Proteas Women bend the knee against Australia after Alana King's historic bowling display

The Proteas Women suffered a humbling defeat at the hands of Australia, losing their final ICC Women's Cricket World Cup round-robin game by seven wickets in Indore, India.

Australia Women’s right-arm leg-spinner Alana King dominated South Africa’s batting unit at the spin-friendly Holkar Cricket Stadium. King claimed a historic seven wickets to halt South Africa’s record-breaking run at this World Cup.

The 29-year-old’s phenomenal figures of 7/18 in seven overs are a new record for the best-ever bowling performance in a Women's World Cup match.

Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt stood out with seven fours in 26 deliveries as the stylish right-hander attempted to lead South Africa to a respectable total batting first.

Wolvaardt lauded King’s exceptional bowling performance as her side lost their second game batting first, following their disappointing defeat to England Women in the opening match.

“I thought Kingy (Alana King) bowled excellently. We did speak about facing her quite a lot — obviously that didn’t quite go to plan, but she bowled really well,” said Wolvaardt.

“I thought it was a decent wicket to bat on. I didn’t think it was the worst thing in the world.

“We know that batting first is something we would have liked to practise again, because obviously the last time we did against England it didn’t go so well.

“It’s a nice feeling being in form. I feel like I’m timing it well, so I’ll try to forget about today a little bit and just focus on all the good that we’ve been doing.”

After five consecutive victories in the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, South Africa were bowled out for a paltry 97 runs in just 24 overs — courtesy of King’s brilliant bowling display. The spinner’s victims included former captain Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp, both dismissed for ducks, as she completely dismantled the Proteas’ middle order.

Australia, with the victory, have now secured top spot in the World Cup standings, wrapping up a dominant, unbeaten round-robin stage.

With the ball, the Proteas’ new-ball pair of Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka put in a decent effort. Kapp struck early to remove the talented Phoebe Litchfield in the third over.

The in-form seamer Masabata Klaas struck soon after, accounting for the experienced Ellyse Perry for a duck. Though the Proteas managed to claim the key wicket of Australia’s wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney (42), the defending champions remained in control of the run chase, ultimately winning the match by seven wickets.

“We are happy to play England in the semi-final. I think we are used to a semi-final against them in 50-over World Cups, so hopefully we can come out on top this time,” said Wolvaardt.

“It’s been nice to see different batters putting their hands up, and different bowlers as well.

“Unfortunately, no one was able to do that tonight really, but hopefully in the semi-final we can have one or two people really putting up their hands.”

With the defeat, South Africa will take on England in the second semi-final on Wednesday, while top-ranked Australia will face fourth-placed India in the other semi-final on Thursday.

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