Marizanne Kapp's all-round masterclass sinks India, keeps South Africa in semi-final race

South Africa handed first loss to India in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, with a six-wicket victory on Sunday, June 21, at Old Trafford, Manchester. After opting to bat first, India posted 158/7 in their 20 overs on a slowish surface. Shafali Verma (31 off 15) top-scored for the Women in Blue, while Deepti Sharma (29 off 21) also made a valuable contribution.

In reply, South Africa chased down the target in 19.1 overs, courtesy of a career-best innings from Marizanne Kapp, while Tazmin Brits (40 off 36) also played a brilliant knock. For India, Shree Charani continued to be among the wickets with a three-wicket haul, while Shafali Verma (1/22) also bowled an economical spell.

Meanwhile, South Africa registered the third-highest successful run chase in the Women's T20 World Cup. It was also their tenth successful 150-plus chase in T20Is, the most by any team in the format, bettering nine by Australia.

Following their win, South Africa rose to third spot in the Group A points table, while India remained in second position.

Top run-scorer of the Match

Top wicket-taker of the Match

Player of the Match

Marizanne Kapp was adjudged Player of the Match for her terrific all-round performance. She first scalped 2/27 with the ball, dismissing Smriti Mandhana (17 off 12) and Richa Ghosh (15 off 14).

Later, in the second innings, she walked in to bat, with South Africa reeling at 25/2 in 5.4 overs and stitched a crucial 97-run stand off 63 balls for the third wicket with Tazmin Brits (40 off 36), allowing South Africa to claw back into the game.

Kapp brought up her sixth half-century in T20Is off 34 balls and went on to register her highest score in the format, guiding South Africa to a crucial win.

Turning Point

Marizanne Kapp was given two reprieves during her innings, and she made full use of them. She was first dropped on 25 at long on by Radha Yadav. Later, she was given another reprieve on 65 again by Radha and went on to play an innings of her lifetime to keep South Africa’s campaign alive.

What did the captains say:

Winning Captain, Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa women):

What a finish, what a game! We were very stressed on the bench there. One of the best knocks I've seen under so much pressure. She's probably the biggest big-match player I've ever seen. Really glad she's on my team. She wasn't feeling that great today. Hope she doesn't feel great everyday if she's going to play like that. Just has that competitive nature I guess and it brings out the best in her. Didn't get off to the best start. Would've liked to get ahead of the rate early. Too much to do for the back end. Took something special to get it done. That was huge. After the powerplay where they got 50-odd. Looked like they were flying. Were able to keep their big-hitters quiet. If you told us before the match - 160 - would've taken it. Two more big games.

Losing Captain, Harmanpreet Kaur (India women):

We got a couple of chances in between but unfortunately didn't take those. Still have two more matches to go. This is the time to stay positive. Sree Charani and Shafali bowled really well. They created chances but other bowlers didn't support them. Have to take opportunities at this level. Still we have 2-3 more days. Will sit and rethink and accordingly will pick the team. At this level when you miss those chances, nobody is going to give you anything easily. Ball was little bit turning. Shafali and Sree Charani did really well and other spinners need to think about how to bowl on these surfaces. Lot of learning. Lot of positive moments. Lot of these kind of moments where you have to stay strong and positive. This is the time for me to talk to my teammates, give them strength.