New Delhi: South Africa kept their Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive with a crucial six-wicket victory over India in a Group A encounter on Sunday. Veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp produced a match-winning performance with both bat and ball, helping the Proteas secure one of their most important wins of the tournament.
Also Read Bengali | ম্যারিজান কাপের ঝড়ে ভারতের প্রথম হার, সেমিফাইনালের দৌড়ে দক্ষিণ আফ্রিকা
Kapp first impressed with the ball, returning figures of 2/27, before smashing an unbeaten 81 off just 45 deliveries to guide South Africa to victory. Her explosive knock, which included seven fours and four sixes, powered the Proteas to 161/4 in 19.1 overs while chasing a target of 159.
আরও পড়ুন
The defeat handed India their first loss of the tournament and left their semi-final qualification hopes hanging in the balance ahead of a crucial clash against Australia.
Kapp and Brits rescue South Africa
South Africa’s chase got off to a cautious start, with the team managing only 25 runs in the opening five overs. India appeared to be firmly in control when spinner Shree Charani struck twice in a maiden over, removing captain Laura Wolvaardt and Annerie Dercksen to leave the Proteas under pressure.
However, Kapp had other plans.
Joining forces with Tazmin Brits, the experienced all-rounder rebuilt the innings brilliantly. The duo stitched together a vital 97-run partnership for the third wicket, combining sensible strike rotation with aggressive strokeplay to keep South Africa on course.
India’s woes were compounded by costly fielding errors. Substitute fielder Radha Yadav dropped Kapp twice, and the South African star made the most of those reprieves. She remained unbeaten until the end, steering her side across the finish line with five balls to spare.
India fail to build on strong start
Earlier, India struggled to capitalise after being asked to bat first.
The innings began promisingly, but a middle-order collapse derailed their progress. From a comfortable 54 without loss, India slipped to 83/4, losing momentum at a crucial stage of the innings.
Deepti Sharma fought back with a valuable 29 off 21 balls, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur, playing her landmark 200th T20 International, contributed 24 runs. Their 33-run partnership helped stabilise the innings, but India were unable to accelerate significantly in the closing overs.
Eventually, the Women in Blue posted 158/7, a total that looked competitive on a challenging surface but ultimately proved insufficient against Kapp’s brilliance.
Semi-final race heats up
The victory significantly boosts South Africa’s chances of reaching the knockout stage, while India now face increased pressure heading into their remaining group fixtures.
With the tournament entering its decisive phase, Kapp’s outstanding all-round display could prove to be one of the defining performances of the Women’s T20 World Cup campaign.
