Bangladesh Bows Out After a Valiant Fight at Lord’s

Lord’s Cricket Ground- a venue whose very name evokes a unique emotion in cricket lovers and where almost every cricketer in the world dreams of playing.

For the first time, the women’s cricket teams of Bangladesh and South Africa stepped onto this historic green turf to play an international match. In the final group-stage match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, both teams had the opportunity to become part of history. For Bangladesh, it was a challenge to finish the tournament on a high note, while for South Africa, it was a battle for survival to keep their semifinal dreams alive. Ultimately, smiles erupted in the Proteas camp at this historic venue, as Nigar Sultana Joty’s team concluded their World Cup campaign with a defeat despite a brave and spirited fight.

South Africa defeated Bangladesh by 4 wickets in this thrilling encounter on Sunday. Batting first, Bangladesh posted 117 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, South Africa overhauled the target in 19.2 overs, losing 6 wickets in the process.

With this victory, South Africa finishes the group stage with 8 points from 5 matches. However, their ticket to the semifinals is not yet guaranteed; their fate now hinges on the India-Australia clash. An Indian defeat will see South Africa cruise directly into the semifinals. But if India wins, both teams will tie on 8 points, leaving the Net Run Rate (NRR) to decide the final four.

On the other hand, Bangladesh concluded their World Cup journey with just one win from five matches. Nevertheless, the memory of fighting until the final over in their maiden international match at Lord’s will surely provide some solace despite the heartbreak.

Under an overcast sky, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana opted to bat first. However, the start was nothing short of a nightmare on the historic Lord’s pitch. Off the very first ball of the match, opener Jwairiya Ferdous was cleaned up by a brilliant inswinger from Marizanne Kapp, marking a disastrous start to Bangladesh’s historic innings. At the other end, Shabnim Ismail unleashed a fiery spell, bowling a maiden in her opening over. Taz Nehar (1) fell LBW in the fourth over after an unsuccessful review, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 14 for 2. At the end of the Powerplay, the Tigresses crawled to 23 for 2.

In this precarious situation, Sharmin Akhter and Sobhana Mostary came together to steady the ship. After a cautious start, they gradually accelerated the scoring rate, stitching together a crucial 56-run partnership off 62 balls for the third wicket. Sobhana injected momentum into the innings by smashing Nonkululeko Mlaba over deep square leg for a six. However, the turning point came in the 15th over when Sharmin (22) was bowled while trying to charge down the track against Mlaba. Sobhana, the top-scorer for Bangladesh with a well-made 42 off 48 balls, soon followed her back to the dugout after miscuing a short ball from Nadine de Klerk.

Skipper Nigar Sultana then played a captain’s knock under pressure. Smashed 3 boundaries in a quick-fire, unbeaten 32 off just 20 balls, she propelled Bangladesh to a competitive total of 117 for 5. For South Africa, Marizanne Kapp was exceptional, conceding just 9 runs for 1 wicket in her 4 overs, while Mlaba claimed 2 for 22.

Defending a modest target of 118, Bangladesh mirrored their opponent’s start. Marufa Akter produced a spectacular inswinger on the first ball of the second innings to clean up South African captain Laura Wolvaardt, injecting immediate life into the contest.

However, Tazmin Brits and the number three batter, Annerie Dercksen, steadied the ship with a 52-run partnership off 46 balls, gradually taking control of the game. Just when the game seemed to slip away, Nahida Akter and Sanjida Akter Meghla struck back-to-back. Nahida dismissed Brits (20), courtesy of a catch by Nigar Sultana, and in the very next over, Meghla trapped Dane van Niekerk LBW, reducing South Africa to 59 for 3 in a flash.

Annerie Dercksen anchored the innings from one end, playing a match-winning knock of 45 off 45 balls. When she was eventually dismissed via review off Nahida’s bowling, the equation was still tricky. Exceptional death bowling from Bangladesh choked the Proteas, forcing a boundary drought that lasted 18 consecutive balls.

With pressure mounting, Marizanne Kapp (16) was run out due to a sharp, bullet throw from Sharmin Akhter and flawless glovework by Nigar Sultana, leaving the match wide open. South Africa required 10 runs off the final two overs. In the 19th over, Ritu Moni dismissed Nadine de Klerk, who was brilliantly caught at deep mid-wicket by Shorna Akter, igniting renewed hope among the Bangladeshi supporters in the stands.

However, Chloe Tryon kept her composure in the final over, taking no risks to steer South Africa across the line with 4 balls to spare, finishing at 118 for 6. Nahida Akter was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, returning figures of 2 for 24.

With this win, South Africa’s semifinal qualification now depends on the outcome of the India-Australia match. If India loses, the Proteas will advance automatically. If India wins, both teams will sit on 8 points, and the Net Run Rate will dictate who takes the final spot in the final four.

While Bangladesh exits the World Cup with just a solitary win, their performance at the traditional home of cricket holds immense promise. Going toe-to-toe against one of the world’s strongest teams until the final over sends a highly positive message for the future of women’s cricket in Bangladesh.

* Bangladesh: 117/5 (20 overs); Sobhana Mostary 42, Nigar Sultana 32*, Sharmin Akhter 22. Nonkululeko Mlaba 2/22, Marizanne Kapp 1/9.

* South Africa: 118/6 (19.2 overs); Annerie Dercksen 45, Tazmin Brits 20, Marizanne Kapp 16. Nahida Akter 2/24, Marufa Akter 1/18.

* Result: South Africa won by 4 wickets.

* Player of the Match: Marizanne Kapp (South Africa).

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The Writer:

Maksuda Lisa: Staff Correspondent, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.