There were many changes in the ICC women’s ODI batsman rankings after the end of the South Africa vs Bangladesh ODI series. South African batsman Laura Wolvaardt was the reason behind her team’s victory in the ODI series as she led her team to win the three-match series 2-1.

Laura Wolvaardt has strengthened her fourth place in the ICC Women’s ODI batsman rankings, while she is just two points away from taking over from Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu. In addition to Athapaththu, Wolvaardt needs 14 more points to take the number two spot from Australia’s Beth Mooney, while England’s Natalie Sciver Brunt has consolidated her top spot.

Laura Wolvaardt consolidates fourth place in the ranking of ODI players

Where Laura Wolvaardt smashed a century in the third ODI match between South Africa and Bangladesh, she was followed by her opening partner Tazmin Brits, who also smashed a century. The British made a jump of 32 places in the ICC women’s ODI batsman rankings and rose to 41st place. On the other hand, Anneke Bosch’s first ODI half-century, which helped her climb 70 places and secure the 71st place .

Bangladesh’s Fogana Haque scored a century in the unsuccessful second ODI match between South Africa and Bangladesh. However, this was enough for her to reach 13th place in the ICC Women’s ODI batsman rankings.

South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has reached the eighth position in the ICC Women’s ODI All-Rounder rankings after her two wicket hauls in the two matches of the ODI series. Her performance also helped her secure a first place in the ICC Women’s ODI Bowlers Rankings and she overtook Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner. Both players led the position together until the last week.

Coming back to the South Africa vs Bangladesh ODI series, the Bangladesh women’s team won the first ODI match in East London by 119 runs. Chasing 251 runs, Bangladesh’s Murshida Khatun played 91* innings and was also adjudged Player of the Match.

Chasing 251 runs, the Bangladesh team put up a brilliant bowling display and it was Nahida Akter who took a three-wicket haul. She was followed by Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun and Rabeya Khan’s two-wicket haul, which helped the team win the match.

Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits help South Africa script historic series win

Coming into the second ODI match played in Potchefstroom, Bangladesh could only score 222/4 in the first innings thanks to an excellent bowling display from South Africa. The South African team did not have much difficulty chasing 223 and Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits helped South Africa to an easy chase.

The series decider played at Benoni was a high scoring affair. South Africa batted first at 316/4. It was Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, who scored centuries and played innings of 126 and 118 runs respectively. Bangladesh were awarded 100 runs and in the end South Africa won the match by 216 runs. They also won the series 2-1.