South Africa registered their highest successful run-chase in World Cups after they defeated defending champions England by three wickets in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup, played at Mount Maunganui, on March 14 (Monday). South Africa bowler Marizanne Kapp claimed her first five-wicket haul in ODIs to restrict England within a total of 235/9 in 50 overs. In reply, South Africa successfully reached the target with four balls remaining. The defending champions on the other hand are yet to secure their first victory in the ongoing Women’s World Cup as they lost all their three matches in the tournament.
Solid start
For England, their opener batter Tammy Beaumont played a solid innings of 62 runs off 97 balls to earn a good start for her team. Later, England wicketkeeper Amy Jones scored a half-century (53 runs off 74 balls) to take her side to a formidable total.
For South Africa, their 32-year-old medium pacer Kapp seemed to be on fire as she picked up five wickets to create problems for the English batting unit. Kapp conceded 45 runs from her 10 overs. On the other hand, another South Africa medium pacer Masabata Klass claimed two wickets as their right-arm medium pacer Ayabonga Khaka bagged one wicket. South African bowlers can be a little unhappy with their indiscipline in bowling after they conceded 10 runs as wide out of the 20 extra runs they had conceded.
The run-chase
In reply, South Africa opening batter Laura Wolvaardt started the run-chase on a confident note as she scored 77 runs off 101 balls. Her innings was comprised of 8 boundaries. Later, Tazmin Brits (23 runs off 46 balls), skipper Sune Luus (36 runs off 49 deliveries) and Marizanne Kaap (32 runs off 42 balls) scored some vital runs to help their side in securing a memorable victory.
It is important to mention that this South Africa victory is their first win ever against England in World Cup in more than two decades and it is also South Africa’s first win in the history of the tournament.
England team are currently at sixth spot in the standings. South Africa on the other hand, managed to win all their three matches and they are presently at second spot.
