SA claim first-ever win against NZ in Women's World Cup
An incredible all-round effort from Marizanne Kapp powered South Africa to a hard-fought win against New Zealand in the 16th match of the 2022 ICC Women's World Cup. SA successfully chased down 229 with two wickets remaining to claim their first-ever victory over New Zealand in the 50-over tournament. Kapp scored an unbeaten 34 besides taking two wickets in the match.
How did the match pan out?
New Zealand were bowled out for 228 after they elected to bat. Skipper Sophie Devine scored 93, with Suzie Bates departing early. NZ were rolled over (228) as the lower order perished. SA were cruising at 161/2 in the run-chase before getting reduced to 170/5. However, Kapp got them home in the final over. Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus scored half-centuries.
First-ever Women's WC win against NZ
South Africa have won their first-ever match against New Zealand in the Women's World Cup. They lost in 2013 (by 151 runs), 2009 (by 199 runs), and 2000 (by 158 runs). Overall, it was SA's 114th ODI victory against NZ.
Women's WC: SA maintain perfect record
South Africa maintain their perfect record in the ongoing Women's World Cup. They have won all four games so far - against Bangladesh, Pakistan, England, and New Zealand. SA are one of the two unbeaten sides in the tournament as of now (the other being Australia). The South Africans are second on the points table with eight points (NRR: +0.226).
Third consecutive 50+ score for Wolvaardt
Wolvaardt laid the foundation for SA's two-wicket win. She slammed her 24th half-century in ODIs to put SA in the driving seat. The SA opener smashed 67 off 94 deliveries with the help of 6 fours. It was her third consecutive 50+ score at the Women's World Cup (vs Pakistan, England, and NZ). Australia's Ellyse Perry tops this list with five such scores (2017).
Mignon du Preez plays her 150th ODI
Middle-order batter Mignon du Preez has become the fourth woman after Mithali Raj (229), Jhulan Goswami (199), and Charlotte Edwards (191) to play 150 ODIs. She is the first from South Africa to reach this landmark.
Other notable performers
NZ skipper Devine was the top scorer of the match (93). South Africa's Shabnim Ismail and Ayabonga Khaka picked three wickets apiece. Skipper Sune Luus scored her 11th half-century in ODI cricket (51 off 73 balls). Marizanne Kapp scored an unbeaten 34 and scalped two wickets. For NZ, Amelia Kerr scored 42 and snapped up three wickets.
