By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South Africa passed their biggest test of the Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand so far, beating defending champions England in a thrilling final over clash in Mount Maunganui on Monday.
In a rematch of the 2017 World Cup semi-final, which England won, the Proteas successfully hunted down the 236 they needed for victory in what is their highest ever run chase at the global showpiece.
It was tense throughout, and England were slightly ahead in the contest for the majority of South Africa’s chase, but there was both character and composure in a performance that was led by the heroics of Marizanne Kapp (5/45 and 32 off 42) and Laura Wolvaardt (77 off 101).
In the end, the Proteas got home with four balls to spare after England had posted 235/9 from their 50 overs.
They won by three wickets, with Trisha Chetty (13* off 13) hitting the winning runs.
England’s hopes of defending the Women’s World Cup are hanging by a thread after an agonising defeat by South Africa.
Now with three defeats from as many games, England are not yet out, but will need to win all of their remaining four and hope other results go their way.
Taken to 235-9 by half-centuries from Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones, England were once again blighted by a raft of missed chances in the field.
Wolvaardt took advantage of three dropped catches and a missed stumping in making 77.
After she fell, Kapp, who earlier took 5-45, inched South Africa closer in the face of some magical bowling from Sophie Ecclestone.
Kapp was out for 32 in the penultimate over, leaving the Proteas four to get from the final set.
Shabnim Ismail swung Nat Sciver over the leg side to give South Africa their first World Cup win over England in 22 years.
England play India at the same venue on Wednesday, when another defeat will effectively end their campaign.
In Monday’s other game, tournament debutants Bangladesh earned their first World Cup in a nine-run defeat of Pakistan.
South Africa are on track for the semis after their third win from as many games, with this one coming thanks to the all-round display of the brilliant Kapp.
The seamer bowled an immaculate line with the new ball, then used clever variations at the death for the tournament’s first five-wicket haul. She even provided the throw for the run-out of Jones.
The elegant Wolvaardt took advantage of England’s errors to add 56 with Tazmin Brits and 67 with captain Sune Luus.
After South Africa lost three wickets for 22 runs, Kapp, who overturned being given lbw on nine, repelled Ecclestone in a partnership of 30 with Chloe Tryon.
Then, after Tryon was run-out backing up, Kapp struck a crucial six off a Katherine Brunt full toss in the 46th over.
Though she could not see the job through, she had done enough for South Africa to pull off their highest successful chase in a World Cup match.