Published on October 10, 2024 by Kariuki Mwangi
Last Updated on 2 years by Kariuki Mwangi
By Deepak Sharma (Indian Correspondent)
E-mail: spacewalker008@gmail.com
Dubai, UAE (09-10-2024): South Africa took a significant step towards securing a spot in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals, defeating Scotland by a commanding 80 runs in Dubai.
The Proteas’ batting was spearheaded by Tazmin Brits (43), Marizanne Kapp (43), and Laura Wolvaardt (40), helping them post a formidable total of 166/5—the highest score of the tournament so far.
Nonkululeko Mlaba starred with the ball, taking three wickets as Scotland were bowled out for 86, marking their third consecutive defeat and ending their campaign in the group stages.
Electing to bat first, South Africa survived an early scare when Wolvaardt, on just two, was dropped by Katherine Fraser off a Kathryn Bryce delivery. Wolvaardt capitalized on the reprieve, hitting a boundary the very next ball and building a solid opening partnership with Brits. The Proteas dominated the powerplay, which concluded with an 18-run sixth over, laying a strong foundation for their innings.
Fraser made up for her earlier mistake by dismissing Wolvaardt, who was caught by Olivia Bell in the eighth over. However, Brits carried on the momentum, smashing a six off Fraser. Though Anneke Bosch fell for 11, Marizanne Kapp quickly took charge, hitting six boundaries in her quickfire 43 from 24 balls before being dismissed in the 18th over. Sune Luus chipped in with an unbeaten 18 from 13 deliveries, propelling South Africa to a challenging total of 167.
Scotland’s response got off to a shaky start, and they struggled to 34/3 by the end of the powerplay. Chloe Tryon made key breakthroughs, removing both Bryce sisters—Sarah and Kathryn—via caught-and-bowled dismissals, while Saskia Horley was caught at extra cover.
Wickets tumbled regularly, with Mlaba clean bowling both Ailsa Lister and Darcey Carter. Luus held onto a sharp return catch to dismiss Lorna Jack-Brown. Fraser (14) fought valiantly lower down the order but eventually became Mlaba’s third victim when Anneke Bosch took a fine catch. Mlaba then sealed the win with an impressive diving catch to remove Abtaha Maqsood, ending Scotland’s innings in the 18th over.
South Africa’s win keeps their semi-final hopes alive, while Scotland’s journey in the tournament comes to an end.
Match Summary
South Africa: 166/5 in 20 overs (Marizanne Kapp 43, Tazmin Brits 43; Katherine Fraser 1/15, Darcey Carter 1/17)
Scotland: 86 all out in 17.5 overs (Katherine Fraser 14, Ailsa Lister 12; Nonkululeko Mlaba 3/12, Nadine de Klerk 2/15)
Result: South Africa won by 80 runs.
