Rapoo spins SA Emerging Women to victory

Leg-spinner Kgomotso Rapoo delivered a match-winning performance, claiming three wickets for just nine runs as the South Africa Emerging Women secured a commanding 36-run victory over Bangladesh Emerging Women at the Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground on Friday. The result levels the T20 series at 1-1 with one match remaining.

Rapoo, who captains the DP World Lions in the Hollywoodbets Pro Series, led the charge with ball in hand to help South Africa dismiss the hosts for 79 all out within 16.2 overs. Earlier, Luyanda Nzuza top-scored with a crucial 30 off 34 balls alongside Verunissa Reddy (25*) and Nicole de Klerk (23), as the visitors posted 115/8 in their 20 overs.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, the visitors had a steady start despite the loss of Faye Tunnicliffe (11). De Klerk and Simoné Lourens (11) guided the side through the powerplay with composure.

At 46/1 in the seventh over, the momentum shifted when Sabikun Jesmin (2/18) struck and a run out followed, resulting in the consecutive dismissals of De Klerk and Lourens.

Delmi Tucker (4) fell soon after but Nzuza and Reddy formed a crucial 37-run partnership, pushing the score to 95/4. However, Bangladesh bounced back through Shorna Akter (3/20), who dismissed Nzuza and Eliz-Mari Marx (0) in quick succession.

Jesmin then struck again to dismiss skipper Leah Jones (1) before another run out accounted for Rapoo (1), leaving the visitors faltering at 100/8 with just over two overs remaining.

Despite the late collapse, Reddy held firm and guided South Africa to a respectable total, finishing on 115/8.

In response, Bangladesh openers Shathi Rani (9) and Rubya Haider (11) began confidently, reaching 22/0 in the fourth over. Zintle Kula (2/15) provided the breakthrough by dismissing Rani, triggering a collapse.

On her 23rd birthday, Rapoo turned the game on its head. She removed Sarmin Sultana (4) and Misty Shaha (4), either side of a run out that saw Haider depart, reducing the home side to 32/4 in the ninth over.

Afia Ashima (17), Farjana Easmin (10), and Shorna Akter (10) attempted to stabilise the innings but their efforts were thwarted by Rapoo, Marx (1/20) and Nzuza. Kula returned to dismiss Sadia Akter (3), leaving Bangladesh tottering at 79/8.

Another run out - the third of the innings - followed by a wicket from Tucker (1/12), sealed the result. South Africa emerged victorious by 36 runs, with 22 balls remaining, setting up an exciting decider.

The series decider is set for Sunday again at the Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground.

Squad

Leah Jones (T20 captain, World Sports Betting Western Province), Kgomotso Rapoo (50-over captain, DP World Lions), Alexandra Candler (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Nicole De Klerk (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Jenna Evans (DP World Lions), Ghandi Jafta (Fidelity Titans), Zintle Kula (Knights), Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Mona-Lisa Legodi (Fidelity Titans), Simone Lourens (Fidelity Titans), Luyanda Nzuza (Knights), Verunissa Reddy (Knights), Nonkululeko Thabethe (DP World Lions), Delmi Tucker (World Sports Betting Western Province) and Faye Tunnicliffe (World Sports Betting Western Province).

Management

Dinesha Davnarain (Head Coach), Marcia Letsoalo (Manager), Claire Terblanche (Batting Coach), Angelique Taai (Bowling Coach), Yolandi van der Westhuizen (Fielding Coach), Dr Dhavina Naidoo-Jewkes (Team Doctor), Stacey-lee Hercules (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Tshepi Letsholo (Physiotherapist) and Adele van Eck (Team Analyst).

Fixtures (all times local)

One-Day Matches

Tuesday 10am

Bangladesh Emerging v South Africa Emerging – BSFLMRCS, Chattogram (SA won by five wickets)

Thursday 10am

Bangladesh Emerging v South Africa Emerging – BSFLMRCS, Chattogram (SA won by two wickets)

Sunday at 10am

Bangladesh Emerging v South Africa Emerging – BSFLMRCS, Chattogram (Bangladesh won by 14 runs)

T20 Matches

Wednesday at 1.30pm

Bangladesh Emerging v South Africa Emerging – Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground, Cox’s Bazar (Bangladesh won by five wickets)

Friday at 1.30pm

Bangladesh Emerging v South Africa Emerging – Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground, Cox’s Bazar (SA won by 36 runs)

Sunday at 1.30pm

Bangladesh Emerging v South Africa Emerging – Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground, Cox’s Bazar