**WODI World Cup: South Africa Beat Bangladesh Despite Middle-Order Collapse**
*By Parth Dhall | Oct 13, 2025, 10:21 PM*
In Match 14 of the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, South Africa emerged victorious against Bangladesh despite a shaky middle-order performance.
**Bangladesh Post a Competitive Total**
Electing to bat first, Bangladesh adopted a cautious approach in the opening overs. Openers Fargana Hoque and Rubya Haider put together a steady 53-run partnership, but the team reached only 100 runs in 30 overs, having played an impressive 126 dot balls by that stage.
Sharmin Akhter and skipper Nigar Sultana then combined to push their team forward, taking Bangladesh to 150 in 40 overs. Sharmin earned her half-century off 74 balls, showing great composure. However, the partnership ended with Sultana’s dismissal.
As the innings progressed, Bangladesh faced trouble in the 43rd over when Sharmin was run out, triggering a mini-collapse that saw Sobhana Mostary and Rabeya Khan depart within two balls, leaving Bangladesh at 195/6.
**Shorna Akter and Ritu Moni Lead Final Push**
Despite the setbacks, Shorna Akter steadied the ship with an unbeaten 51 off 35 balls, featuring three fours and three sixes. Alongside Ritu Moni, who remained not out on 19 off just 8 balls, Shorna helped Bangladesh post a respectable total of 232/6.
**South Africa’s Middle-Order Rescue**
Chasing 233, South Africa found themselves in trouble early, collapsing to 78/5. However, experienced campaigners Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon forged a crucial 85-run partnership, providing the foundation for South Africa’s eventual three-wicket victory.
**Key Stats and Milestones**
– Sharmin Akhter was playing her 50th WODI and marked the occasion with her ninth half-century in the format. She now totals 1,222 runs from 49 innings, averaging 25.45. This was also her maiden half-century in a WODI World Cup.
– Shorna Akter achieved her first-ever WODI half-century and holds 216 runs from 22 matches at an average of 16.61.
According to ESPNcricinfo, this win marked South Africa’s 19th over Bangladesh in WODI cricket, with Bangladesh having managed only three wins against South Africa to date. This victory also represented South Africa’s second consecutive World Cup win over Bangladesh.
The match showcased resilience from both sides, with South Africa ultimately overcoming a middle-order collapse to secure a vital win in their World Cup campaign.
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