To 'Kapp' group stages off, Proteas must focus on basics ahead of Australia
ICC WOMEN'S WORLD CUP
Marizanne Kapp starred with both bat and ball as South Africa secured their fifth consecutive World Cup win, urging her team to keep sharpening the basics ahead of Australia. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Proteas women’s all-rounder Marizanne Kapp insists South Africa need to continue improving their basics ahead of their final round-robin fixture against Australia women in Indore on Saturday.
Following South Africa’s 150-run victory over Pakistan women in Colombo on Tuesday, the Proteas women registered their fifth consecutive win in the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup — a feat the team has achieved for the first time in World Cups.
Kapp delivered a stellar all-round performance against Pakistan, scoring an unbeaten 68 and taking three wickets, earning the Player of the Match award.
In previous games, various players have stepped up for the team, helping South Africa book a semi-final spot with two matches to spare.
Despite what looks like a flawless round-robin campaign for the Proteas women thus far, Kapp believes the side still needs to improve the execution of the basics ahead of their clash against Australia later this week.
The 35-year-old added that the team is pleased with their current position in the tournament.
“I think just the basics. If we keep on improving on the basics, we've been doing it pretty well. The batters have been very proactive,” said Kapp.
“You saw (Laura) Wolvaardt and Tazmin (Brits’) innings in the previous game (against Bangladesh in a 10-wicket victory); the intent is in the scoring shots. The same with the bowlers.
"We can probably tighten up a little on the bowling side of things. Even though we've done well, we still bowl some bad and loose deliveries, but in general, we're happy with where we are at the moment.”
Spinners Nonkululeko Mlaba and Chloe Tryon have been leading the South African bowling attack throughout the tournament, taking full advantage of the spin-friendly conditions. Nondumiso Shangase also chipped in during the Pakistan clash, taking two wickets and proving she too can be a genuine wicket-taker within the Proteas women’s side.
Kapp highlighted that India and Sri Lanka are generally known for spin-friendly conditions, which has allowed the Proteas women’s spin trio to lead from the front.
The right-arm seamer emphasised that ahead of the Australia clash, each bowler has a clear understanding of what they need to work on to put the team in a match-winning position.
“Look, we're playing in India and Sri Lanka, so it suits spinners. If you look at other teams, there are spinners taking wickets,” said Kapp.
“Like I said, each individual bowler knows what they want to work on. Yes, we can be tighter in certain areas, but in general, we know what we have to work on,” Kapp concluded.