Kapp’s Heroics Sink India in Manchester Thriller, Semi-Final Hopes Take a Hit
Marizanne Kapp produced a match-winning all-round performance as South Africa handed India their first defeat of the Women’s T20 World Cup, securing a dramatic six-wicket victory at Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday.
After convincing wins over the Netherlands and Pakistan, India looked on course for another success when their spinners tightened the screws during South Africa’s chase. However, Kapp had other plans. Given two lifelines by Radha Yadav in the field, the experienced all-rounder punished India with an unbeaten 81 off just 45 deliveries, smashing seven fours and four sixes to guide the Proteas home.
The defeat has complicated India’s path to the semi-finals. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side now face a must-win clash against Australia, with Bangladesh also firmly in contention for a knockout berth.
The result also spoiled a landmark occasion for Harmanpreet, who became the first cricketer to feature in 200 Women’s T20 Internationals.
India Fail to Capitalise on Flying Start
India got off to an explosive start through openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. The pair attacked South Africa’s pace spearheads Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail from the outset, racing to 59 runs in the powerplay.
Shafali led the charge with a blistering 31 off 15 balls, while Mandhana contributed 17 before South Africa fought back. Kapp clean-bowled Mandhana with a clever variation, and Ismail removed Shafali with a sharp short ball that produced an edge behind the stumps.
The double breakthrough shifted momentum, and South Africa steadily clawed their way back into the contest.
Yastika Bhatia (15), Jemimah Rodrigues (12) and Harmanpreet Kaur (24) all got starts but failed to convert them into substantial scores. Deepti Sharma added 29, while Richa Ghosh chipped in with 15, yet India struggled to build partnerships during the crucial middle overs.
South Africa’s disciplined bowling ensured India never gained complete control. Kapp and Ismail claimed two wickets each as India finished on a competitive but below-par 158.
Charani Spins India Into Command
India’s bowlers made an ideal start while defending the target. After restricting South Africa during the powerplay, left-arm spinner Shree Charani delivered a game-changing spell.
She first dismissed captain Laura Wolvaardt with a sharp return catch before bowling Annerie Dercksen for a duck. The twin strikes reduced South Africa to 25 for 2 and firmly put India in the driver’s seat.
At that stage, the Proteas appeared under pressure, with India’s spinners controlling proceedings and chances beginning to come their way.
Kapp Turns the Match Around
The contest changed completely once Kapp settled at the crease.
Partnering Tazmin Brits (40), Kapp rebuilt the innings with patience before launching a calculated assault on the Indian attack. The pair added 97 runs for the third wicket, steadily shifting the pressure back onto India.
India’s biggest setback came when Radha Yadav put down two chances offered by Kapp. The missed opportunities proved decisive as the South African veteran capitalised in style.
Kapp brought up a fluent half-century before accelerating in the closing stages, finding boundaries at regular intervals and neutralising India’s spin threat. Her blend of composure and power ensured South Africa stayed ahead of the required rate despite the pressure of a tricky chase.
Remaining unbeaten on 81, Kapp carried South Africa across the finish line and completed a memorable victory that revived the Proteas’ campaign while leaving India staring at a potentially early exit from the tournament.
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