Proteas Women hold their nerve to take down Bangladesh

South Africa survived a spirited challenge from Bangladesh to register a four-wicket win in their final Group A clash and stay in contention for a semi-final spot.

Defending a modest 118, Bangladesh made life difficult for their opponents as they kept punching back with wickets. The 2024 finalists, however, held their nerve to get over the finish line with four balls to spare.

While the defeat ended Bangladesh's hopes of progressing, South Africa's fate will be decided by the final group stage clash that pits India against Australia.

Bangladesh's decision to bat first seemed to backfire as they struggled against the new ball.

Marizanne Kapp set the tone for South Africa, striking with the wicket of Juairiya Ferdous on the very first delivery of the innings. Kapp and fellow pacer Shabnim Ismail, who trapped Taj Nehar leg before wicket, did not let Bangladesh batters settle and held them to 23/2 in powerplay.

A 56‑run partnership between Sobhana Mostary and Sharmin Akhter provided some stability, but the runs continued to come in a trickle. At 73/3 after 15 overs, the responsibility fell on Mostary and captain Nigar Sultana to provide some impetus.

Mostary top‑scored with 42, Akhter contributed 22 and Sultana's quickfire 32 saw Bangladesh garner 22 runs in the last two overs. However, the rest of the batters came up well short in the crucial game.

South Africa’s bowlers, however, continued to maintain pressure. Nonkululeko Mlaba claimed two wickets, while the rest of the attack chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. Player of the Match Kapp finished at 1/9 in four overs, to register the most economical bowling figures of the tournament.

In response, South Africa were sent on the back foot straight away as Marufa Akter struck on the first ball of the innings with the big wicket of Laura Wolvaardt. Akter got the ball to nip back in and knock the top of the stumps.

The Bangladesh pacer used the overcast conditions well to keep South Africa in check early on.

After the early setback, South Africa steadied through a 52-run partnership between Tazmin Brits and Annerie Dercksen. They took the early sting out of the Bangladesh attack and brought the Proteas back on track.

But the Asian side, also hanging on to slim hopes of qualifying for the semi-final, kept fighting back with wickets. Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter broke the partnership as she had Brits caught in the deep while Sanjida Akter Meghla trapped Dane van Niekerk leg before wicket.

Dercksen held one end up and built another 28-run partnership with the experienced Kapp. But once Nahida dismissed Dercksen on 45, South Africa's vulnerable batting line-up was left exposed again.

They also lost Kapp to a needless run out and Nadine de Klerk in pursuit as Bangladesh started circling with greater purpose. With the match going down to the final over, Chloe Tryon steered South Africa across the finish line with four balls to spare.

It was another clinical show by Bangladesh, as none of their bowlers went over seven runs an over. Nahida was the pick of the lot with 2/24 from her four overs.

Proteas’ ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad

Laura Wolvaardt (captain, Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers), Shabnim Ismail (DP World Lions), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kayla Reyneke (World Sports Betting Western Province), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions) and Dané van Niekerk (World Sports Betting Western Province).

Proteas Fixtures and Results - ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 (All times SAST)

Saturday, 13 June at 3.30pm - Old Trafford, Manchester

South Africa v Australia (Aus won by 65 runs)

Wednesday, 17 June at 7.30pm - Edgbaston, Birmingham

South Africa v Pakistan (SA won by two wickets)

Sunday, 21 June at 3.30pm - Old Trafford, Manchester

South Africa v India (SA won by six wickets)

Thursday, 25 June at 7.30pm - Bristol County Ground, Bristol

South Africa v Netherlands (SA won by 88 runs)

Sunday, 28 June at 11.30am - Lord’s, London

South Africa v Bangladesh (SA won by four wickets)