Marizanne Kapp’s blistering 81 keeps South Africa’s T20 World Cup dream alive

South Africa's Women's T20 World Cup campaign is back on track after a phenomenal, unbeaten 81 from all-rounder Marizanne Kapp led them to a stunning six-wicket victory over India at Old Trafford on Sunday, June 21. After two shaky performances earlier in the tournament, Kapp's highest T20I score, coupled with a crucial 97-run partnership with Tazmin Brits, helped the Proteas successfully chase down 159 runs with five balls to spare, injecting much-needed life into their hopes of reaching the semi-finals. The clash was a pivotal Group A fixture in the ongoing ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, hosted by England and Wales from June 12 to July 5. India, despite being ranked higher and having won their previous two matches, struggled to maintain pressure in the middle overs, allowing South Africa to rebuild after early setbacks. This win marks South Africa's highest successful chase in a Women's T20 World Cup and their first-ever meeting against India in the tournament's history, significantly altering the qualification landscape of Group A. With this vital win, South Africa climbed to third in Group A, keeping their semi-final aspirations alive as the group stage intensifies. India, despite the loss, remains second, but the competition is heating up. Both teams now look to their upcoming fixtures to secure a spot in the knockout stages, with South Africa facing the Netherlands in Bristol and India set to play Bangladesh at Old Trafford, both later this week.