Women’s T20 World Cup: South Africa write history in brilliant chase against India, surpass Australia’s record | Cricket News
Marizanne Kapp produced one of the best innings in Women’s T20 World Cup history as South Africa beat India by six wickets at Old Trafford on Sunday to complete a record-breaking chase and keep their semi-final hopes alive.The Proteas managed to chase down 159 with 5 balls remaining, with Kapu scoring a stunning 81 off just 45 deliveries. South Africa not only recorded the highest number of successful chases in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup, surpassing their previous best of 135 against Australia in the 2024 semi-finals, but also set a new benchmark for the women’s T20 international competition.With this win, South Africa successfully chased the 150-over target for the tenth time in Women’s T20Is, surpassing Australia (nine) to become the most in the tournament. It’s worth noting that 4 of those 10 wins came in 2026.
South Africa rewrites record books
The 159-run chase has now become one of the most successful chases in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup. Only England have chased down 164 against Australia in the 2009 semi-final and West Indies have chased down 163 against New Zealand in the 2026 semi-final.Four of South Africa’s 10 successful 150-plus runs have come against India, including their highest-ever 193-run chase in Johannesburg earlier this year.The victory significantly boosted South Africa’s hopes of advancing to the semi-finals. The Proteas have already lost to unbeaten Australia and need a win to remain competitive.
Women’s T20 World Cup successfully chases 150-plus runs
- 164 – ENG-W vs. AUS-W, Oval, 2009 SF
- 163 – WI-W vs NZ-W, Southampton, 2026
- 159 – SA-W vs IND-W, Old Trafford, 2026
- 151 – SL-W vs NZ-W, Southampton, 2026
- 150 – IND-W and PAK-W, Cape Town, 2023
Kapp turns the tide after slow start
South Africa’s response after nine overs seemed to be teetering on 45/2, while the required ratio climbed to over 10 runs per over. But Kapu and returning opener Tazmin UK changed the game with a match-winning 97-run partnership.England, participating in the T20 World Cup for the first time since the 2024 final, scored a valuable 40 goals from a total of 36 goals. Both batsmen enjoyed good fortune, with the Englishman overturning an lbw decision on 28 and Kapp surviving on 25.Kapu reached her half-century off just 34 balls and accelerated brilliantly at the death. Even after Shafali Verma dismissed England in the 17th over, the all-rounder continued her attack, hitting a six off the next delivery and getting another chance at 65.She then hit two sixes off Deepti Sharma in the decisive 16-run 19th over before Chloe Tryon hit the winning boundary.Earlier, Kapu also performed well, taking 2-27, including the precious wicket of Smriti Mandhana.India, posted 158/7 and after helpful contributions from Shafali Verma Harmanpreet Kaurwill now play a must-win match against Australia in next Sunday’s main event.
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