Bangladesh Women beat their South African counterparts in a T20I after 11 years on Sunday, riding on a wonderful bowling display by Shorna Akter to win the first game of a three-match series by 13 runs at Willowmoore Park in Benoni.
It was only the second time that Bangladesh`s women defeated South Africa in the format - the previous occasion having been the very first match between the two teams in 2012.
The Player of the Match title was claimed by Shorna Akter of Bangladesh, whose exceptional bowling performance played a pivotal role in securing the win. Shorna finished with impressive figures of 5/28, leaving the South African batters struggling to build momentum.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh Women set a target of 150 runs for South Africa`s Women. Opener Shamima Sultana provided a solid start with a brisk 24 off 24 balls, laying the foundation for the middle order. Murshida Khatun played a crucial role, remaining unbeaten with a well-crafted 62 off 59 balls, steering her team to a competitive total of 149/2 in their allotted 20 overs.
In response, South Africa Women faced a challenging task chasing down the target. Anneke Bosch stood out with a strong 67 off 49 balls, but Shorna Akter`s brilliant spell, which included dismissing Bosch, restricted the South African side. Tazmin Brits contributed 30 runs, but the required run rate proved too steep.
South Africa Women managed to score 136/8 in their 20 overs, falling short by 13 runs. Shorna Akter`s clinical bowling display earned her five wickets, dismantling the South African batting order.The two last T20Is of the series will be played at Kimberley on December 6th and 8th.
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