Vishakhapatnam: Two contrasting half-centuries from Sharmin Akter Supta and Shorna Akter guided Bangladesh to a respectable 232-6 against South Africa in their third game of the ICC Cricket World Cup at Vishakhapatnam in India today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Supta laid the foundation with a calculative 77-ball 50, while Shorna capitalized on the platform with a brisk 51 not out off 35 balls. Their efforts helped Bangladesh set a challenging target for the Proteas Women's team, crucial for the Tigresses to stay in the race for the semifinals.
Electing to bat first, Bangladesh started slowly yet steadily, with openers Farzana Haque Pinky and Rubya Haider Jhilik adding 53 runs. However, both were dismissed in quick succession, with Pinky scoring 30 and Jhilik 25, after settling in at the crease.
Supta then partnered with captain Nigar Sultana Joty for a 77-run stand for the third wicket before Joty was dismissed for 32. Supta soon followed, reaching her half-century before her departure.
Shorna accelerated the innings by attacking the South African bowlers, striking three fours and three sixes, pushing Bangladesh to a competitive total.