Lee fifty takes South Africa Women to victory

Lizelle Lee’s unbeaten fifty and a disciplined effort by the bowlers helped South Africa Women beat Bangladesh Women by eight wickets in its last warm-up match of the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 2014 at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan No 4 Ground in Savar on Friday (March 21).

Put into bat, Bangladesh managed only 85 for 8 before South Africa chased down the target in 15.3 overs.

Bangladesh’s innings got off to a poor start with Ayasha Rahman, Salma Khatun, the captain, and Sanjida Islam falling within eight overs. Though Fargana Hoque and Shaila Sharmin made 21 each, none of the other batters could make a significant contribution as wickets kept falling at regular intervals.

South Africa started its chase in a spirited fashion as Lee and Dane van Niekerk added 31 runs for the first wicket in five overs before Rumana Ahmed bowled Niekerk for 15. After that, Khadija Tul Kubra trapped Mignon du Preez in front.

However, Bangladesh did not have enough runs to defend. Marizanne Kapp joined Lee to put on an unbeaten stand of 31 to finish off the task.

South Africa will play its first match of the tournament against Pakistan Women on March 23, while Bangladesh take on West Indies Women on March 26.