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Womens T20 WC: Kapps Knock Probably One Of The Best Ive Seen Under So Much Pressure, Says Wolvaardt

T20 World Cup: South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt hailed Marizanne Kapps unbeaten 81 in the 2026 Womens T20 World Cup win over India as probably one of the best knocks Ive seen under so much pressure, adding that the sixwicket triumph at Old Trafford was pretty special after last years ODI World Cup final defeat. In a chase of 159, Marizanne, who picked two wickets earlier, struck a careerbest unbeaten 81 off 45 balls to lead her side to victory with five balls to spare. Her 97run stand with Tazmin Brits, who hit 40, became decisive in a chase that had looked improbable for the Proteas after a sluggish start in the power-play. What a finish. What a game. I think we were very stressed up on the bench there. I think to win from the position that we were in was absolutely incredible, and its probably one of the best knocks Ive seen under so much pressure. And to do it against a side that we lost the final to as well is pretty special, Laura said at the conclusion of the game. She went on to hail Marizannes qualities as a competitor. I think shes probably the biggest big match player that Ive ever seen. Im really glad shes on my team. It seems like whenever theres something on the line or were playing a World Cup, she finds a way to bring out her best cricket. Actually, I think she wasnt actually feeling that great today, but I hope she doesnt feel great every day if shes going to play like this. It was absolutely incredible. I think shes two players in one. The way that she bowled was awesome as well. The way that she bowled in the previous game and now to play a knock like this is incredible. She just has that competitive nature, I guess, and it just brings out the best in her. On tackling spin after a difficult start to the chase, Laura stated, Didnt get off to the best start. I think we would have liked to get ahead of it a bit early. But yeah, I think in a game like this, we actually wanted to get ahead of the rate early because we knew the slow spin would be difficult later. Its a bit too much to do for the back end, but it took something special to get it done, thankfully. But I think we can definitely be a bit better, just even if its not there in the power play, just getting off strike. She also praised the Proteas bowling effort that restricted India to 158/7. That was huge. I think after that power play, they got 50odd. It looked like they were absolutely flying. I think the way that they started, the first two overs, they pretty much smashed. So to be able to come back like that, I think our bowlers in the middle were excellent. The spinners all changed up pretty well. And I think we just didnt leave the stumps and didnt give them much to work with. She also praised the Proteas bowling effort that restricted India to 158/7. That was huge. I think after that power play, they got 50odd. It looked like they were absolutely flying. I think the way that they started, the first two overs, they pretty much smashed. Also Read: Live Cricket Score On what the win means for South Africas campaign, Laura said, Its huge. I think if we lost this game, would have been almost out of the competition. So just to be able to stay in it, weve got two more big games and a couple of other things could still go wrong. But I think just knowing that weve got this one behind us was probably one of the big games leading into this tournament for us. Article Source: IANS