South Africa remain unbeaten in Women's World Cup

Multiple records for South Africa

South Africa secured their first victory against New Zealand in the Women's World Cup, which followed on from them defeating England for the first time in a World Cup in their previous game. Apart from getting four out of four wins, South Africa also became the first team to chase down the target successfully in Hamilton in this tournament, where batting first has always proven to place you in a catbird seat. On the other hand, hosts New Zealand suffered a third consecutive loss in the series.

Stumbling batting order of New Zealand 

The day started in favour of New Zealand as they won the toss and chose to bat. However, they failed to get leverage out of it. South Africa bowled like champs and restricted New Zealand to 228 in just 47.5 overs. Captain Sophie Devine played an extraordinary inning of 93 runs, but failed to bat until the end.

Amelia Kerr said, "Disappointing not to bat out the full 50, especially when the platform was set. Shows the importance of batting through. But the wicket is a touch slow and we will take the 228, to try and defend. We know we have got a great bowling attack; hopefully, we will get off to a good start. When we are bowling and fielding well, we are a dangerous team. The slower balls were working during the innings, and hopefully, the pitch holds up for the spinners - myself and [Frances] Mackay will look forward to that. We love being out there as a group, have a lot of fun, good energy and hopefully put up a good display." 

Enigmatic chase by South Africa

The chase started on a decent note, with Laura Wolvaardt setting the stage well for her team, ensuring they didn't lose easy early wickets. She built an 88-run partnership for the third wicket with Sune Luus, and at that stage, it looked like a cakewalk for the South Africa team. However, they went on to lose three wickets in quick succession, steering the match towards a thrilling ending. Then middle-order batter Marizanne Kapp played a beautiful knock of 34 runs in 35 balls to rebuild pressure on bowlers and get South Africa into the game again. Despite falling wickets, she kept sailing for ones and twos, waiting for the correct time to smash big hits. 

Marizanne Kapp (Player of the Match) said, "I think these games have to stop now, I'm tired. It was a team effort. We weren't at our best, but the perfect game is around the corner. We bowled better against England but we got away with it today. Our batters have been struggling, but I back them to come good. They (Wolvaardt and Luus) batted brilliantly, but you can't get too relaxed because the game can change quickly. Luckily, we got on the winning side today as well. Just need a few more people to put up their hands, and then we'll be good."

The fight for top four is now getting intense. South Africa are now unbeaten and placed second in the points table, just behind Australia, and NZ are placed fourth for now, but they've played more games than the others. India, third, need at least two more wins from their remaining three games, one of which is against table-toppers Australia.