25 September 2013
South Africa’s women’s cricket team beat Bangladesh by eight wickets in the third one-day international at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Tuesday to seal a series whitewash.
In addition, the Momentum Proteas had earlier clinched the T20 series 3-0.
Proteas’ coach Hilton Moreeng stated afterwards that he had been impressed by the performances of his players and said the two series victories would be a good confidence boost ahead of a busy season.
‘A fantastic effort’
“It’s been a fantastic effort by the players,” Moreeng said. “I’m particularly pleased by the way the senior players have stepped up and come forward with match-winning performances.
“There were a number of milestones this series: Marizanne [Kapp] got a hat- trick, Mignon [Du Preez] scored her maiden ODI century and Sunette [Loubser] played in her 50th ODI, this is a great start for us going into the season.”
On Tuesday, Trisha Chetty and Marizanne Kapp put together an unbeaten 108- run partnership for the third-wicket in pursuit of a victory target of 178, which was reached in the 38th over. Chetty was the rock of the run-chase scoring 76 off 111 balls, in comparison to Kapp’s quick-fire innings of 59 off 67 balls.
Batting collapse
Bangladesh were once against let down by a batting collapse following a strong start by the top order after being sent in to bat. Ayasha Rahman (70) and Rumana Ahmed (43) put together 93 for the second wicket to lift the visitors to 100 for one, but the rest of the line-up was unable to contribute towards a bigger total.
The Bangladeshis were eventually all out for 177, losing the last eight wickets for 65 runs.
Marcia Letsoalo ripped through the tail to finish with three for 35 and was assisted by contributions from Dane van Niekerk (2/26) and Marizanne Kapp (2/26). It was yet another sterling job by the bowlers, who throughout the series managed to restrict the visitors to totals below 200.
Young, debutant opener Lizelle Lee finished as the leading run-scorer of the series with 166 runs including two scores in the seventies. Leg-spinner Sunette Loubser was the leading wicket-taker with seven wickets at an average of 11.
‘Encouraging performances’
“This series has also been a great opportunity for the youngsters to learn their trade at international level,” Moreeng commented. “We saw some encouraging performances from our youngsters like Lizelle (Lee) and Elriesa (Theunissen), so that bodes well for the next generation of South African women’s cricketers.”
The Momentum Proteas Women’s next series is against Sri Lanka from 24 October.
SRI LANKA TOUR SCHEDULE
October
November
SAinfo reporter
