Momentum Proteas all-rounder, Marizanne Kapp, delivered a matching winning performance to win Player of the Final as Perth Scorchers claimed their first-ever Women’s Big Bash League title on Saturday, 27 November 2021.
Kapp starred with both bat and ball, producing a critical performance to defeat Adelaide Strikers in front of 15 511 spectators at Optus Stadium.
Three South Africans took part in the match in Perth with Kapp’s partner, Proteas captain Dané van Niekerk and team-mate Laura Wolvaardt representing Strikers.
After being sent to bat first, the Scorchers had a solid start but soon fell to 75/3 with Kapp walking to the crease.
The 31-year-old top-scored for the home side with an unbeaten 31 off 23 balls as the Scorchers posted 146 in their 20 overs.
She then took one for 25 in her four overs as the Strikers fell short by 12 runs and saw her claim her second Player of the Final award – Kapp won the Player of the Final in The Hundred competition when The Oval Invincibles claimed the inaugural title.
Dané van Niekerk Leads Oval Invincibles to Historic Win at The Hundred
However, this is not the first time Kapp has won a WBBL title as she was successful with the Sydney Sixers on three occasions.
She also ended this edition of the tournament with 12 wickets – the highest South African wicket-taker and 19th overall – and scored 106 runs in her 17 matches.
Strikers opener, van Niekerk, only managed six before falling to Taneale Peschel (2/23), while Wolvaardt scored 25 off 28 balls but was dismissed by Heather Graham (2/30).
Meanwhile, Mignon du Preez for the Hobart Hurricanes was the best-placed batter from South Africa (seventh overall) after scoring 414 runs at an average of 31.84.
Final Scores in Perth:
Perth Scorchers 146/5 in 20 overs (Marizanne Kapp 31*, Tahlia McGrath 1/14)
Adelaide Strikers 134/6 in 20 overs (Tahlia McGrath 36, Taneale Peschel 2/23)
Social media widely celebrated Kapp’s victory:
Marizanne Kapp.
One of the great competitors. We love having you play in the WBBL, @kappie777 🧡 #WBBL07 pic.twitter.com/6wNPUjqe5O
— Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) November 27, 2021
https://twitter.com/pseudorandom0/status/1464655618766041095?s=20
Marizanne #Kapp, The True Allrounder
Putting in a Player of the Match Show in the 2 Major Tournaments of the Year #TheHundred Final
– 26 (14) & 4/9 (18 balls)
– #OvalInvincibles Win #WBBL Final
– 31* (23) & 1/25 (4 Overs)
– #perthscorchers Win #Cricket #SouthAfrica— Broken Cricket Dreams Cricket Blog (@cricket_broken) November 27, 2021
https://twitter.com/tobie_chapman/status/1464550749589827593?s=20
Marizanne Kapp's game face is so intense I love her
— Loz (@Lozzemarine) November 27, 2021
Photo 1 Caption: Momentum Proteas all-rounder, Marizanne Kapp, delivered a matching winning performance to win Player of the Final as Perth Scorchers claimed their first-ever Women’s Big Bash League title on Saturday, 27 November 2021. Photo: Marizanne Kapp (Instagram)