Protea skipper Dane Van Niekerk becomes the holder of an extraordinary record

South African all-rounder Dane Van Niekerk created history during their clash against the West Indies in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup. The 24-year-old pulled off something no one could do since the birth of the game.

Niekerk, the Pretoria-born cricketer became the first bowler in the history of the game to pick up 4 wickets without conceding a single run in an international match. She hit the best economy rate possible and bowled a tremendous 3.2 over spell. She picked up 3 maidens and was on her way to the fourth.

All the bowlers faired brilliantly as the South Africans bundled out the West Indies for mere 48 runs. Niekerk got her first breakthrough when she picked up the wicket of Chedean Nation (26), the only batsman in the West Indies line-up to reach double figures. She quickly got her second wicket in the form of Merissa Aguilleira as she rattled the latter’s stumps. Shanel Daley and Qiana Joseph were Niekerk’s final two wickets which contributed hugely to the destruction of the West Indian batting line-up.

Coming on to chase the target, the South Africans did it as easily as expected. They wrapped up the game in just 6.2 overs without a loss of a single wicket. Openers Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee remained unbeaten at scores of 19 and 29 respectively.

How the table stands:

South Africa now sits at the top of the table with 5 points from their 3 games, out of which they have won 2. Australia and India are just behind, after winning both their opening games and with a game in hand.

West Indies find themselves toiling at the rock bottom of the table losing all the three matches they have played. South Africa next take on England at the Bristol County Ground on 5th July.