Tigresses cruise to victory against South Africa in series opener

In a stellar display, the Bangladesh women's team secured a convincing win against South Africa in the first ODI at Buffalo Park, East London in the African country, reports agencies.

This marked Bangladesh women's first victory over their South African counterparts since 2017 and their maiden triumph on South African soil.

Bangladesh took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with a comprehensive 119-run win in East London by defending 250, their highest total batting first in an ODI, with their margin of victory also being the biggest while batting first.

"The victory is more pleasing because it came when our nation was celebrating the Victory," Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty said after her side created the history.

"So obviously we want to dedicate this victory to the martyrs of the Liberation War and the freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifices to free the country from the Pakistani occupation forces during the War of Independence."

In their previous eight meetings on South African soil, Bangladesh even couldn't make a minimum resistance.

Opting to bat first, the Bangladesh women's team set a challenging target of 251 runs. Murshida Khatun's unbeaten 91 and valuable contributions from Shamima Sultana (34) and Fargana Hoque (35) propelled the visitors to a commanding total of 250/3 in their allotted 50 overs.

It marked Murshida's career-best innings in ODIs, adding to her impressive record in 21 matches.

For South Africa, Eliz-mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, and Delmi Tucker scalped one wicket each. However, they failed to take wickets when they needed them the most, struggling to break the rhythm of Bangladesh women's dominant batting display.

In response, South Africa women's team faltered under the pressure, losing wickets at regular intervals. Despite efforts from Eliz-mari Marx (35) and Sune Luus (31), the hosts succumbed to the disciplined bowling attack of Bangladesh.

For Bangladesh, Nahida Akter was the best bowler, taking three wickets and conceding 33 runs in 8.3 overs. Along with her, Sultana Khatun and Rabeya Khan also showed their bowling prowess, contributing to South Africa's downfall in the series opener.

The second ODI will take place in Potchefstroom on Wednesday (December 20).