The Proteas Women crushed a hapless Bangladesh side, bowling them out for 68 for an eight-wicket victory at Cox’s Bazar on Friday.
The off-spin of Yolani Fourie, in her 13th ODI match, started the slide when she took two wickets in three balls in the third over before the pace attack of Odine Kirsten (4-10) and Marcia Letsoalo (3-13) took over. Both recorded their career-best figures as Bangladesh collapsed in 36.3 overs.
Lizelle Lee once again top-scored for SA, hitting 37 off 19 balls (seven fours) and Andrie Steyn hit nine off 17 as they put on 28 for the first wicket. Mignon du Preez (9 off 16) and Chloe Tryon (13 off 8) took SA home as the Proteas finished on 69-2 in 10 overs to conclude the series at 4-1.
It was a particularly good series for Lee, who was far and away the most prolific batsman, accumulating 268 runs, with a highest score of 87 and an average of 53.6, followed by former captain Du Preez (161 at 53.66).
Sune Luus, with her wily legbreaks, was top bowler for South Africa with seven, at an average of 21.85, with Dane van Niekerk, Ayabongo Khaka and Letsoalo all taking six.
The series result will give the SA Women confidence as they look ahead to the Women’s World Cup qualifying series in Sri Lanka in February. Drawn in group B with Pakistan, Scotland, Bangladesh and Papua New Guinea, they begin with a warm-up game against India on Feb 5 before facing Pakistan on Feb 7.
PHOTO: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images
