Shorna Akter Stars as Bangladesh Emerging Women Beat South Africa in 1st T20

Shorna Akter Shines Bright as Bangladesh Emerging Women Take 1-0 Lead Over South Africa

Cox’s Bazar, 14 May 2025 – In a match defined by momentum shifts and bold performances, Shorna Akter delivered a match-winning knock under pressure as Bangladesh Emerging Women secured a dramatic five-wicket victory over South Africa Emerging Women in the first T20I at the Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground. Her unbeaten 50 off 32 balls, laced with five boundaries and a six, lifted the hosts from a precarious position and gave them a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20 series.

The encounter was a reflection of how emerging women’s cricket across the world is evolving filled with high-quality individual performances, tactical clarity, and fearless intent. Shorna Akter’s calm presence at the crease when Bangladesh seemed down and out is exactly what this platform aims to celebrate young cricketers rising to the occasion and delivering when it matters most.

Shorna Akter’s Unbeaten 50 Anchors Bangladesh’s Recovery

Coming in at a critical juncture with Bangladesh Emerging reeling at 51 for 5, Shorna Akter showed poise well beyond her years. The top order had been dismantled by some incisive South African bowling Delmi Tucker and Eliz-Mari Marx accounting for the first three wickets within just three overs.

What followed, however, was a brilliant counterpunch. Shorna found an ideal partner in Farjana Easmin, and together they built a match-winning 67-run unbeaten stand that not only stabilized the innings but tilted the match decisively in Bangladesh’s favour. Akter’s footwork against spin and pace alike was impressive, and she rotated strike smartly while punishing loose deliveries. Her maturity in managing the chase while the required rate climbed showcased a cricketer developing into a reliable middle-order batter for the national pipeline.

This innings further cements Shorna’s place as one of Bangladesh's brightest future stars. Already with international experience, she is now translating potential into consistent performances.

South Africa’s Bowling Effort Sets Early Tone

South Africa Emerging Women, under the captaincy of Leah Jones, had reason to believe the match was theirs to lose after a fiery start with the ball. Tucker’s early breakthrough, followed by Marx’s twin strikes, reduced Bangladesh to 14 for 3 inside the third over.

Leah Jones herself delivered a tidy spell, finishing with 2 for 11, and seemed to put the hosts in a corner. With Dilara Akter, Sarmin Sultana, and Misty Shaha all dismissed cheaply, Bangladesh’s top order once again showed vulnerability against swing and disciplined lines.

Even after a brief rebuilding effort by Rubya Haider and Afia Ashima, Jones and Marx broke through again to leave Bangladesh teetering at 51 for 5. However, the inability to claim wickets in the middle overs and the absence of late-innings pressure allowed the match to slip from their grasp.

Tunnicliffe and Lourens Give South Africa Hope

Earlier in the day, South Africa opted to bat first but endured a rocky start as Bangladesh’s bowlers struck early. Sabikun Jesmin and Nishita Nishi made crucial inroads, sending back openers Nicole de Klerk and Eliz-Mari Marx inside the powerplay. With the scoreboard reading 12 for 2, the South Africans were on the back foot.

That’s when Faye Tunnicliffe, South Africa’s in-form opener, and Simone Lourens put together a much-needed 44-run partnership. Tunnicliffe’s composed 43 off 37 was a showcase of experience and shot selection. Her ability to rotate the strike and pierce the gaps gave the innings some stability. Lourens played second fiddle with a gritty 32, helping to build a platform.

Unfortunately, a mix-up between the wickets led to Lourens’ run out, and Tunnicliffe followed shortly after, dismissed by Jesmin. With the backbone of the innings gone, South Africa struggled to maintain momentum in the final overs.

Luyanda Nzuza’s 22 provided a small lift, but the visitors could only manage 116/6, a total that was competitive but not commanding on a slowish surface.

Bangladesh’s Bowling Unit Impresses Again

The Bangladesh Emerging Women bowling attack, led by Jesmin and Nishi, executed their plans effectively. Both bowlers picked up a wicket each and maintained a tight economy, keeping South Africa’s batters in check throughout the innings.

The spinners applied further pressure during the middle overs, building dot-ball pressure and preventing boundaries. Despite some late resistance from South Africa’s lower order, Bangladesh never let the game drift too far.

This was a disciplined bowling performance, tactically smart, and aided by sharp fielding key attributes that will bode well as the series progresses.

Series Poised for Exciting Finish

With Bangladesh taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20 series, attention now turns to the second T20I on Friday, 16 May, also at Cox’s Bazar. The hosts will look to seal the series, while South Africa will hope for a stronger performance from their middle order and better execution with the ball in the death overs.

Both sides have shown flashes of brilliance and areas needing improvement. With emerging players at the heart of each team’s strategy, these matches serve as a vital development platform and scouting ground for future national team inclusion.