Bangladesh women’s national team went off to a disastrous start in their 15-day tour of South Africa as the hosts beat them by nine wickets in the opening Twenty20 of the three-match series at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom yesterday.
The visitors opted to bat first, but never troubled the hosts as there was no intensity of a T20 match. The scoring rate was very slow as Bangladesh managed to post only 72 runs despite losing just four wickets. It was expected the eves would struggle in the bouncy conditions and it was evident in their innings which consisted too many dot balls.
The opening stand between Ayesha Rahman (eight from 22 balls) and Farzana Hoque (14 from 33 balls) provided 21 runs, but it took them 8.1 overs to reach there. Number three Lata Mondal showed some aggression as she struck four boundaries to remain unbeaten on 31 off 39 deliveries while Bangladesh skipper Salma Khatun scored 17 from 24 balls.
The South African women cruised to 76 runs losing just a wicket in 13.3 overs. Khadijatul Kobra claimed the only wicket for the visitors when the scoreboard read 32 in 8.2 overs. However, a blistering knock from the host skipper Mignon du Preez ensured an easy win for South Africa. Mignon slammed four fours and a six in her 19-ball 29 while Trisha Chetty partnered her with an unbeaten 32.