Sports Desk: Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana won the toss under grey skies at Visakhapatnam and opted to bat first, as her team looks to revive its World Cup campaign following consecutive defeats to England and New Zealand.
It was a brave decision by Nigar, given Bangladesh’s recent batting struggles. However, on a fresh pitch expected to assist spinners later in the evening, the skipper expressed faith in her batters to post a competitive total that “can give the bowlers a chance.”
South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt, meanwhile, appeared unconcerned about chasing under lights, noting that the expected evening dew could make batting easier. The Proteas, buoyed by back-to-back wins over New Zealand and India, are eyeing a third consecutive victory that would cement their place in the semi-final race.
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“It was an amazing game of cricket,” Wolvaardt said, recalling her side’s thrilling three-wicket win over India on Thursday. “The group was on a big high, but we’ve spent the last couple of days refocusing and preparing for this challenge.”
Both sides made two changes. South Africa have rested Sune Luus as a precaution for a hip flexor strain, bringing in Annerie Dercksen, while Masabata Klaas replaces Ayabonga Khaka. Bangladesh have included Fargana Hoque and Ritu Moni, with Nishita Akter and Sumaiya Akter making way.
Bangladesh: Rubya Haider, Fargana Hoque, Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana (capt & wk), Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Ritu Moni
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Tumi Sekhukhune, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba
