ICC Women’s World Cup: Khaka leads South Africa to victory against determined Bangladesh

The ICC Women’s World Cup has gotten off to a flyer, and the first-time participants in the women’s fifty-over World Cup in Bangladesh showed a strong will, especially for the 70 overs. First, the bowling clicked, and the team built significant pressure, reducing South Africa to three for 69 at one point.

However, two vital innings from Marizanne Kapp, who made 42 off 45, and Chloe Tryon, who made 39 off 40, eased off a bit of pressure from the Proteas as the South African women somehow crawled to 207. But there is no doubt that the Bangladeshi bowlers did a fantastic job as Fariha Trisna claimed three wickets for just 35 runs in her ten overs.

The Bangladeshi openers showed tremendous grit and 69 runs for the first wicket, ticking off almost 20 overs. And with 139 required in the remaining 30 overs, the Bangladeshi indeed stood a chance. However, Ayabonga Khaka opened the floodgates when she knocked over Shamima Sultana, who made 27 in 50 balls.

Then she had Sharmin Akhter knick one-off at the score of 72, and from there on, Bangladesh’s required rate kept inflating. Except for some 20s innings from Rumana, Nigar, and Ritu, the team’s batting fell apart as Khaka took four scalps. Still, it was an admirable performance from the Bangladesh women.