South Africa beat India in thriller to stay in Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final race

LONDON: Marizanne Kapp produced an all-round display as South Africa secured a tense six-wicket win over India at Old Trafford on Sunday to keep their Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive.

Kapp first returned figures of 2-27 and then anchored the chase with an unbeaten 81 as South Africa overhauled a target of 159 with five balls remaining. Her innings included seven fours and four sixes, and helped the Proteas recover after managing only 25 runs in the powerplay.

South Africa’s momentum shifted after Kapp came to the crease with her side two wickets down and joined Tazmin Brits. The pair added 97 in 63 balls to put the chase back on track. India, however, were left to regret missed chances in the field after dropping Kapp three times.

Kapp made those reprieves count, striking two sixes in Deepti Sharma’s penultimate over before Chloe Tryon edged the winning boundary off Nandani Sharma. The result took South Africa level with India on four points in Group A, with Australia still leading the table on six points and remaining unbeaten.

West Indies make it three wins in a row

Earlier in the day, West Indies continued their unbeaten run in Group B by defeating Sri Lanka, although the chase proved more difficult than the target suggested. After restricting Sri Lanka to 98, West Indies slumped to 70-5 before veteran Stafanie Taylor guided them home with an unbeaten 27.

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews played a central role in the win, taking 3-15 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 98. The victory was West Indies’ third straight success in the tournament and also confirmed the elimination of winless Ireland.

England stay perfect against Scotland

In Saturday’s late match, England registered their third win in three Group B games with a 38-run victory over Scotland at Headingley. Sophia Dunkley top-scored with 57, while Alice Capsey made 40 and Freya Kemp added a brisk 39 not out in England’s total of 200-5.

Scotland replied with 162-7, but England’s spinners claimed most of the wickets to ensure a comfortable win. The result kept England’s unbeaten record intact as the group stage continued.