'I'm sad because they're crying in the dressing room': Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana and players heartbroken after thrilling loss to South Africa

In the run chase of 233, South Africa found themselves struggling for 78/5 in the 23rd over. It seemed like Bangladesh will pull off the first upset of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 but the lower order came to South Africa's rescue. Half-centuries from Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon and a quickfire cameo from Nadine de Klerk helped South Africa win by three wickets with three balls to spare. Two dropped catches in the slog overs did not help Bangladesh's cause either as they loosened their grip over the match at ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam on October 13.

After the defeat, Bangladesh players were in tears. South Africa had pulled off a great escape but the Bangladesh players were crying in the dressing room.

“First of all, I'm really proud of the way my girls fight till the last ball. And I'm sad because they are crying in the dressing room, because they are so young. And I'm really happy the way they have given their 110 percent today. And they are very emotional right now and they keep believing in themselves that we can get this win. So I think it was a great learning (experience) for us,” Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana said in the post-match presentation.

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Sultana's words of appreciation for teammates

Sultana had an emotional message for her teammates and wants them to continue playing in the same manner for the rest of tournament.

“I know my team is very young. But they keep growing each and every day. And how we came back after the New Zealand game is quite brilliant. I just say (message to the team) be proud of how you have done in the middle. And this is not the last game we are going to play. So we have three more games left. And we should be proud. And we should keep our heads high because of the way we played, I think we have given them a tough time in the middle. So we should keep doing that,” she added.

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Bangladesh are currently placed sixth on the points table and alive in the semifinal race. Their next game is against defending champions Australia led by Alyssa Healy at the same venue on October 16.