A blistering late assault from Shorna Akter powered Bangladesh Women to their highest-ever total in a Women’s World Cup, posting 232 for 6 against South Africa in Vizag on Monday.

The 18-year-old all-rounder produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting, smashing an unbeaten 51 off just 35 balls with three fours and three sixes — the most sixes ever struck by a Bangladeshi woman in an ODI innings. Her whirlwind knock also brought up the fastest fifty by a Bangladesh woman in the format, breathing life into an innings that had meandered for much of its course.

Bangladesh scored 57 runs in the final five overs, largely thanks to Shorna’s controlled aggression and a lively cameo from Ritu Moni, who struck 19 off eight balls to add the finishing touches.

Earlier, the top order set a solid platform through Sharmin Akhter’s composed 50 off 77 balls and captain Nigar Sultana Joty’s 32 off 42, while Fargana Hoque (30) and Rubya Haider (25) provided valuable support in the opening exchanges.

After the early dismissals of Fargana and Rubya, Bangladesh found stability through Sharmin and Nigar’s 77-run stand for the third wicket, before Shorna unleashed her fireworks in the death overs to turn a steady innings into a record-breaking one.

South Africa’s spinners, particularly Nonkululeko Mlaba (2 for 42), bowled tidily, while Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk took one wicket apiece.

Bangladesh’s total of 232 for 6 gives them a genuine chance of pulling off an upset, provided they make full use of their spin attack on a surface expected to assist turn later in the day.