Shorna’s Blazing Fifty Lifts Bangladesh to 232 Against South Africa in 14th Match

Bangladesh scored 232/6 in the 14th match of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 against South Africa in Visakhapatnam. Shorna Akter played a stunning knock of 51 unbeaten out of 35 balls, which propelled Bangladesh to a fighting total in a must-win match.

Sharmin Akhter also created an impact with her batting and managed a 50-run innings in 77 balls.

Coming to bat with 10 overs left and the score at 150 for 3, Shorna brought a spark that changed the tone of Bangladesh’s innings. She smashed three fours and three sixes, showing a fearless approach rarely seen from the team in recent games. 

Her aggressive strokeplay gave Bangladesh the strong finish they really required.

Ritu Moni added to the late charge with an unbeaten 19 off just eight balls. She hit her first three deliveries from Marizanne Kapp for boundaries, shifting the momentum in Bangladesh’s favor. 

The two added some runs in the death overs, which brought the score over 230 and provided the bowlers with a big target to defend later on in the dark.

In the previous innings, Sharmin Akhter was at the head, having steered the half-century with her calm approach to lead the innings, as she had been wary to do at the very beginning. Contributions from the rest of the top order helped Bangladesh reach a steady position, setting up a perfect platform for the final assault.

Under cloudy skies at a quiet Visakhapatnam stadium, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana chose to bat first, hoping her side could post a competitive total. 

She had said before the game that putting runs on the board would “give the bowlers a chance,” and that’s exactly what her team managed to do. South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba picked up 2 for 42, finding good turn and bounce, which could play a role later in the night.

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt, though, believed the dew factor would make batting easier in the second innings. Her side, filled with big hitters, will back themselves to chase the target despite Bangladesh’s spirited effort.

For much of the first 40 overs, Bangladesh’s approach looked safe and steady. South Africa’s bowlers kept things tight but couldn’t find regular breakthroughs. Mlaba’s lbw dismissal of Fargana Hoque came as a surprise, as the initial review was for a catch. Marizanne Kapp and Masabata Klaas bowled disciplined early spells, giving away just 10 runs in Kapp’s first five overs.

Bangladesh managed only 28 runs in the powerplay, with Rubya Haider and Fargana Hoque adding a few boundaries to ease the pressure. The opening stand reached 53 before Rubya was caught by Chloe Tryon at mid-on. 

Fargana made 30 from 76 before falling, but Sharmin and Nigar built a solid partnership that took Bangladesh to 150 for 2 by the 40th over.

Mlaba then dismissed Nigar, caught by Wolvaardt at mid-off, but that only set the stage for Shorna’s fireworks. Alongside Sobhana Mostary and Ritu Moni, she played with freedom and intent. 

Sobhana was run out for 9 after a sharp direct hit from Tumi Sekhukhune, but Ritu’s finishing touch saw 37 runs scored in the final three overs.

Bangladesh’s total of 232 for 6 may not look huge, but given their strong spin attack, it could be a challenging target. With the 14th match finely poised, their bowlers will now aim to defend it against South Africa’s in-form batting line-up.

Bangladesh 232 for 6 (Shorna 51, Sharmin 50, Mlaba 2-42) vs South Afric