South Africa 118 for 6 (Dercksen 45, Nahida 2-24) beat Bangladesh 117 for 5 (Sobhana 42, Sultana 32, Mlaba 2-22) by four wickets
South Africa secured their place in the semi-final race with a tense four-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first international match at Lord’s. Opting to bat under overcast conditions, Bangladesh recovered from an early slump to post 117 for 5, thanks to a resilient 56-run partnership between Sharmin Akter and Sobhana Mostary, plus Nigar Sultana’s explosive 32 off 20 balls. However, South Africa’s pursuit was far from straightforward, as they stumbled to 14 for 2 early before reeling off the required runs with just four balls to spare.Despite the modest target, South Africa’s chase was riddled with pressure and setbacks. Laura Wolvaardt’s dismissal on the first ball of their innings left them reeling, and Bangladesh’s sharp fielding kept the game alive until the final overs. Annerie Dercksen’s gritty 45 and a crucial 57-run stand with Tazmin Brits provided stability, though wickets fell at regular intervals to ensure a nail-biting finish.
The result leaves South Africa in a precarious position, dependent on the outcome of Australia’s clash with India later in the day. A win for Australia would see South Africa advance, while an Indian victory would edge them ahead.
Kapp and Ismail Lead Bowling Charge
Marizanne Kapp set the tone with an early wicket, removing Juairiya Ferdous with a full delivery that clipped the off stump. Her economical spell of 1 for 9 from four overs was supported by Shabnim Ismail, who delivered a maiden over and later dismissed Taj Nehar with a well-judged lbw appeal. Kapp’s disciplined bowling and Ismail’s precision kept Bangladesh in check during the powerplay.
Nigar Sultana scored 32 not out off 20 balls•ICC/Getty Images
Bangladesh’s Resilient Partnership
After slipping to 23 for 2 in the powerplay, Sharmin Akter and Sobhana Mostary steadied the innings with a 56-run stand off 62 balls. Despite Nonkululeko Mlaba’s breakthrough in the 15th over, Mostary’s 42 off 48 deliveries and Sultana’s late surge kept Bangladesh’s total competitive. Sultana’s unbeaten 32 showcased her ability to accelerate, though it proved insufficient to prevent South Africa’s eventual comeback.
Marufa Akter cleaned up Laura Wolvaardt with the first ball of the chase•PA Photos/Getty Images
South Africa’s Gritty Chase
Annerie Dercksen anchored South Africa’s innings with a composed 45, including a six over cow corner against Sanjida Akter Meghla. Despite the loss of key batters like Tazmin Brits and Dane van Niekerk, Dercksen’s resilience and late contributions from Marizanne Kapp ensured South Africa crossed the line. The win highlighted their ability to navigate high-pressure scenarios, though questions remain about their batting depth ahead of the critical Australia-India fixture.