South Africa kept their semi final hopes alive with a tense win over Bangladesh at Lord’s, but the victory was far from comfortable. In the first international match for both teams at the famous venue, South Africa chased down 118 with only four balls remaining, after Bangladesh pushed them deep into pressure territory.
Bangladesh decided to bat first in overcast conditions, but their innings began badly. Marizanne Kapp struck with the opening ball of the match, removing Juairiya Ferdous, before Shabnim Ismail added more pressure with a tight new ball spell. Taj Nehar also fell early, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 14 for 2.
However, Sharmin Akhter and Sobhana Mostary brought some stability to the innings. Their 56 run partnership helped Bangladesh recover from the early damage and gave their bowlers something to defend. Sharmin was eventually bowled by Nonkululeko Mlaba, while Mostary made a patient 42 from 48 deliveries before being dismissed by Nadine de Klerk. Captain Nigar Sultana then gave the innings late energy with an unbeaten 32 from just 20 balls, lifting Bangladesh to 117 for 5.
On a decent batting surface, South Africa would have expected a smoother chase. Instead, they were stunned immediately when Laura Wolvaardt was bowled first ball by Marufa Akter, leaving them 0 for 1. With their main batter gone, the chase became a test of nerve.
Tazmin Brits and Annerie Dercksen repaired the innings with a valuable 57 run stand. Brits battled through visible discomfort, while Dercksen played with growing confidence, including a strong six over the leg side. But when Brits and Dane van Niekerk fell in quick succession, South Africa were 59 for 3 at the halfway stage and the pressure returned.
Dercksen kept South Africa on track before her dismissal left the experienced Kapp and de Klerk to guide the chase. Bangladesh’s fielding was excellent throughout, and they made every chance count. A sharp run out of Kapp shifted the momentum again, giving Bangladesh real belief.
De Klerk responded with important boundaries, but she was also dismissed while trying to finish the match in style. With five runs still required from the final over, South Africa finally completed the chase two balls in.
The result keeps South Africa in contention, but their fate now depends on the Australia versus India match. An Australian win would send South Africa through, while India will qualify if they beat Australia.
