Marizanne Kapp delivered a match-winning masterclass at Old Trafford, smashing an unbeaten 81 to drag South Africa over the line in a nail biting six wicket triumph over India that breathes fresh life into the Proteas’ Women’s T20 World Cup campaign.
The 36 year old all rounder turned what looked like a tricky chase into a statement performance, clubbing seven boundaries and four maximums as South Africa hunted down 159 in a heavyweight Sunday showdown that had semi final implications written all over it.
From struggle to swagger
South Africa’s pursuit got off to a dismal start, limping to just 25 runs during the powerplay restrictions. But Kapp’s arrival at the crease alongside Tazmin Brits with two wickets down sparked a dramatic turnaround. The experienced duo stitched together a magnificent 97-run stand from 63 deliveries, swinging momentum firmly in the Proteas’ favour.
“It was a tough game, playing India is always tough,” Kapp admitted post-match. “And I am very proud of the way the team came back. I was just praying to be honest… I struggled in the first few balls. The partnership with Taz set us up beautifully.”
India’s costly drops
The Women in blue will be kicking themselves after shelling three regulation chances to dismiss Kapp, who made them pay dearly for their charity. The veteran smoked two sixes off Deepti Sharma’s penultimate over before Chloe Tryon edged the winning boundary through the off-side off Nandani Sharma.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who reached the milestone of 200 T20 internationals, cut a frustrated figure. “We got a couple of chances in between but couldn’t take those chances,” she lamented. “We have to take opportunities at this level.”
Kapp’s brilliance with the bat followed an equally impressive showing with the ball, where she claimed 2-27 to restrict India’s total.
Semi final picture takes shape
Both South Africa and India now sit on four points in Group A, trailing unbeaten leaders Australia who have six. This result sets up a potentially decisive clash between India and Australia at Lord’s on 29 June, with only the top two from each pool advancing to the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, the West Indies maintained their perfect record in Group B with a nervy win over Sri Lanka, chasing down 99 despite collapsing to 70-5. Stafanie Taylor’s unbeaten 27 saw them home, whilst captain Hayley Matthews starred with the ball, taking 3-15 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 98. The result also eliminated winless Ireland from contention.
