Johannesburg – The Proteas women have capped off a successful tour against Bangladesh with clean sweeps in both the One-Day and T20 International series.
The Proteas beat Bangladesh by eight wickets in the third and final ODI at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Tuesday to clinch the ODI series 3-0. This is in addition to the T20I series which was also won 3-0.
Proteas' coach Hilton Moreeng has been impressed by the performances from his players and said this was a good confidence boost ahead of a busy season.
“It's been a fantastic effort by the players,” Moreeng said.
“I'm particularly pleased with the way the senior players have stepped up and come forward with match-winning performances.
“There were a number of milestones this series; Marizanne (Kapp) got a hat-trick, Mignon (Du Preez) scored her maiden ODI century and Sunette (Loubser) played in her 50th ODI, this is a great start for us going into the season.”
Trisha Chetty and Marizanne Kapp put together an unbeaten 108-run partnership for the third-wicket in pursuit of the victory target of 178, which was reached in the 38th over.
Chetty was the rock of the run-chase, scoring 76 off 111 balls, in comparison to Kapp's quick-fire innings of 59 off 67 balls.
Bangladesh were once against let down by a batting collapse after a strong start by the top order after being sent in to bat.
Ayasha Rahman (70) and Rumana Ahmed (43) put together 93 for the second wicket to lift the visitors to 100 for one, but the rest of the line-up was unable to contribute towards a bigger total.
Bangladesh were eventually all out for 177, losing the last eight wickets for 65 runs.
Marcia Letsoalo ripped through the tail to finish with 3/35 and was assisted by contributions from Dane van Niekerk (2/26) and Marizanne Kapp (2/26).
The bowlers have done a sterling job throughout the series, and have managed to restrict the visitors to totals below 200.
Young debutant opener Lizelle Lee finished as the leading run-scorer of the series with 166 runs including two scores in the 70s.
Leg-spinner, Sunette Loubser was the leading wicket-taker with seven wickets at an average of 11.
“This series has also been a great opportunity for the youngsters to learn their trade at International level,” Moreeng said.
“We saw some encouraging performances from our youngsters like Lizelle (Lee) and Elriesa (Theunissen), so that bodes well for the next generation of South African Women's cricketers.”
The Proteas women's next series is against Sri Lanka from October 24. – Sapa