Women’s World Cup: Kapp’s all-around performance propels South Africa to victory over England

MOUNT MAUNGANUI: South Africa’s all-rounder Marizanne Kapp produced a magnificent performance to lead South Africa to a three-wicket victory against England in the 13th match of the current ICC Women’s World Cup on Sunday.

The all-rounder claimed five wickets in the first innings to reduce England to 235/9 before hitting a crucial 32 in the run chase to help her team defeat the previous champions.

With three wickets in hand and set to chase 236 runs, South Africa clinched the victory in the penultimate over. The team got off to an unfavourable start in the run chase, losing the first wicket for only 18 runs as Lizelle Lee died after scoring only nine runs.

Laura Wolvaardt, South Africa’s right-handed opening hitter, then anchored the innings with a stunning 77-run knock to anchor the run chase. She faced 101 balls and connected on eight of them.

Later, Proteas skipper Sune Luus and all-rounder Kapp both contributed key innings to help the team in the run chase. Kapp had a score of 32, while Luus had a score of 36.

The tail then kept their cool to guide the team to victory in the last over, with wicket-keeper batter Trisha Chetty and Shabnim Ismail scoring unbroken 15 and five runs, respectively.

Anya Shurbsole took two wickets for England, while Kate Cross, Sophie Ecclestone, Nat Sciver, and Charlie Dean each struck out a batter.

Despite fifties from Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones, England batted first and posted 235/9 thanks to Kapp’s five-for.

Beaumont led the team in scoring with 62 off 97 balls, while Jones followed with 53 off 74 balls and five boundaries. The remaining hitters, on the other hand, were unable to contribute considerably.

Kapp led South Africa with five wickets, while Masabata Klaas had two. In contrast, Ayabonga Khaka struck out a batter.