South African Women vs Bangladesh Women Prediction: The hosts are favourites on paper

South Africa Women and Bangladesh Women are going head to head in the 1st Match of One Day Series at Buffalo Park on 16 Dec 2023. The teams shared the T20 series at 1-1 in December. Who will win this game of cricket?

The previous T20I series between these two teams provided interesting insights into the upcoming ODI series. Both teams have exciting limited-overs squads, and we can expect some captivating battles with both bat and ball. The South African team welcomes back fast bowler Ayabonga Khaka and all-rounders Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk, who missed the T20I series. Their return is a significant boost for the Proteas, although they will be without the injured Chloe Tryon. All eyes will be on Laura Wolvaardt, who recently became captain, as we wait to see how this added responsibility impacts her batting performance in the long run. Additionally, the inclusion of the talented Eliz-Mari Marx in the South African squad is a promising move. At only 20 years old, Marx has immense potential and could have a bright future in T20I, ODI, and Test cricket for the national team. This series opener could be her debut in ODI cricket.

Tazmin Brits, Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Lara Goodall, Delmi Tucker, Eliz-mari Marx, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayanda Hlubi

Bangladesh Women had hoped for a rare T20I series victory over South Africa, but unfortunately, one of their T20Is was cancelled due to rain. However, they can now shift their focus to the three upcoming ODIs and challenge the series favourites once again. 

Nahida Akter, a talented spinner, is on the verge of reaching 50 wickets in ODI cricket. Being a left-armer, she should benefit from the favourable conditions in East London, where the ball turning away from right-handers poses a genuine threat in ODIs.

Fargana Hogue, a strong batter, is currently in outstanding form and could prove to be a tough challenge for the South African bowlers. She recently scored 58 runs in a warm-up match and earlier this year, she had a remarkable innings of 62 against Pakistan Women and 107 against India Women.

Nigar Sultana, the wicketkeeper-batter, has been playing international cricket for eight years and is adapting quickly to South African conditions. After participating in the entire T20I series and a recent warm-up match, she is familiar with the conditions in Bloemfontein, Benoni, and Kimberley, which are similar to those in East London.

Shamima Sultana, Murshida Khatun, Sobhana Mostary, Nigar Sultana (c & wk), Nahida Akter, Shorna Akter, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Lata Mondal, Marufa Akter, Shorifa Khatun

Buffalo Park has hosted four Women's One Day Internationals (WODIs) since its first match in 2004, and all four matches were won by the team batting first. The previous three matches at this ground had first-inning totals of 235, 232, and 214. Therefore, a first-innings total of 220 or higher should be seen as competitive in this match.

In the recent six innings of WODI cricket at this venue, teams have been bowled out three times. Thus, it is advisable to include two specialist spinners in the team for this match, as the conditions at Buffalo Park are favourable for spin bowling.

Although some rain is expected a day before the match, there is no wet weather forecasted on the day of the match. However, the rain could potentially impact the preparation of the pitch.

Considering South Africa Women's home ground advantage and their dominant WODI history against Bangladesh Women, they are expected to win this match.