Bangladesh put themselves in a commanding position in their ICC Women’s World Cup clash against South Africa, reducing the visitors to 89-5 after 25 overs at the Rajasekhara Reddy Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Monday.

Early breakthroughs from Bangladesh’s bowlers have kept South Africa on the back foot, giving the home side a comfortable hold on the game heading into the middle overs.

Defending the target of 233 runs, Nahida Akter brought the first breakthrough for Bangladesh as she dismissed Tazmin Brits for a duck off the first ball of her spell and gave Bangladesh an immediate advantage at 3-1.

South Africa lost their captain Laura Wolvaardt early, run out for 31 off 56 balls in the 14.6th over following a miscommunication with Anneke Bosch.

The pressure continued in the very next over as Anneke fell for 28 off 35 balls, caught by Sobhana Mostary off Ritu Moni in the 15.2nd over.

Shortly after, Annerie Dercksen was bowled by Rabeya Khan for just 2, leaving South Africa reeling at 64-4 in the 18.1st over.

Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained their dominance as Sinalo Jafta was bowled by Fahima Khatun for 4 in the 22.1st over, taking the score to 78-5.
Marizanne Kapp remained unbeaten on 15, while Chloe Tryon was not out on 6, guiding South Africa through a difficult middle phase.

Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding have put them firmly in control of the game, leaving South Africa struggling to build partnerships.
With five wickets down and a run rate of just 3.56, the Proteas will need a strong recovery from the middle order to get back into the contest.