The Proteas continued to improve at the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup with a well-judged five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Potchefstroom’s Super Six League.
Set a modest 106 to win, the Proteas were in trouble at 41/4 after 10 overs due to a fascinating run of leg-spin bowling by Rabeya (3/5 off three overs) and a ferocious effort by Bangladesh in the field.
PROTEAS GET GOING
Madison Landsman (37 off 38 balls, three fours and a six) and Karabo Meso (32 not out off 30 balls, four boundaries) combined for a composed 70-run stand off 62 balls, which broke the back of the chase and led the home team to victory.
Proteas
Dilara Akter of Bangladesh watches as Madison Landsman of South Africa plays a shot during the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2023 Super 6 match between Bangladesh and South Africa on January 21, 2023 at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom, South Africa.
Bangladesh’s decision to bat on the same JB Marks Oval surface on which England had scored over 200 runs in the morning was met with more opposition than desired. While their hitters often got off to good starts, they were never able to string partnerships together, with the Akters, Sumaiya, and Shorna scoring 31 runs off 33 balls.
Bangladesh’s progress was sluggish due to the South African attack’s disciplined bowling and diligent fielding, particularly by the lightning-quick Simone Lourens and Jenna Evans in the outfield.
GETTING HOME
Off-spinner Kayla Reyneke of the Proteas, who has a flair for contributing in all facets of the game, was the best bowler with 4/19 off four overs and the valuable wicket of Bangladesh’s explosive opener Afia Prottasha.
Prottasha, who appeared to be battling an ailment, cut a disgruntled figure in a 21-run innings in which she attempted to hit the ball too hard and frequently missed, with Dilara Akter scoring the most runs (23 off 28 deliveries) (one boundary).
Marufa Akter’s opening spell of zero for two in her first two overs and Elandri Janse van Rensburg’s run-out with only four runs on the board made it difficult for South Africa to win the match.
Landsman and Meso entered the scene with a partnership that left everyone perplexed.
In a few words:
Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bat.
Bangladesh 105 for 6 after 20 innings (Sumaiya Akter 23, Afia Prottasha 21, Kayla Reyneke four for 19, Miane Smit one for 20)
South Africa reached 108 for 5 after 18.5 overs (Madison Landsman 37, Karabo Meso 32 not out, Rabeya three for 18, Marufa Akter one for 16)
South Africa triumphed by five wickets with seven balls remaining.
»Proteas maintain composure in World Cup Super-Six victory against Bangladesh«