Visakhapatnam, Oct 13 - In an electrifying display of cricket, young all-rounder Shorna Akter's explosive performance guided Bangladesh to a formidable 232 for six against South Africa in their Women's World Cup match, played here on Monday. Shorna, just 18 years old, was instrumental in propelling the score, hammering a blistering 51 not out off just 35 balls.
Before Shorna ignited the innings, it was Sharmin Akhter's steady hand and captain Nigar Sultana's supportive play that laid the foundation. Sharmin hit a vital 50 off 77 balls, while Sultana contributed a solid 32 off 42 deliveries. Together, they stitched a crucial 77-run partnership for the third wicket, steadying the innings during a phase when boundaries were hard to come by.
Shorna’s knock was packed with three sixes and an equal number of fours, invigorating the innings further with her rapid 37-run stand alongside Ritu Moni, who added a quickfire 19 not out from just eight balls.
Earlier in the innings, Bangladesh's openers, Fargana Hoque and Rubya Haider, took a cautious start. Fargana made 30 off 76 balls, while Rubya scored 25 off 52. Their initial restraint meant Bangladesh only reached 50 after 16 overs.
Rubya's attempt to break the shackles ended in disappointment as she attempted a slog sweep against spinner Chloe Tryon, only to miscue the shot to Nadine de Klerk at mid-on, handing South Africa their first wicket. A major setback followed when top batter Fargana was given out lbw after a review overturned South Africa’s appeal for a caught behind, as it showed the ball was hitting the off-stump, without any bat or glove contact.
Following this, Sultana asserted her presence immediately by cutting Mlaba through point for a boundary. Sharmin kept the scoreboard ticking, hitting Masabata Klaas for two boundaries in quick succession, while Sultana capitalized on the aggressive field settings, executing a beautifully timed cut through the covers against Mlaba.
As Bangladesh pushed past 100 in the 30th over, Sharmin and Sultana continued to work the gaps. They reached the 150 mark in the 40th over, smacking boundaries to push the score along. Subsequently, Shorna and Ritu Moni took charge, displaying big-hitting prowess that propelled Bangladesh to their final total.
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