Women’s T20 World Cup 2020: Day 3, Round-up

The Day 3 in Women’s T20 World Cup witnessed an enthralling clash as two heavyweights– England and South Africa locked horns in Match 4 of the tournament. The clash went on to the last over where South Africa’s Du Preez delivered a brilliant cameo to steer her side to a six-wicket triumph.

After losing the toss and being put to bat first, England Women were secured by the half-century of Natalie Sciver. Wicketkeeper Amy Jones also stitched 23 runs at the top but failed to convert it into a big inning. After the departure of both the openers– Jones and Wyatt– it was Natalie Sciver who steadied England’s run-flow. She amassed 50 runs from 40 deliveries and weaved her knock around 5 fours and a six. Apart from Sciver, no other England batswoman could amass runs on the board.

Wickets kept tumbling for England as they could only gather 123 runs on the board in their stipulated 20 overs. Ayabonga Khaka, who scalped three wickets in her spell while conceding 25 runs, emerged as the pick of South African bowling attack. She was well assisted by Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk, who also joined the bandwagon by plucking two wickets each.

It was touted to be a cakewalk for South Africa Women, who chased down the target in the last over to register a six-wicket victory to the T20 World Cup campaign. After the departure of Lizelle Lee, skipper Dane van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp steadied South Africa’s run-chase and amassed 46 and 38 respectively. The Proteas Women embraced a slow approach and amassed only 26 runs in the Powerplay– something which took the encounter to the last over.

Dane van Niekerk was adjudged Player of the Match

After the departure of Niekerk-Kapp duo, it was the crucial 18-run cameo of Mignon du Preez which steered South Africa to the triumph. Du Preez amassed 18 runs in 11 deliveries and hit a four and a six to ensure South Africa Women of a victory.

With nine runs needed off the last over, Du Preez hit a six over backward square leg to make things easier for the Proteas side. She hit a four on the next delivery to hand South Africa Women their first victory of Women’s T20 World Cup. Dane van Niekerk was adjudged Player of the Match for her heroics with the bat and the ball.

I am lost for words. Thanks to God, it’s a great victory. This was an opportunity for me to step being a senior player,” said Du Preez post her heroics.

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