Mount Monganui: South Africa continued their winning streak in the ICC Women’s One Day World Cup with a three-wicket win over defending champions England here on Monday thanks to an all-round performance by the players. South Africa first allowed four-time champions England to score 235 for nine with the best ODI bowling performance of Marijane Kapp (5/45). Then after this, with the help of Laura Wolvaert (77 runs in 101 balls), the target was achieved in four balls, recovering from the challenge at the end.
South African captain Sune Luce (36), Kaap (32) and Tajmin Britts (23) also made useful contributions with the bat. Wolwart’s innings had eight fours. After a brilliant performance with the ball, Kaap also did wonders with the bat and brought the team closer to the target. He hit three fours and a six in his 42-ball innings. The team was only 10 runs away from the target, when Anya Shrabsol (2 for 34) was dismissed leg before. The fall of this wicket gave some hope to England but Trisha Chetty (12 not out) and Shabnim Ismail (5 not out) took South Africa to the target.
The win moved South Africa to second place in the eight-team table ahead of India by six points. The team is below Australia on the basis of net run rate. England suffered a third consecutive defeat. The team is yet to open its account in the points table.
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This is South Africa’s first World Cup win against England since 2000, while it is the first time a defending World Cup champion (men’s/women’s or ODI/T20I) has lost in their first three matches. Earlier, England scored 235 for nine after winning the toss and electing to bat with the help of restrained half-centuries from opener Tammy Beaumont (62) and wicketkeeper-batsman Amy Jones (53).
England did not have a good start, losing three quick wickets and by the 12th over their score was 42 for three. But Beaumont and Jones put on a crucial 107-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Kapp was the best bowler for South Africa, taking five wickets for the first time, while Masabata Klass also took two wickets.
England’s team recovered with the partnership of Beaumont and Jones, but both players were dismissed simultaneously. Beaumont played 97 balls which included six fours while Jones faced 74 balls which included five fours. After their dismissal, Sophia Dunkley (26), Katherine Brunt (17) and Sophie Ecclestone (15 not out) took England to a respectable score. (agency)