South Africa Women vs Bangladesh Women Prediction: South Africa are favourites on paper

South Africa Women and Bangladesh Women are going head to head in the 3rd Match of One Day Series at Sahara Park Willowmoore Cricket Stadium, South Africa on 23 Dec 2023. The series is tied at 1-1 when South Africa came back in the second game. Who will win this game of cricket?

The T20I series between South Africa Women and Bangladesh Women in Kimberley was disrupted by rain, preventing a three-match contest. However, in Benoni, they now have the opportunity to settle the score in the shorter format of the international game. South Africa's Anneke Bosch and Sune Luus have been the leading run-scorers in this series, with Bosch particularly impressive in the second ODI where she scored an unbeaten 65 and was awarded the player of the match. Bosch, batting at number three, would appreciate a solid start from openers Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt. So far in this series, South Africa has not been able to bowl out Bangladesh, managing to take only seven wickets. Marizanne Kapp has been the best bowler for the hosts, with two wickets, twice as many as any other bowler from the home side. This is a significant stat that South Africa will strive to improve. The Proteas Women will draw confidence from their successful chase in the second match. They may have to bat second for the third consecutive time in the final fixture.

Laura Wolvaardt (C), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Eliz-mari Marx, Sinalo Jafta (WK), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka

Although the current scoreline may not reflect it, Bangladesh Women's team has made significant progress during this tour, especially considering the challenges of playing in foreign conditions. Their final opportunity to secure a rare series win in South Africa awaits them. Despite the impressive century scored by opener Fargana Hoque in the second WODI, where she hit 11 fours on her way to a score of 102 off 167 balls, there is room for improvement in her strike rate, which currently stands at 61.07. Hoque can rely on the support of Fahima Khatun and other teammates to perform well with the bat once again. Khatun, who is also a world-class all-rounder, is currently the leading wicket-taker for the Bangladesh team alongside Nahida Akter, both having taken three wickets each. Rabeya Khan and Sultana Khatun have also contributed with two wickets each. The bowlers are fully aware of the importance of disrupting the opposition's top order, as they were not able to trouble them in the previous match unlike in the series opener. The challenging conditions in Benoni will certainly test the skills of the Bangladesh bowlers.

Shamima Sultana, Fargana Hoque, Murshida Khatun, Nigar Sultana (C/WK), Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Sultana Khatun, Marufa Akter

The cricket match will be held at Willowmoore Park in Benoni. In the past, four women's ODIs have been played at this venue, with three of them won by the team batting first and one resulting in a tie. It is likely that the team winning the toss in this match will also choose to bat first.

The previous three first-innings totals in WODI cricket at this venue were 265, 196, and 149. A first-innings total of 200 or more can be considered as competitive. The dry pitch is expected to benefit spinners, providing extra bounce and turn. It is recommended to have two specialist slow bowlers in the playing team. 

No rain is anticipated on the day of the match in Benoni, ensuring a full game can be played. 

Throughout this tour, there hasn't been much difference between the teams. This match will be another exciting battle between the strong batting lineup of the Proteas and the spinners of Bangladesh. Given South Africa's victory in the second match and playing on their home ground, they are likely to win this match.