Momentum Proteas got their tune up to the World Cup qualifiers off in fine fashion as they crushed hosts Bangladesh by 86 runs in the opening One-Day International.
The Proteas womens team are in Bangladesh to play five ODIs before they head to Sri Lanka for the World Cup qualifiers. They would be delighted after their efforts in the first game.
South Africa were off to a superb start thanks to Lizelle Lee and Andreie Steyn, who combined to add 122 in 22.4 overs after being put in to bat. While Steyn was guarded in her approach, scoring slightly over a run every two balls, her partner Lee was in a mood to destroy. Lee smashed 87 off just 71 balls, a knock that included six fours and seven sixes, to blast her team into a dominating position.
After Lee was dismissed, Mignon du Preez took over, hitting a well-paced 62 to further South Africa’s stronghold. Marizanne Kapp added a few lusty blows towards the end as South Africa ended with 251 for 3 in their fifty overs.
Bangladesh’s top three batters – Sharmin Akther, Sanjida Islam and Fargana Hoque – added a combined 22 runs off 95 balls to leave their side on the backfoot.
At 56 for 4 in the 23rd over, Bangladesh were in danger of a massive loss until Nigar Sultana gave the hosts’ total some respectability as she kept the tourists at bay. Sultana hit 59 off 90 deliveries, ending the innings in some style with a flurry of boundaries as South Africa romped home to an 86-run win.
Sune Luus picked up three wickets to finish as South Africa’s most top bowler on the day, while captain Dane van Niekerk impressed with figures of 2 for 23 in her nine overs.