SA Emerging Women Win ODI Series in Bangladesh – Devnarain, Tunnicliffe Reflect

SA Emerging Women Reflect on ODI Series Win in Bangladesh – Focus Shifts to T20 Showdown

Grit, Growth, and a Gutsy Win in Chattogram

The SA Emerging Women’s side has wrapped up the ODI leg of their Bangladesh tour on a high, securing a well-earned 2-1 series victory in conditions far from familiar. Playing in the sweltering heat of Chattogram, the young South African side showed maturity beyond their years. Led by head coach Dinesha Devnarain and inspired by top-order batter Faye Tunnicliffe, the team now looks forward to maintaining their momentum in the upcoming T20 series starting May 14 in Cox’s Bazar.

Despite falling short in the third ODI by 14 runs, the squad had already done the damage winning the first two games through grit and clinical execution. The real win, however, may have come off the field, in the lessons learned and confidence gained by a squad still finding its full identity.

Dinesha Devnarain: “We showed heart in testing conditions”

For Devnarain, this tour has always been about development. But make no mistake this is a team that came to compete. Speaking after the series, she couldn’t hide her pride in how the squad handled the challenge.

"It's really tough conditions. It's something that we're not used to, with this extreme heat and humidity," Devnarain said. "It never really cools down, so I’m definitely pleased with the team. It took some experienced players to see the team through, but there’s a nice blend of youngsters and good domestic performers. It's quite a huge honour that the ladies pulled off a series win."

She noted the value in the team’s only defeat as well, calling it a moment for learning and fine-tuning heading into the shorter format. From tactical tweaks to discipline with the ball, she outlined areas for growth.

“The biggest one for us is extras,” she said. “We need to bring in our cutters and variations earlier and be more consistent on one side of the wicket. With the bat, we still want to play fearless cricket but with responsibility. Whoever is in needs to finish the game and see it through.”

Faye Tunnicliffe’s Red-Hot Run in Bangladesh

If there was one player who truly embodied those ideals across the three-match ODI series, it was Faye Tunnicliffe. The Western Province batter was a standout, notching 166 runs at an astonishing average of 83, including a match-winning 89* in the series opener.

Tunnicliffe admitted the conditions tested everyone mentally and physically.

“It was a good One-Day series in trying conditions. There was a lot of graft required, a lot of mental fortitude, and the heat is next level. Not a lot of us have played in conditions like this,” she said. “But I enjoyed it. It was great to test myself against bowlers from the senior team. That challenge was really cool.”

Her calmness under pressure, especially against high-quality spin and pace combinations, served as an anchor for South Africa’s middle-order. Her adaptability and situational awareness are key qualities the team will rely on as they transition into the T20 phase.

Delmi Tucker and Ghandi Jafta Lead Bowling Charge

While Tunnicliffe’s bat stole headlines, South Africa’s success was built on balance. Delmi Tucker emerged as the leading wicket-taker with eight scalps, using control and craft to outfox Bangladeshi batters. Her variations, particularly in the middle overs, stalled crucial partnerships and handed momentum back to the visitors.

Ghandi Jafta, meanwhile, chipped in with both bat and ball showcasing the depth that this Emerging side now boasts. Her vital fifty in a tense chase, along with three wickets across the series, underlined her rising value in the all-rounder role.

Lessons for the T20s: Focus, Composure, and Fast Starts

With the ODI series in the rearview, attention now turns to the T20s. The squad, led by T20 captain Leah Jones, will aim to translate their confidence into the shorter format, where mistakes are magnified and the margins tighter.

Tunnicliffe was quick to emphasize that a fresh mindset is key.

“The T20s are anyone’s game. Being as switched on as possible is going to be important,” she said. “The first game is crucial especially with rain around. We have to be clinical while still playing aggressive cricket and taking calculated risks.”

A 2-1 win in the ODIs has already proven that this squad has the potential. Now the challenge is to back that up and complete a statement tour with a T20 series win as well.