Proteas Women star all-rounder and Player of the Match, Marizanne Kapp, believes Australia’s once formidable aura has waned since the departure of Meg Lanning.
Speaking after playing a leading role in South Africa’s historic first ever victory over Australia in ODI cricket, Kapp highlighted the narrowing gap in the women’s game, emphasizing its positive impact.
“Proud of her team’s maiden triumph over Australia in ODI cricket. To have been able to help my team and get them over the line in a match of this magnitude is a massive achievement for me.”
Proteas Women All-Rounder, Marizanne Kapp
“There’s definitely a change,” she remarked, noting recently-departed Australian skipper Meg Lanning’s knack for rescuing Australia from precarious situations.
“I think everyone is catching up a bit around the world,” she added, expressing optimism for the future competitiveness of women’s cricket.
“It was not easy conditions at all. We got a hiding in Adelaide, and to come out fighting and win, it makes it all so special. It was not easy especially with the bat. It speaks volumes about the fight and grit of the team.”
Looking ahead, Kapp expressed hope for a repeat performance in the final ODI, praising the contributions of young talents like Hlubi and Marx.
“They have massive careers ahead of them but for now it is big boots to fill up front. You all know how good Shibby is/was and she is missed. But it is so good to see such the youngsters put up their hands and do well.”
“The win helps South Africa claw back in the multi-format series that Australia leads 6-4,” Kapp noted, emphasizing the significance of the victory in the broader context of the series. “It is all to play for in the final ODI,” said Kapp, setting the stage for another intense showdown between the two teams at the North Sydney Oval.
The match itself showcased Kapp’s all-round brilliance, as she spearheaded South Africa’s victory with a stellar performance. Despite Australia’s strong start, Kapp’s three crucial wickets dismantled their batting lineup, supported by commendable displays from debutants Hlubi and Marx.
The win not only leveled the series but also demonstrated South Africa’s potential to compete at the highest level.
Australia’s decision to bowl first seemed logical given the overcast conditions. However, South Africa’s batters, led by captain Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch, steadied the innings after an early setback. Marizanne Kapp’s partnership with Sune Luus further bolstered the Proteas’ total, with contributions from Nadine de Klerk and Chloe Tryon propelling them to a competitive score of 229/6 in 45 overs.
In response, Australia’s batting faltered against South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack. Kapp’s early breakthroughs set the tone, with support from debutants Ayanda Hlubi and Eliz-Mari Marx.
Despite a resilient partnership between Ash Gardner and Kim Garth, Australia ultimately fell short, succumbing to South Africa’s superior performance in all departments.
The win not only marked a historic moment for South African cricket but also signaled a shift in the balance of power in women’s cricket, as teams around the world continue to narrow the gap with traditional powerhouses like Australia.
Women’s CommBank T20I Series v South Africa
Warm Up
24 Jan: Governor-General’s XI beat SA XI by 4 wickets (with 4 balls remaining)
Australia Won the T20I Series 2-1
27 Jan: Australia win first T20I 8 wickets (5 balls rem.) (Manuka Oval, Canberra)
28 Jan: South Africa win 2nd T20I by 6 wickets (6 balls rem.) (Manuka Oval, Canberra)
30 Jan: Australia win first T20I by5 wickets (4 balls rem.) (Blundstone Arena, Hobart)
ODI Series
3 Feb: Australia win first ODI by 8 wickets (186 balls rem.) (Adelaide Oval)
7 Feb: South Africa second ODI by 84 runs (DLS method) (North Sydney Oval)
10 Feb: North Sydney Oval, 2.40pm
Only Test
15-18 Feb: WACA Ground, Perth 11.00am
Proteas Women Squad (T20I & ODI) – Multi-format Tour to Australia
Laura Wolvaardt (c)
Anneke Bosch
Tazmin Brits
Nadine de Klerk
Mieke de Ridder
Ayanda Hlubi
Sinalo Jafta
Marizanne Kapp
Ayabonga Khaka
Masabata Klaas
Suné Luus
Eliz-Mari Marx
Nonkululeko Mlaba
Chloé Tryon
Delmi Tucker
Australia Squad for the T20I and ODI Series
Alyssa Healy (c)
Darcie Brown
Heather Graham
Ashleigh Gardner
Kim Garth
Grace Harris*
Jess Jonassen
Alana King**
Phoebe Litchfield
Tahlia McGrath
Beth Mooney
Ellyse Perry
Megan Schutt
Annabel Sutherland
Georgia Wareham
*T20s only | **ODIs only
Photo Caption: The Player of the Match and star all-rounder, Marizanne Kapp, hails changing women’s cricket landscape as South Africa beat Australia for the first time in ODI cricket and keep their hopes alive in the multi-format series, at the North Sydney Oval on Wednesday, 7 February, 2024. Photo: Anneke Bosch on Instagram
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