The Momentum Proteas are on track to earn a spot in the knockout stage following a third successive win at the ICC Woman’s World Cup. England were the latest victims of the South Africans. Our ladies just crawling over the line to pull off an exciting three-wicket victory, with just four balls remaining.
Kapp-ing them over
Momentum Proteas Captain Sune Luus won the toss in the wee hours of the morning and opted to have a bowl first. Marizanne Kapp put South Africa in the driving seat early on in the innings. The 32-year old taking two wickets in her first three overs, en route to a five-for; the first of the tournament and the first of Kapp’s career.
“I think I’ve played over 120-matches for South Africa so I should be comfortable in my abilities,” Marizanne said after the win.
“Being with this team, being able to represent my country in so many games, I think I reached the point in my career where I know what I’m capable of. I’m just glad I could do it in such an important game.”
While a third wicket fell through Masabata Klaas in the 12th over, seeing England on 42-3, the Momentum Proteas failed to land the killing blow.
A 107-run partnership between Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont saw England post a competitive, and definitely defendable 235 for 9.
More runs for Wolfie
While the Momentum Proteas lost Lizelle Lee early on, Laura Wolvaardt looked poised to convert a solid start into a century. However, for a second consecutive match, she lost her wicket with her score in the 70s’. While there will be some disappointment for the 22-year old Wolvaardt, her contribution was enough to set up the win.
“Honestly, I don’t really care if she (Wolvaard) scores a hundred or not,” quipped Kapp.
“I know she’s disappointed with herself because she wanted to see us through. I believe a big score is around the corner. She’s been so consistent and amazing to the line-up and yet again tonight, under pressure, she performed.”
Wolvaards’ 77 (101) allowed for a run-a-ball chase toward the end of the game. It was by no means easy, as England kept the pressure up, taking the game all the way to the last over.
🚨 RESULT | #MomentumProteas WIN BY 3 WICKETS
🇿🇦 The #MomentumProteas held their nerve in an epic encounter to record their highest-ever chase and reach England's target of 235 to remain unbeaten at #CWC22
📷 ICC/Getty#SAvENG #BePartOfTheForce #AlwaysRising pic.twitter.com/xmZJUTgqQr
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) March 14, 2022
On the up
Improvement within the South African squad is evident – after two scrappy wins against Bangladesh and Pakistan – the South Africans looked more composed with the bat in hand. However, more work needs to be done if they are to keep their unbeaten run intact.
“We know we haven’t played our best cricket yet,” assured Kapp.
“It’s not how you start the world cup; it’s about how you finish. I feel like we’re moving in the right direction and that we’ll peak at the right time”
Some big movements in the #CWC22 standings after Bangladesh and South Africa's massive victories 👀 pic.twitter.com/EDm7BnpwRL
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 14, 2022
The Momentum Proteas next face hosts New Zealand at the ICC Woman’s World Cup, Thursday morning from 3:00.
