Tunnicliffe leads SA Emerging Women to victory over Bangladesh

Faye Tunnicliffe was the star of the show as the SA Emerging Women began their tour to Bangladesh with a five-wicket win in the opening 50-over match against the home side on Tuesday in Chittagong.

Tunnicliffe showcased a mature and composed performance, remaining unbeaten on 89 from 118 balls, including eight boundaries. She was supported well by all-rounder Eliz-Mari Marx, who contributed an assured 50* from 71 deliveries (4x4), as the visitors successfully chased down Bangladesh Emerging Women’s total of 179 all out.

Sumaiya Akter was the pick of the batters for Bangladesh, dispatching six fours on her way to 52 off 73 balls.

Having won the toss and opting to bowl first, South Africa made early inroads as Sathi Rani Bormon (4) became Delmi Tucker’s (3/32) first wicket of the match, reducing the hosts to 18/1 in the sixth over.

Bangladesh then steadied the innings with a 44-run partnership between Ishma Tanjim (29) and captain Sarmin Sultana (34), guiding them past the PowerPlay. However, the stand was broken when Leah Jones (1/30) struck to remove Tanjim with the scoreboard on 62/2.

Coming in at No 4, Sumaiya Akter partnered with Sultana, Taj Nehar (8), and Shorna Akter (11) to push Bangladesh towards the 150-run mark. Akter reached her half-century before the middle order fell to the combined efforts of Zintle Kula (1/20), Ghandi Jafta (2/12) and Tucker.

At 152/6 after 38 overs, with South Africa dominating in the field, Bangladesh could only add 27 more runs as Alexandra Candler (1/2), Kula and Tucker shared the final four wickets.

In their chase, the SA Emerging Women experienced a stuttering start as Fariha Trishna removed two of the visitors’ top three batters to see South Africa reeling on 11/2 in the fourth over.

Bangladesh didn’t have to wait long for their third breakthrough. Candler (10), after battling to stabilise the innings, fell in the 13th over with the score on 24/3, courtesy of Shanjida Maghla (1/28).

With the momentum in Bangladesh’s favour, it was the experienced duo of Tucker and Tunnicliffe who began the rebuilding process for South Africa. They forged a crucial 55-run stand for the fourth wicket before Tucker was dismissed by Shorna Akter (2/37).

Still needing 101 runs and reeling after the dismissal of Verunissa Reddy (1), South Africa turned to Tunnicliffe and Marx to take them home.

The pair delivered under pressure, combining for an unbeaten 96-run partnership with both batters reaching well-earned half-centuries to guide the visitors to victory with 25 balls to spare.

The second One-Day match will take place on Thursday at 10am local time (6am SAST).

SA Emerging Women’s 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).

Women’s 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

Sunday at 10am

Bangladesh Emerging v South Africa Emerging – BSFLMRCS, Chattogram

T20 Matches

Wednesday, 14 May at 1.30pm

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

Friday, 16 May at 1.30pm

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

Sunday, 18 May at 1.30pm

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