India, the reigning ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup champions, elected to bat first at Old Trafford and posted 158/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

While Shafali Verma got India off to a flying start with 31 off just 15 balls, including four fours and a six, and Deepti Sharma added 29 from 21 deliveries, the total felt slightly below par on a good batting surface.

South Africa’s disciplined bowling effort ensured India never truly broke free. The Proteas conceded just six wides as their only extras, highlighting the accuracy and control shown throughout the innings.

Marizanne Kapp. Photo: ICC

Veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp once again led from the front, claiming 2/27 in her four overs, while speedster Shabnim Ismail backed her up superbly with figures of 2/28.

The Proteas’ chase got off to a shaky start. Captain Laura Wolvaardt fell for 20 in the sixth over with the score on 25 when she was caught and bowled by Shree Charani. Just two deliveries later, Annerie Dercksen was bowled for a duck by the same bowler, leaving South Africa under pressure at 25/2.

What followed was a match-defining partnership between Tazmin Brits and Kapp.

Harmanpreet Kaur. Photo: ICC

The pair added a magnificent 97 runs for the third wicket, steadying the innings and gradually shifting the momentum back in South Africa’s favour. Brits played an important supporting role with 40 off 36 balls before Charani caught her off the bowling of Verma.

While Nadine de Klerk contributed five runs, the chase belonged to Kapp.

The experienced all-rounder produced a career-best unbeaten 81, striking seven fours and four towering sixes in a masterclass of controlled aggression. Her innings guided the Proteas to victory with five balls to spare and earned her a deserved Player of the Match award.

Charani was India’s standout bowler, finishing with impressive figures of 3/24 from her four overs. 

Speaking after the match, Kapp admitted the pitch was far from straightforward despite South Africa successfully chasing down the target.

“It’s definitely not an easy wicket to chase on, especially against a team like India with their spinners,” said Kapp.

“We obviously didn’t get off to a great start with the bat, but I felt that partnership with Taz and her innings stabilised the chase a little bit.

Tazmin Brits. Photo: ICC

“We just kept saying that we shouldn’t let the required rate get too far beyond ten runs an over. We knew we could catch up, especially with the players still waiting in the dugout.

“But it definitely is a wicket where the longer you stay out there, the easier it becomes.”

The result has strengthened South Africa’s chances of progressing to the semi-finals, particularly with Australia and India still set to face one another in a crucial Group A encounter.

However, Kapp stressed the Proteas will not be distracted by other results and remain focused on their own performances. “Look, we still have a strong Bangladesh team and the Netherlands to play, so we can’t look too far ahead.” 

Shree Charani. Photo: ICC

“We have to pitch up every game and play our best cricket. If we take care of that, we can worry about everything else later.

“I’m not going to start thinking about whether India beats Australia or Australia beats India. We had one job today, and we got it done.

“Now our focus shifts to the Netherlands and Bangladesh. Those are good teams in their own right.”

South Africa’s next assignment comes against the Netherlands on Thursday in Bristol, with the match scheduled to get underway at 19:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg