Beach Cricket Set Shines as South Africa Nearly Chases Down India’s Mammoth Total
South Africa’s spirited chase of India’s 325-run target in the second women’s ODI has provided a massive confidence boost for the Proteas, according to seasoned all-rounder Marizanne Kapp.
“There were a lot of positives today,” Kapp remarked after the narrow defeat. “To get that close is obviously a massive confidence booster, especially moving forward. We know we can reach that total.”
Despite being reduced to 67/3 inside 15 overs, much like their collapse in the series opener where they were bowled out for 122, South Africa fought back hard in the second game. Opener Laura Wolvaardt’s unbeaten 134 laid the foundation, while Kapp’s aggressive batting complemented the anchor role perfectly. The duo added 184 runs off 170 balls, demonstrating the team’s newfound intent.
However, Kapp acknowledged that getting Wolvaardt more strike in the final stages could have made the difference.
“If we could have maybe tried to get Wolfie [Wolvaardt] on strike a bit more, then maybe… there are a lot of things we could have done differently,” she said.
Kapp, who has been in exceptional batting form over the past year, scoring two centuries and four half-centuries in 15 innings, has visibly elevated her game. She now averages a remarkable 68.20 in this format since 2023. Batting under pressure, the experienced all-rounder thrived in her partnership with Wolvaardt, with the duo complementing each other’s styles.
“If I am being positive, I usually score runs more often than not,” Kapp explained. “Whereas she likes to take her time, set herself on and then go after the bowlers. We don’t even have to speak about it. It naturally worked out that way that I am going to be the aggressor, and she takes her time.”
The South African team is determined to embrace a more aggressive brand of cricket, as evidenced by their performance in the second ODI. With the 50-over World Cup in India looming, this near-miss against a formidable opponent will serve as a valuable learning experience for the Proteas.
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