Kapp relishing prospect of facing India in World Cup final

Proteas women’s all-rounder Marizanne Kapp would fancy to face India in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

Kapp’s brilliant all-round effort in the semi-final against England on Wednesday saw her play a crucial knock of 42 and return a five-wicket haul with the ball in hand, an effort that saw South Africa win their first-ever Cricket World Cup semi-final.

With the historic spot in the final secured, Kapp highlighted that she would love to play against the hosts, India, at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy on Sunday. However, India would have to get past Australia today in the second semi-final of the ongoing showpiece event on Thursday.

“Look, we've been saying for a couple of years now, I would love to play India in the final,” she said.

“I feel like when I play in India, even though the crowd is against me, it feels like they're shouting for me. So, I love the crowds.”

Kapp has praised Proteas coach Mandla Mashimbyi for his calm nature, a character trait that the all-rounder says has helped make the squad relaxed before the semi-final clash against England in Guwahati.

“I have to give a lot of credit to Mandla. I feel like since he's come on board, he just has a different outlook on the game,” Kapp said.  

“Two days before the semi-final, I probably had one of the worst net sessions in the last 10 years of my career. So, it ended with me crying. 

“Initially, in our first net session, all of our batters, we probably lost like 10 wickets in the first two overs we faced. And then the coach just called us in and said, listen, just put a price on your wickets.

“Even in the meetings (the day before the semi-final), I feel like coach Mandla actually made us feel relaxed because we had a totally different meeting with him. Just the way he's been going about his business. Everything was just different from that moment on.

“So, initially a bit frantic in the nets until we had that meeting with Coach. I feel like when we arrived here (in Guwahati), everyone just looked so relaxed. Luckily for us, it went our way.”

Kapp also lauded the unity within the team, a feat that may have blossomed from Mashimbyi’s culture camps earlier this year.

“Having these girls around, having team management around, and then family, like ultimately, especially if it doesn't go your way. They're always there, no matter what the outcome. That's pretty special”

“I’ve always been so focused on wanting to win a World Cup. This morning, our team doctor came to my room, she prayed for me, and then she actually told me a story. It’s almost then when it just hit me that cricket isn't everything.”