Bangladesh won the toss under overcast conditions in Visakhapatnam and elected to bat first against South Africa, as they look to reignite their Women’s World Cup campaign following consecutive defeats to England and New Zealand.
It was a bold decision from captain Nigar Sultana, particularly as Bangladesh’s batting has underwhelmed so far in the tournament. But on a fresh surface expected to aid spin later in the match, Sultana backed her team to post a competitive total that could give the bowlers something to defend.
South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt remained unconcerned about the prospect of chasing under lights, pointing to the likely impact of evening dew which could help the ball come onto the bat more easily. Her team enter the match with confidence following back-to-back victories over New Zealand and India, bouncing back strongly from their opening loss to England.
Reflecting on their three-wicket win over India, Wolvaardt said, “It was an amazing game of cricket. The group was on a big high but we’ve spent the last days coming back down to earth, for a full refocus.”
Both teams made two changes from their previous matches. South Africa have rested Sune Luus due to a hip flexor strain, with Annerie Dercksen slotting into the middle order. Masabata Klaas also returns to the side, replacing Ayabonga Khaka.
For Bangladesh, Fargana Hoque and Ritu Moni come in, with Nishita Akter and Sumaiya Akter making way.
Teams
Bangladesh: Rubya Haider, Fargana Hoque, Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana (capt & wk), Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Ritu Moni
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Tumi Sekhukhune, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba
