In the second Women’s ODI in Potchefstroom, South Africa chased down a target of 223 runs quite comfortably in 45.1 overs. Skipper Laura Wolvaart and opener Tazmin Brits led the way with a 106-run partnership in 25 overs, leveling the series. Bangladesh, batting first, posted a competitive total of 222 for four, thanks to Fargana Hoque’s century (102) and a quick 46 by Fahima Khatun. Marizanne Kapp took two wickets in nine overs, maintaining the best economy rate (2.33).

Despite Bangladesh ticking most boxes, they suffered an eight-wicket loss. Fargana’s century marked the first by a touring Bangladesh woman in ODIs. This was her third contribution to Bangladesh’s four centuries in ODIs and T20Is. The visitors achieved their fourth-highest total, and although they dismissed both South Africa openers at 106, new batters Anneke Bosch (65 not out) and Sune Luus (47 not out) guided South Africa to victory. The series-decider will take place on Saturday.

Bangladesh’s emerging spin sensation played a crucial role in their T20I series win against Pakistan in October and continued her impressive form in the subsequent 2-1 ODI series victory in November. She took seven wickets at an average of 14.14 with an outstanding effort, earning the Player of the Series title.. Despite a challenging first ODI where Bangladesh was dismissed for 81, her 3/30 effort showed resilience. In the second ODI, she contributed 1/43 and played a key role in a tied game, excelling in the Super Over to secure a Bangladesh win. The final match saw her take 3/26, aiding in restricting Pakistan to 166/9, eventually leading to Bangladesh’s victory.

Fargana Hoque, Bangladesh’s top-order batter, was the highest run-scorer in the ODI series against Pakistan, accumulating 110 runs at an average of 36.66. Notable contributions included a confident 40 in the second ODI and a crucial 62 in the deciding encounter, forming a record first-wicket partnership of 125 runs and securing a comfortable seven-wicket triumph.

Sadia Iqbal, Pakistan’s 28-year-old left-arm spinner, stood out during the tour of Bangladesh, taking six wickets at an impressive average of 12.5 and an economy rate of 2.58. Her career-best 4/13 in the first ODI set the tone for Pakistan’s success in chasing down the target of 81. In the second game, she claimed two wickets, and in the final ODI, despite going wicketless, she maintained an economical spell, conceding only 30 runs from her 10 overs.