In a one-sided encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, South Africa comprehensively outplayed Scotland in Match 11 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. South Africa’s superior batting and clinical bowling led to an 80-run victory, eliminating Scotland from the tournament. The win, orchestrated by a brilliant all-round performance, was capped by Marizanne Kapp, who was named Player of the Match for her outstanding contribution with the bat.

South Africa sets a competitive total

Winning the toss and electing to bat, South Africa got off to a solid start with openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits setting a strong foundation. Wolvaardt was in sublime form, playing a fluent knock of 40 off 27 balls, including five fours and a six. Her opening partner, Tazmin Brits, supported her well with a steady 43 off 35 balls, hitting five fours and a six of her own. The pair put together a valuable 64-run opening stand, putting South Africa in a commanding position early on.

The middle order carried forward the momentum, with Kapp providing the innings’ final flourish. Her powerful 43 off just 24 balls, featuring six fours, was pivotal in pushing South Africa to a competitive total of 166/5 in their 20 overs. Sune Luus (18 not out off 13) ensured that South Africa kept the scoreboard ticking. Anneke Bosch and Chloe Tryon couldn’t make significant contributions, but by then, the foundation was solid enough for South Africa to post a challenging target.

Scotland’s bowling attack tried hard but struggled to contain the powerful South African lineup.

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Scotland batters crumble under pressure

Chasing 167 to stay alive in the tournament, Scotland’s batters faltered under the weight of South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack. None of the Scottish top-order could get going, as wickets tumbled regularly from the outset. Saskia Horley and Sarah Bryce opened the innings but were dismissed cheaply for 6 and 5 runs, respectively. Captain Kathryn Bryce briefly resisted with 7 off 7, but her stay was short-lived.

Ailsa Lister’s 12 off 13, featuring two boundaries, and Katherine Fraser’s fighting 14 off 21 were the only double-digit scores of note for Scotland. The Scotts were eventually bowled out for just 86 in 17.5 overs.

South Africa’s bowlers were clinical, with Nonkululeko Mlaba standing out with figures of 3/12 in her 4 overs. Nadine de Klerk (2/15) and Tryon (2/22) provided excellent support, while Ayabonga Khaka (1/8) and Luus (1/9) also chipped in with wickets. Kapp may not have taken a wicket, but her tight bowling in the powerplay (0/12 in 2 overs) ensured that Scotland never found any momentum.

With this emphatic win, South Africa Women further solidified their standing in the group, while Scotland’s journey in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 came to a premature end. South Africa’s all-round performance will make them a team to watch as the tournament progresses.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.