If South Africa is to win the Women’s World Cup for the first time, it will have to do without captain Dane van Niekerk, who will be missing when the tournament starts in New Zealand later this week.
The star all-rounder suffered an injury in January but the number two Proteas will still look to be one of the teams to beat in their opening match against Bangladesh in Dunedin on Saturday.
South Africa know they can cope without their leader – they have won their last five one-day internationals, with Van Niekerk missing for three of them due to injuries. In his absence, fellow leg-spinning all-rounder Sune Luss pulled off victories against Pakistan, India and West Indies.
South Africa, who have not progressed beyond the last four in the World Cup, lost to eventual winners England in a tense match before reaching the semi-finals in 2017 as the hosts got home with two wickets and two balls to spare.
They had topped their group at the T20 World Cup in Australia two years ago, but lost by five runs against Australia after a rain-adjusted chase in the semi-finals.
What is worrying for South Africa is the rest of the batting line-up when the top two fail, although Luis and Mignon du Preez both have plenty of experience. The hard-working Chloe Tryon is an effective lower-order finisher.
The attack will be led by Shabnam Ismail and Marijane Cup, who have been two of the most successful fast bowlers in the women’s game.
The Ayabonga blueprint provides steady seam bowling support, while Luce is the side’s principal spin bowler.
Squad:
Bangladesh Women: Nigaar Sultana (C), Shamima Sultana (W), Fargana Hoque, Nahida Akhtar, Rumana Ahmed, Sharmin Akhtar, Fahima Khatoon, Jahanara Alam, Lata Mandal, Ritu Moni, Salma Khatoon, Suraiya Azmin, Murshida Khatoon, Shobhana Mostry, Shanjeeda Akhtar , Fariha Trisna
South Africa Women: Sune Luus (capt), Lizelle Lee (wk), Mignon du Preez, Marijne Kaup, Trisha Chetty, Shabnim Ismail, Chloe Tryon, Masabata Klass, Ayabonga Khaka, Lara Goodall, Laura Wolvaardt, Sinalo Jaffa, Tzmin Brits, Tumi Sekhlukhoon, Nonnakulukhoon Malaba
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