Ice-cold Kapp keeps Proteas' unbeaten Cup alive

Marizanne Kapp made a nerveless 36 not out from 35 balls as South Africa beat New Zealand by two wickets with three balls remaining to stay unbeaten after four matches at the World Cup.

In Hamilton, half-centuries to Laura Wolvaardt and captain Sune Luus put South Africa on the road to victory as it chased down New Zealand's total of 228 and rejoined Australia atop the points table in the tournament.

But it was the veteran Kapp, who had taken 2-44 during the New Zealand innings, who was left to steer her team home in an increasingly nervous run chase.

 

"I think these games have to stop now, I'm tired," the 32-year-old Kapp said. 

"Again it was a team effort, again we weren't at our best but I believe the perfect game is just around the corner.

"I'm always nervous, I'm not going to lie. (Wolvaardt and Luus) batted well today but you can't get too relaxed because, as you saw, the game can change like that.

 

"Luckily today we got away with the win and I'm happy to be standing on the winning side."

South Africa needed 39 runs off their last six overs with five wickets in hand.

With two overs remaining it came down to 14 off 12 balls and Sophie Devine bravely stepped up to bowl the penultimate over.

She immediately dismissed Shabnim Ismael for 4 to leave South Africa needing 12 runs from 10 balls.

But Kapp gained the strike, hit a four and South Africa came to the last over needing six runs from six balls with Klaas on strike.

Frances Mackay bowled the final over and Kapp struck the first ball for four, took a single from the second.

Ayabonga Khaka was left on strike and she managed to turn the ball into a gap in the field for the winning single.

New Zealand's hopes of making the final four are in jeopardy, with only two wins from five games.

South Africa are almost assured of a place in the semi-finals.

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022

Australia squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Amanda-Jade Wellington. Travelling reserves: Heather Graham, Georgia Redmayne

Australia's World Cup 2022 fixtures

Mar 5: Beat England by 12 runs

Mar 8: Beat Pakistan by seven wickets

Mar 13: Beat New Zealand by 141 runs

Mar 15: Beat West Indies by seven wickets

Mar 19: v India, Eden Park, Auckland, 12pm AEDT

Mar 22: v South Africa, Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT

Mar 25: v Bangladesh, Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL WORLD CUP SCHEDULE

Semi-finals

Mar 30: Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT

Mar 31: Hagley Park Christchurch, 12pm AEDT

Final

Apr 3: Hagley Park Christchurch, 11am AEDT

All matches to be broadcast in Australia on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports