Vinay Kumar
Marizanne Kapp produced a match-winning all-round performance as South Africa defeated India by six wickets in their Women’s T20 World Cup Group A clash on Sunday.Kapp starred with both bat and ball, first returning figures of 2/27 before unleashing an unbeaten 81 off just 45 deliveries to guide South Africa to victory with five balls to spare. Her knock included seven boundaries and four sixes and proved decisive in the 161/4 chase of India’s 158/7.India were left to rue missed chances, with substitute fielder Radha Yadav dropping Kapp twice at crucial moments, allowing the South African all-rounder to capitalise fully.Batting first on a two-paced surface, India struggled to build momentum and could only manage a modest total despite reaching 158/7. Deepti Sharma top-scored with 29 off 21 balls, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur made 24 off 22 deliveries.India’s innings had begun brightly, reaching 54 without loss, but they suffered a dramatic collapse, slipping to 83/4 before Deepti and Harmanpreet added a stabilising 33-run stand for the fifth wicket. However, poor shot selection and loss of momentum restricted them to a below-par total.South Africa’s chase initially looked steady rather than aggressive, with openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits negotiating the new ball carefully. However, India struck back through Shree Charani, who produced a double-wicket maiden to shift the momentum. She took a sharp return catch to dismiss Wolvaardt for 20 and then bowled Annerie Dercksen for a duck two balls later.Despite the setback, South Africa rebuilt through a crucial 97-run partnership between Kapp and Brits, which ultimately shaped the outcome of the match. The duo rotated strike efficiently and found regular boundaries, keeping the required rate under control.Brits contributed 40 off 36 balls before falling in the 17th over, edging a catch to deep backward square, a wicket that could have come earlier had Radha Yadav not spilled another straightforward opportunity.Kapp continued unfazed and carried her side over the line, punishing loose deliveries and taking advantage of her reprieves to finish unbeaten on 81 as South Africa reached 161/4 in 19.1 overs.The result pushed South Africa up the points table to third place, behind India and table-toppers Australia, keeping the group stage race tightly poised.
