Sizzling Proteas Women in dominant six-wicket win over England

The South African women’s cricket team put on a stellar performance to defeat England Women by six wickets in the first ICC Women’s Championship One-Day International at the Kimberley Oval on Wednesday night.

A brilliant all-round display from Marizanne Kapp, and explosive innings by Nadine de Klerk and a composed captain's knock from Laura Wolvaardt were key to the hosts taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, England faced immediate challenges under the scorching 38 degree Celsius Kimberley sun.

Marizanne Kapp on fire

Kapp, who was rested during the T20 series, tore through the visitors’ top order, dismissing Sophia Dunkley (4), Tammy Beaumont (11), and Nat Sciver-Brunt (0) within the first seven overs. With the scoreboard at 29/3, England’s innings was already in jeopardy.

Captain Heather Knight (40) and Amy Jones (21) tried to steady the ship with a 27-run partnership, but the introduction by the Proteas of Annerie Dercksen ended Jones’ resistance. England’s middle order faltered further, with wickets tumbling at regular intervals, leaving them reeling at 106/7 by the 26th over.

A late 67-run stand between Charlie Dean (47*) and Sophie Ecclestone (17) added some respectability to England's total. However, sharp bowling from Dercksen (3/16) and Kapp (3/24), coupled with a run-out, saw England dismissed for 186 in 38.4 overs.

A confident chase from the Proteas

South Africa’s chase started on a confident note despite the early loss of Tazmin Brits (7), bowled by Lauren Bell (1/30). Wolvaardt and Suné Luus (7) consolidated with a steady partnership, taking South Africa to 46/1 in the powerplay before Luus fell lbw to Dean.

Dercksen joined Wolvaardt, contributing a career-best 27 as the duo added 59 runs for the third wicket.

After Dercksen's dismissal, Kapp chipped in with a vital 22 before Nadine de Klerk arrived to steal the show. Her explosive unbeaten 48 off just 28 balls, featuring 11 boundaries, ensured a quick finish as South Africa reached the target in 38.2 overs, with 70 balls to spare.

Wolvaardt, who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 59 off 114 balls, praised the team’s efforts. “Marizanne Kapp makes such a difference to our side; it’s so great to have her back, and I'm glad to get the win. Nadine De Klerk smoked them … which was great to watch from the other end of the pitch.”

England skipper Heather Knight acknowledged the challenges her side faced in the sweltering Diamond City but wasn’t about to lose heart. “Obviously disappointed, but we had some positives. The partnership between Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone got us into the game, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough.”

Player of the Match Kapp, whose fiery spell set the tone for South Africa’s victory, expressed satisfaction with the win but admitted there’s room for improvement. “I reminisce about the days when I could bowl over after over. The other bowlers played their part, but I felt I should have finished that game for Laura.”

Kimberley’s passion for cricket

Meanwhile, Northern Cape Cricket President Gibson Molale expressed his pride in Kimberley’s unwavering passion for cricket. Speaking to the DFA, Molale commended the enthusiastic turnout and the efforts behind the scenes that made the day possible.

“Firstly, I would like to thank Cricket South Africa for entrusting us and the Diamond Oval to host this international game. We ensured that our grounds were in tip-top shape, and a big thank you goes out to every staff member who worked tirelessly to ensure everything was up to standard,” he said.

Molale highlighted the importance of hosting high-profile matches like this for both the venue and the city, emphasising the energy and excitement such events bring to the community.

“Look around you – just look at all the people who came out today to watch cricket on a Wednesday. There are school kids sitting on the grass banks, SA flags waving on the far side, and the roar of the crowd when the ball hits the boundary.

“That’s what it’s all about. It shows how hungry people are for cricket.”

The Northern Cape Cricket president stressed the value of keeping the momentum going for Kimberley’s premier cricket venue.

“At the end of the day, the more matches we can host here, the better it is for the Diamond Oval. We are hard at work to secure as many international matches as possible. If we can maintain the high standards of our grounds, there’s no reason we can’t achieve that.”

Molale added a heartfelt plea to Kimberley residents and cricket fans, urging them to rally behind cricket in the region:

“My message to the people of Kimberley is clear: Come one, come all. The Kimberley Diamond Oval is your oval. Fill up the stands and grass embankments, and make your voices heard during the next match held here.

“Without you, the echoes and cheers are silent.”

The second ODI will double as the fourth annual Black Day ODI, raising awareness against gender-based violence. It is set for Sunday, December 8, at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban, promising another thrilling encounter between these two sides.

With momentum firmly on their side, the Proteas Women will look to extend their lead and continue their resurgence in the 50-over format.