Following a convincing 5-0 whitewash in the ODI series, Bangladesh put in a much improved performance but still conceded defeat in the first of three T20Is against South Africa at Diamond Oval in Kimberley Thursday.
Batting first, the home side posted 127 runs for the loss of six wickets in their stipulated 20 overs, opener Lizelle Lee top-scoring for her side with a 38-ball 46, featuring half a dozen fours and a six.
Fellow opener Laura Wolvaardt chipped in with a 22-ball 30 as the South Africans added 77 for the opening wicket stand.
The visiting side however, scripted a brilliant comeback to restrict the home side to a below-par total.
Bangladesh’s Khadija-tul Kubra bagged three wickets while Rumana Ahmed picked up two.
In reply, Bangladesh were off to a bad start, losing their openers Sanjida Islam (eight) and Shamima Sultana (five) cheaply.
However, a fine 72-run stand for the third wicket between Rumana and No 4 batter Fargana Hoque briefly raised hope of a win for the tourist.
With that said, following Rumana (36) and Fargana’s (35) departure, the visiting side lost their way, eventually registering 110 for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail took three wickets and was later adjudged player of the match.
The two teams will lock horns with each other in the second and penultimate T20I Saturday at 6:15pm, Bangladesh standard time, in Bloemfontein.
1ST T20I
BANGLADESH 110/5 (Rumana 36, Ismail 3/19) lost to SOUTH AFRICA 127/6 (Lee 46, Kubra 3/23) by 17 runs
SATURDAY'S MATCH
South Africa v Bangladesh, 2nd T20I
The game will be held in Bloemfontein
