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Shona Akhter of Bangladesh took 5 wickets and restricted South Africa to 136.
Bangladesh's Shona Akhter took his five wickets and restricted South Africa to 136. File Photo
Bangladesh women's team made a great start to their tour of South Africa by defeating the hosts in the first of three T20 matches played at Willowmoor Park in Benoni on Sunday.
Mursida Khatun was unbeaten with 62 runs from 59 matches, captain Nigar Sultana scored 34 runs from 21 matches to take the score to 149-2, but 16-year-old Shona Akhter bagged five wickets. They restricted their opponents to 136 wickets.
It was Bangladesh's first win over South Africa in 11 years and their second win since defeating South Africa in the opening match in 2012.
After winning the toss, Bangladesh opener Murshida and Shamima Sultana made a good start, forming a 44-run order in 6.5 overs, but the latter was dismissed for a run-a-ball 24.
Murshida kept the team safe, Sobhana Mustali scored 17 runs from 16 balls and Nigyar played a brisk innings to post an impressive total. Murshida had four walks, six hits and one six in the innings.
In reply, the South African openers got off to a great start, collecting 54 runs in 6 overs in the powerplay. The situation worsened as pacer Marfa Akhter sustained an injury while bowling himself and was unable to bowl more than two overs.
Leg-spinner Rabiere Khan broke the opening stand by reaching a total of 69 and denying skipper Tazmim Blitz who scored 30 runs. Leg-spinner Fahima Khatun dismissed Anneli Derksen for one in the next over.
Anneke Bosch and Sune Rath managed to reach 100 and the hosts looked to be the favorites at this stage until Shona got the first scalp and dismissed Rath with a score of 104 in 15.3 overs .
But things took a turn for the better when Shona took Bosh for 67 in the second ball of the 18th over and dismissed Nondumiso Shangase for a duck three balls later. Nahida sacked Elizmari Markus in the next round and suddenly South Africa needed 24 points in the final round.
Shona conceded her two boundaries, but she took two wickets and she finished with five wickets, giving her team a memorable win.