Brief Scores: South Africa 207 all out (Marizanne Kapp 42, Laura Wolvaardt 41; Fariha Trisna 3-35); Bangladesh 175 all out (Sharmin Akhter 34, Nigar Sultana 29, Ayabonga Khaka 4-32).

South Africa defeated Bangladesh by 32 runs in their opening game of the ICC Women's World Cup at Dunedin in New Zealand today.

Ayabonga Khaka's superb seam bowling helped South Africa overcome Bangladesh.

Chasing the 208-run target, Bangladesh got off to a steady start as opening batters Shamima Sultana and Sharmin Akhter eventually put on 69 runs for the first wicket.

As Proteas took four wickets in quick succession and Bangladesh was reduced to 85/4 in the 27th over. Rumana Ahmed and Nigar Sultana then got together and kept moving the scoreboard at a steady pace.

The duo put on 23 runs for the fifth wicket, but South Africa once again stormed back into the contest with two wickets in quick succession, and Bangladesh was reduced to 113/6, still, 95 runs away from the target.

In the end, South Africa managed to hold its nerve to register a 32-run win.

Earlier, Fariha Trisna bagged three wickets as Bangladesh bowled out South Africa for 207. Jahanara Alam and Ritu Moni also picked up two wickets each as the Proteas were bowled out for a below-par total.

For South Africa, Marizanne Kapp top-scored with 42 while Laura Wolvaardt scored 41.

BDST: 1546 HRS, MAR 05, 2022
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