It has never happened before. I’m not sure if it would again. The dark horses has prevailed for the first time over the last edition’s finalist, England, in the World Cup. What a start to the tournament as both the finalists from the previous edition lost their first game.
Batting first, England, had Amy Jones doing well to get a start but failed to convert it. South African bowlers then knocked the England players with ease, blame their poor shot selection as well. Khaka, Kapp and Niekerk did well to rattle them. Khaka picked up three wickets whereas, Kapp and Niekerk grabbed two each.
Chasing only 124, South Africa lost Lee early but Kapp and Niekerk got together and certainly redefined couple goals for me as they produced the vital partnership to take the team close. The team then had Tryon chip in for important 12 runs before throwing her wicket away.
Du Preez, playing her 100th T20I, came good when it was necessary, as she smashed a six and four for her 18 off 11 and took South Africa home. In the final over, the team needed 11 runs and Du Preez who is not a big hitter of the ball, cleared the ground with ease.
