Marizanne Kapp produced a match-winning all-round performance as South Africa beat India by six wickets in a Group A encounter of the Women’s World T20 on Sunday.Kapp starred with both bat and ball, first returning figures of 2/27 before unleashing an unbeaten 81 off just 45 deliveries to guide South Africa to victory with five balls to spare. Her knock included seven boundaries and four sixes and proved decisive in the Indian’s 161/4 chase of 158/7.India were left rueing missed opportunities, with substitute Radha Yadav dropping Kapp twice at crucial moments, allowing the South African all-rounder to take full advantage.Batting first on a two-paced surface, India struggled to build momentum and could only manage a modest total despite reaching 158/7. Deepti Sharma top scorer with 29 turnovers, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur made 24 off 22 deliveries.India India started brightly, reaching 54 not out, but suffered a dramatic slump, slipping to 83/4 before Deepti and Harmanpreet added a stabilizing 33-run stand for the fifth wicket. However, poor shot selection and loss of momentum limited them to a below-par total.South Africa’s chase initially looked steady rather than aggressive with the rookies Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits carefully negotiate the new ball. However, India fought back through Shree Charani, who produced a maiden double to swing the momentum. She took a sharp return catch to dismiss Wolvaardt for 20, then two balls later dropped Annerie Dercksen for a duck.Despite the setback, South Africa rebuilt through a crucial 97-run partnership between Kappa and the Brits, which ultimately shaped the outcome of the match. The duo rotated shots effectively and found proper boundaries, keeping the required speed under control.The Brits contributed 40 off 36 balls before falling in the 17th over, catching the ball to deep backward, a wicket that could have come earlier had Radha Yadav not spilled another direct chance.Kapp continued at even pace and carried her side over the line, punishing loose deliveries and taking advantage of her delays to finish unbeaten on 81 as South Africa reached 161/4 in 19.1 overs.The result pushed South Africa up to third in the points table, behind India and leaders Australia, keeping the group stage race firmly set.
