The 14th match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 will see South Africa women face Bangladesh women at Visakhapatnam on 13 October. Both teams are looking for crucial points as the tournament moves into its middle phase.
After a disastrous opening loss to England, South Africa have bounced back strongly, winning their last two matches against New Zealand and India. The Proteas showcased exceptional batting and bowling performances, with Nadine de Klerk hitting an unbeaten 84 off 54 balls and Laura Wolvaardt contributing a vital 70 against India. Nonkululeko Mlaba has been the leading wicket-taker with six scalps so far.
Currently fourth on the points table with two wins and a loss, South Africa will be confident of maintaining their winning momentum. Historically, they have dominated Bangladesh, winning nine of their last ten ODI encounters, including a massive 216-run victory in late 2023.
Bangladesh started their campaign with a win over Pakistan but have since struggled, losing consecutive matches against England and New Zealand. Their batting has faltered, exemplified by being bowled out for just 127 while chasing 228 against New Zealand. Sobhana Mostary is their top scorer with 86 runs in the tournament, while Fahima Khatun leads their bowling with five wickets. Sitting sixth on the table with only two points, Bangladesh will need near-perfect performances to challenge South Africa.
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty’s poor form has emerged as a key concern for the Tigresses. A mainstay of the side in recent years, Joty has scored only 27 runs in three innings. She began with a promising 23 off 44 against Pakistan, forming a 62-run partnership with Rubya Haider Jhelik in a seven-wicket win. However, a promotion up the order has misfired, with scores of a two-ball duck against England and four off 28 against New Zealand.
Former captain Rumana Ahmed criticised the reshuffle, saying: “It’s time to plan our top order wisely. Our batting is relatively weak, and success in a World Cup demands a solid order. Sharmin Akhter Supta has been in form at three, Joty is best suited to four, and Pinky remains reliable despite being a slow starter.”
All-rounder Rabeya Khatun defended the skipper but admitted: “When the top order doesn’t score, whatever the lower order does becomes meaningless. Joty remains a confident batter who is trying hard despite the lack of runs.”
The ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium offers a balanced wicket. Pacers can exploit swing and seam early on, while spinners are likely to come into play as the match progresses. Intermittent showers are forecast, which could make batting second a more favourable option.
South Africa enter as clear favourites given their current form and historical dominance over Bangladesh. For the Tigresses, it will be a tough challenge if they are to keep their semi-final hopes alive. The next two matches against South Africa and Australia on 13 and 16 October will be crucial for Bangladesh to stay in contention.
