DHAKA, Dec 4, 2023 (BSS)-Bangladesh Women's team skipper Nigar Sultana Joty

said that she played a gamble, which paid off and ensured the side's 13-run
victory against South Africa in the first T20 International at the
Willowmoore Park, Benoni on Sunday.

It was Bangladesh's first victory on South African soil and their only second
victory against the Proteas in this format. However this second victory came
after 11 years.

Bangladesh posted a respectable 149-2, thanks to a 59 ball-62 not out of
opener Murshida Khatun and then wrist spinner Shorna's 5-28 restricted South
African for 136-8, scripting a momentous victory.

Shorna, who was considered as occasional bowler, came to the bowl in 14th
over and bowled four overs on the trot. She though bowled well, Joty had the
option to go for more experienced when the game was in the balance.

During 18th over, Joty played the gamble, bringing in Shorna, instead of
experienced Rabyea Akter and it paid off as the 16-year old Shorna dismissed
set batter Anneke Bosch who made 67 off 49 to ensure Bangladesh's victory.
Shorna basically is an optional bowler but she bowled brilliantly today to
help us win the game," Joty said after the match.

"As she doesn't bowl regularly, it was tough to decide whether I would
continue with here in the crunch moment. I know that Shorna can bowl quickly
and in the same area. We tried to trap the South African batters like that. I
think the gamble I played there worked out," she added.