A sense of anticipation swells around Willowmoore Park in Benoni as the stage is set for the decisive third ODI between the South African women’s team and their Bangladeshi counterparts on Saturday, December 23. The series, poised at a tantalizing 1-1, promises to deliver a pulsating clash as both teams are determined to lay claim to the coveted game that will break the deadlock.
The journey to this critical juncture has seen Bangladesh display remarkable tenacity, particularly with the bat, challenging preconceived notions about their susceptibility to crumbling in alien conditions. The batting lineup, once underestimated, has risen to the occasion ensuring the South African bowlers were kept on their toes throughout the series.
It was a magnificent unbeaten 91 from just 100 balls by Murshida Khatun in the first one-day match at Buffalo Park in East London that set the tone for Bangladesh, signaling their intent and capability. The following act saw Fargana Hoque etch her name on the honours board with a hard-fought 107 off 167 deliveries in the second ODI at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom. These performances were bold statements, shedding the ‘pushover’ tag and showcasing the newfound resilience of the Bangladeshi batting line-up.
Bangladesh’s batting has developed a spine, but maintaining that mettle in Benoni while countering the challenges will be crucial. Their spin attack, rich in variety, might also prove to be pivotal on a wicket that could offer assistance.
Conversely, the South African bowling arsenal seems to pivot around the experienced abilities of their veteran allrounder Marizanne Kapp. However, the over-reliance does come with its perils, as exhibited when her absence was felt during the first ODI. The responsibility, hence, squarely falls on the shoulders of Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klass, and Nadine de Klerk to step up and complement their team’s bowling efforts.
South Africa also understands the critical nature of a solid opening partnership to secure a formidable platform for competitive totals. A poor start from the likes of Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits tends to coincide with the team’s struggles, a pattern the Proteas will be eager to avoid in the all-important series decider.
The fraught history of the Willowmoore Park pitch looms over the final encounter, with its known proclivity for siding with the bowlers. Historically, it has not been a generous ground for batters, with pacers reveling in the movement on offer, setting the stage for an enthralling contest of wits between bat and ball.
Pitch statistics reveal some telling numbers, with the side bowling first having a distinct advantage in previous encounters. Out of 26 ODI matches played at the venue, 17 have been won by teams bowling first, as opposed to just seven by those batting first. The average first innings score stands at 229, dropping to 182 for the second innings. The Park has witnessed an impressive highest total of 399/6 by South Africa against Zimbabwe, and a spirited chase of 258/3 by Sri Lanka against the home team, hinting at the potential for high-scoring dramas. On the flip side, the lowest total recorded is a meager 91 all out by Netherlands against Bermuda, and the lowest defended score being a sturdy 295/5, again by South Africa against Zimbabwe.
As we brace for the latest chapter in this gripping narrative, Willowmoore Park is all set to host a contest that is more than just another game of cricket—it is where resilience will meet strategy, and nerves will be tested. The outcome? Only the game will tell. But rest assured, on Saturday, cricket fans are in for a gripping spectacle that embodies the very spirit of the game.
