Teams Status

Bangladesh:

Bangladesh will enter the contest on Saturday as an underdog, largely because of their record against South Africa in the 50-over format.

They are still a relatively new team in the ODIs and have only played 42 matches where they won just 13 matches and suffered 27 defeats.

This is also the first time when Bangladesh are participating in the ICC Women’s World Cup and therefore, expecting to beat one of the teams who are in the running for a place in the last-four will be a bit unrealistic

The team management will be hoping that the players will use this opportunity to showcase their talent at the highest level.

In the batting department, Bangladesh will be relying on the likes of captain and wicketkeeper-batter Nigar Sultana, Fargana Hoque, Salma Khatun, Sharmin Akhter, young Murshida Khatun and Shamima Sultana to score the bulk of the runs and give the bowlers something to bowl with.

On the bowling front, the onus will be on the likes of pacers Fariha Trisna, Jahanara Alam, Lata Mondal along with the spin duo of Rumana Ahmed, Nahida Akter to restrict the opposition to a manageable total.

South Africa:

South Africa entered the contest as firm favorites, largely because of their impressive record against Bangladesh, having won 17 times and suffering just two defeats in 19 meetings.

In the history of the 50-over format, Proteas record is an impressive one where they have a win percentage of over 55%.

However, despite that, South Africa have never managed to book their place in the final of the ICC World Cup.

Therefore, the management will be hoping that the players will be able to go one better this time and finally lift their maiden 50-over title.

In the batting department, South Africa will be relying on the likes of captain Sune Luus, experienced Mignon du Preez, Tazmin Brits, young Laura Wolvaardt, Lizelle Lee, Marizanne Kapp, middle-order batter Lara Goodall, wicketkeeper-batters Trisha Chetty, Sinalo Jafta to score the bulk of the runs and put the opposition under pressure.

On the bowling front, the onus will be on the likes of pacers Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Shabnim Ismail along with the spin trio of Chloe Tryon, Nonkululeko Mlaba and Luss to dismantle the opposition’s batting unit by claiming timely breakthroughs.