Kapp’s Early Blitz Sets Up Hard-Fought Proteas Over Pakistan
The Proteas Women bounced back from their opening defeat of the tournament with a nervy two-wicket victory over Pakistan, thanks largely to a devastating opening spell from Marizanne Kapp and a crucial half-century from Annerie Dercksen.
South Africa extended their winning streak against Pakistan in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to four matches, but the victory was far from straightforward as Pakistan captain Fatima Sana’s lower-order resistance ensured the Proteas had to work much harder than anticipated.
Having suffered a 65-run defeat to Australia in their tournament opener, South Africa retained faith in the same XI. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that quickly backfired as the Proteas’ seam attack tore through the top order.
Kapp struck twice in the opening over with only three runs on the board. She trapped Muneeba Ali lbw before producing a beauty to bowl Gull Feroza, immediately placing Pakistan under immense pressure.
Although Ayesha Zafar briefly counter-attacked with a crisp boundary over midwicket, Kapp had the final say on the very next delivery as another full ball crashed into her pads, leaving Pakistan reeling.
Ayabonga Khaka compounded the damage when she bowled Natalia Pervaiz with a delivery that kept low, clipped the under-edge and crashed into the stumps.
Pakistan’s innings soon descended into chaos, with poor running between the wickets proving costly. Rameen Shamim became the first of four run-out victims after failing to respond to her partner’s call, leaving Pakistan’s top five back in the pavilion for just 29 runs inside the powerplay.
The procession continued when Iram Javed was run out by Kayla Reyneke while attempting a non-existent single, while Aliya Riaz became Shabnim Ismail’s first wicket of the tournament after offering a catch to Sune Luus. Nashra Sandhu then became the third batter to be run out as Pakistan slumped to 50/8.
At that stage, a complete collapse appeared inevitable and South Africa looked set to significantly boost their net run rate. However, Fatima Sana had other ideas.
Displaying remarkable composure, Sana produced a captain’s innings, smashing an unbeaten 55 from just 38 deliveries. Together with Tuba Hassan, she added a magnificent 71-run partnership from only 54 balls to lift Pakistan to a competitive 126/9.
The Proteas’ chase began shakily when Sune Luus departed early, but Dercksen responded with a brilliant counter-attacking knock. The young batter blasted 52 off just 35 balls to put South Africa firmly in control.
Even after captain Laura Wolvaardt fell for just eight, the presence of Dercksen and Kapp at the crease suggested the Proteas were cruising towards victory. However, when both departed with the score on 76, Pakistan sensed an opportunity to pull off an unlikely upset.
Nadine de Klerk then played a crucial hand, making amends for an expensive spell with the ball by striking a valuable 37 from 28 deliveries, including six boundaries.
Yet South Africa refused to make things easy for themselves. With only two runs required and six wickets already down, the Proteas lost both Sinalo Jafta and De Klerk in quick succession, leaving the contest hanging in the balance.
In the end, Pakistan’s spirited fightback was undone by an anti-climactic finish as Sana, who had been outstanding with both bat and ball, conceded a wide that handed South Africa victory.
While the Proteas will be relieved to have secured their first win of the tournament, they will know there is plenty to improve on despite Kapp’s brilliance and Dercksen’s match-winning contribution.
PAKISTAN – 126/9
Fatima Sana 55* (38 balls), Tuba Hassan 23 (27 balls)
Marizanne Kapp 3/23 (4 overs), Shabnim Ismail 1/15 (4 overs)
SOUTH AFRICA – 127/8
Annerie Dercksen 52 (35 balls), Nadine de Klerk 37 (28 balls)
Fatima Sana 3/16 (2.5 overs), Sadia Iqbal 2/26 (4 overs), Tuba Hassan 2/28 (4 overs)
