecutive below-100 score in the series.
Masabata Klaas (1/7), Raisibe Ntozakhe (1/10), Chloe Tryon (1/12) and debutant Zintle Mali (1/6) all chipped in with a wicket apiece, rounding off a superb performance that included two fine run-outs.
The Proteas were clinical in their reply as opener Lizelle Lee made light work of the total, scoring an unbeaten 44 from 51 balls to claim Player of the Match and lead the hosts to a convincing victory.
Bangladeshi bowler Nahida Akter took the only wicket of the South African innings, dismissing Andrie Steyn for 12.
Trisha Chetty (15*) partnered with Lee to take their side over the line with more than 35 overs to spare.
The fourth ODI will also be played at the Diamond Oval, starting at 9.45am today.