Intro
All-round display from Kapp helps Proteas secure crucial Group A victory.
Manchester
An unbeaten 81 from star all-rounder Marizanne Kapp powered South Africa to a vital six-wicket victory over India in a Group A match of the Women’s T20 World Cup in Manchester.
Kapp, who also impressed with figures of 2/27, delivered a match-winning performance as the Proteas chased down India’s target of 159 with five balls to spare. South Africa finished on 161 for four in 19.1 overs to register a significant win that strengthened their semifinal hopes.
The experienced all-rounder capitalised on two dropped chances by substitute fielder Radha Yadav, making India pay dearly for their lapses in the field. Kapp smashed seven boundaries and four sixes in her unbeaten 45-ball knock, anchoring South Africa’s chase with authority.
After a cautious start, South Africa recovered strongly through a 97-run third-wicket partnership between Kapp and Tazmin Brits, who contributed a valuable 40 off 36 deliveries. Their stand, which came off just 63 balls, shifted the momentum decisively in favour of the Proteas.
India had earlier struck early blows through spinner Shree Charani, who produced a double-wicket maiden to remove South African captain Laura Wolvaardt and Annerie Dercksen in quick succession. Charani finished with impressive figures of 3/24 and remained India’s most successful bowler.
However, India’s fielding errors proved costly. Radha dropped Kapp twice at crucial stages, allowing the veteran batter to guide her team home. The missed opportunities overshadowed an otherwise spirited bowling effort.
Earlier, India struggled to build momentum on a two-paced surface and posted 158 for seven. The innings was revived by useful contributions from Deepti Sharma (29 off 21 balls) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (24), who was playing her historic 200th T20 International.
The defeat was India’s first of the tournament, though they remain second in the Group A standings behind Australia. South Africa’s victory lifted them to third place and kept them firmly in contention for a knockout berth.
