South Africans Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt got the match off to a great start, managing a 52-ball partnership after only 7.5 overs. Nineteen-year-old Wolvaardt, however, was the first wicket of the day after she was bowled out by Akter for 26 runs after 12.4 overs.

Dané van Niekerk and Mignon du Preez secured the second 50 run partnership for South Africa. Van Niekerk came close to her own half century, but fell short when she went out for LBW after 44 runs.

Chloe Tryon was the hero of the day for the Proteas, managing 65* runs off only 42 deliveries. Fahima Khatun stood out for Bangladesh, conceding only 53 runs and taking two wickets. South Africa scored a total of 270 runs in their first innings.

Sanjida Islam and Fargina Hoque opened the batting for Bangladesh and got the first 50-run partnership after 14 overs. Islam was the first Bangladeshi wicket to fall, when she went out for LBW after 35 runs.

Skipper Van Niekerk gave South Africa the breakthrough they needed when she took three wickets in less than six overs. The wickets continued to fall for the Tiger, who were 112/9 after 38.5 overs.

Hoque got her half century after 38.2 overs, scoring 51 runs off 105 balls. It was Hoque who stood out for Bangladesh with the willow, by carrying her bat throughout the innings and scored a total of 69 runs.

Bangladesh got their second 50-run partnership through Panna Ghosh and Hoque after 48.5 overs. Four balls later, it all ended for them when the Proteas took the final wicket, which secured their victory by 106 runs.

The second ODI is set to take place at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom on Sunday 6 May and is scheduled to start at 9:45.

Bronwen Bain OFM Sport