**WODI World Cup: South Africa Beat Bangladesh Despite Middle-Order Collapse**
*By Parth Dhall | October 13, 2025 | 10:21 PM*
In Match 14 of the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, South Africa secured a hard-fought victory over Bangladesh. Despite a middle-order collapse, South Africa managed to chase down Bangladesh’s competitive total of 232/6, thanks to crucial partnerships and resilience.
**Bangladesh Set a Competitive Total**
Electing to bat first, Bangladesh began their innings cautiously. Openers Fargana Hoque and Rubya Haider put on a steady 53-run partnership. However, progress was slow as the team reached 100 runs in 30 overs, having faced 126 dot balls by that stage.
Sharmin Akhter and skipper Nigar Sultana then stitched together a valuable partnership, taking Bangladesh to 150 in 40 overs. Sharmin reached her half-century off 74 balls, showcasing solid form. Bangladesh’s innings lost momentum when Sultana was dismissed, creating pressure in the middle order.
**Late Surge from Shorna and Moni**
The innings appeared to be in jeopardy after Sharmin Akhter was run out in the 43rd over, triggering a mini-collapse with Sobhana Mostary and Rabeya Khan falling in quick succession. Bangladesh slumped to 195/6.
However, Shorna Akter played a vital role in stabilizing the innings, alongside Ritu Moni who remained unbeaten on 19 off just 8 balls. Shorna smashed an unbeaten 51 off 35 deliveries, including three fours and three sixes, helping Bangladesh post a respectable total.
**South Africa’s Middle-Order Rescue**
Chasing 233 for victory, South Africa faced early setbacks and found themselves struggling at 78/5. The innings looked precarious until Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon combined to add an 85-run partnership that laid the foundation for a thrilling finish.
Their efforts proved decisive as South Africa edged out Bangladesh by three wickets, securing their second consecutive WODI World Cup win against Bangladesh.
**Key Player Highlights**
– Sharmin Akhter celebrated her 50th WODI match by scoring her ninth half-century in the format. She now has 1,222 runs from 49 WODI innings, averaging 25.45. This was also her maiden half-century in a WODI World Cup match.
– Shorna Akter notched up her first-ever WODI half-century, accumulating 216 runs across 22 matches with an average of 16.61.
**Historical Context**
According to ESPNcricinfo, this victory marked South Africa’s 19th win over Bangladesh in WODI cricket. Bangladesh has managed only three wins against South Africa to date. This win reinforces South Africa’s dominance, especially with their back-to-back World Cup wins over the Bangladeshi side.
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South Africa’s resilience under pressure and Bangladesh’s fighting performance made for an exciting contest, setting the tone for the remaining matches in the tournament.
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