Bangladesh national women’s cricket team crashed out of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup after a four-wicket defeat to South Africa in their last Group 1 match at Lord’s on Sunday.

Bangladesh posted 117-5 after opting to bat first, while South Africa reached 118-6 with four balls to spare, as the Nigar Sultana Joty-led side ended their campaign with two wins and three losses in the group stage.

Bangladesh were in trouble after losing their openers Juairiya Ferdous (0) and Taj Nehar (1) early. Then Sobhana Mostary added 56 runs with Sharmin Akhter to revive, but eventually the pair used up too many balls, which dented their run rate.

Skiper Joty tried to accelerate with her 32 off 20 while Sobhana top-scored 42 off 48 and Sharmin contributed 22 off 29. 

Nonkululeko Mlaba picked up 2-22 for South Africa.

Marufa Akter gave Bangladesh a dazzling start when she bowled Laura Wolvaardt for duck in the first delivery of their innings, while the spinners Nahida Akter 2-24 and Ritu Moni 1-24 kept it tight for the Proteas.

However, Annerie Dercksen anchored their innings with a run a ball 45, which helped them stay in the contention for the semi-final. 

Bangladesh earlier beat the Netherlands by six wickets and Pakistan by 23 runs.