Marizanne Kapp once again proved why she remains the heartbeat of South African cricket. On a rainy night in Colombo, the 35-year-old allrounder delivered a masterclass with both bat and ball, powering her side to a crushing 150-run win over Pakistan via DLS.
Her unbeaten 68 off 43 balls lifted South Africa to their highest-ever World Cup total — 312 for 9 in just 40 overs. But Kapp wasn’t done. With the ball, she ripped through Pakistan’s fragile top order, taking 3 for 20 in a fiery new-ball burst that sealed their fate.
Pakistan, chasing a DLS-adjusted 306, collapsed to 83 for 7, their hopes washed away along with the Colombo drizzle. The result knocked them out of the tournament, while South Africa claimed their fifth successive win to climb to the top of the points table.
From being bowled out for 69 in their opening match against England to now dominating every side, South Africa’s turnaround has been remarkable. But it was Kapp’s veteran presence and match-winning instinct that made all the difference. Her calm aggression with the bat and ruthless control with the ball defined the night — and possibly South Africa’s campaign.
Kapp’s Fiery Knock Turns Chaos into Control for South Africa
When the rain finally relented in Colombo, South Africa made sure to make up for lost time. Sent in to bat in a reduced 40-over game, they attacked from the start. Laura Wolvaardt, the captain, struck a fluent 90, but it was Marizanne Kapp who stole the show in the final overs.
Walking in with just a few overs left, Kapp unleashed a calculated assault. Her 68 came from 43 balls and included four sixes that tore through Pakistan’s morale. Alongside Nadine de Klerk, who smashed 41 off 16 balls, she pushed South Africa beyond 300 on a sluggish pitch — a total that would break Pakistan’s spirit even before they started the chase.
South Africa hit 11 sixes in total — the most by any team in a World Cup innings. It was a stunning display of power hitting and intent. The partnership between Kapp and de Klerk, worth 72 off just 30 balls, completely shifted the tempo.
It was the kind of knock that defines Kapp’s value — mature, fearless, and game-changing. When others slowed down, she accelerated. When Pakistan’s bowlers tried to contain her, she found new scoring angles. It wasn’t just a cameo; it was a statement of dominance.
Wolvaardt and Luus Build the Platform for Kapp’s Onslaught
Before Kapp’s fireworks, South Africa’s top order had already laid the foundation. Laura Wolvaardt looked in sublime touch from the first ball. Her 90 came with perfect balance and precise placement. Sune Luus supported her with a steady 54, forming a 118-run stand for the second wicket.
Wolvaardt’s ability to pierce the gaps made Pakistan’s bowlers look ordinary. She used her feet well against the spinners and attacked with purpose. Luus’s six over midwicket off Sadia Iqbal broke her early rust and triggered a counterattack.
Their partnership ensured South Africa didn’t lose momentum despite early rain interruptions. Once Luus fell, Kapp and de Klerk took charge, converting the solid start into a match-winning total.
Kapp’s Spell Breaks Pakistan’s Spirit Before Rain Returns
If Kapp’s batting broke Pakistan’s confidence, her bowling shattered it. Opening the attack with Ayabonga Khaka, Kapp delivered a dream spell — full of swing, pace, and precision.
She first trapped Omaima Sohail plumb in front, then found Sidra Amin’s edge with a perfect outswinger. Her third victim, Aliya Riyaz, fell to another moving ball outside off. Within 10 overs, Pakistan were 35 for 4, and Kapp’s figures read 5-0-20-3.
Rain returned soon after, but the damage was done. When play resumed, Pakistan’s revised target of 234 in 20 overs became laughably steep. Their middle order folded against the spinners, and the innings ended at 83 for 7.
Kapp’s performance summed up South Africa’s new ruthless edge. Her hunger to dominate, even at 35, continues to inspire her teammates. Every ball she bowled carried purpose; every boundary she hit carried confidence.
Pakistan’s Exit Marks Another Missed Opportunity
For Pakistan, this loss will sting. They began the tournament with promise but faded as pressure mounted. Their batting once again looked fragile, with no one able to resist South Africa’s attack.
Muneeba Ali’s early dismissal exposed the lack of depth. Pakistan’s batters played half-hearted strokes, unsure of how to handle movement and bounce. Even when rain gave them a breather, they returned looking defeated.
Their bowling too lacked the aggression needed at this level. Only Diana Baig and Sandhu offered some resistance, with Sandhu picking up three wickets. But without a strong batting core, Pakistan never truly challenged South Africa.
South Africa’s Unbeaten Streak Sets Up Blockbuster Clash with Australia
With five wins from five games, South Africa now sits comfortably on top of the table. Their confidence is soaring, and their next match — against Australia in Indore — could define the tournament’s semi-final lineup.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt praised Kapp’s leadership by example. She highlighted how her experience helps younger players like Nadine de Klerk and Ayabonga Khaka perform under pressure. South Africa’s batting depth and aggressive intent make them serious title contenders.
The key to their success has been balance. Every match has seen a different hero — from Luus’s consistency to Kapp’s brilliance. The chemistry within the side looks perfect, and their ability to adapt to conditions has been unmatched so far.
As they head to Indore, South Africa carry momentum and belief. And with Kapp in this form, even Australia will be wary.
How Kapp Redefined All-Round Excellence at 35?
Most players slow down with age, but Kapp seems to get better. Her fitness, discipline, and passion are unmatched. She’s not just performing — she’s leading a new generation of South African women who play fearless cricket.
Her control with both bat and ball shows why she’s among the best all-rounders in history. What makes her special isn’t just numbers — it’s her timing, awareness, and aggression.
At 35, Kapp remains the player every opponent fears and every teammate relies on. Her presence gives South Africa stability and spark in equal measure.
Conclusion
Marizanne Kapp has built her legacy on big-game brilliance, and Colombo added another chapter. Her unbeaten 68 and lethal three-wicket spell proved why she remains South Africa’s most complete cricketer.
Pakistan’s journey ended in disappointment, but Kapp ensured South Africa’s continues in style. Her hunger and precision reflected not just individual greatness but also South Africa’s transformation as a team. They now play with freedom, belief, and balance — everything a champion side needs.
With five wins and unstoppable momentum, South Africa’s next target is clear — Australia. The way Kapp is performing, they’ll fancy their chances of staying unbeaten.
For Pakistan, this defeat should trigger reflection. Their bowling showed heart, but the batting lacked fight. The gap between talent and temperament remains wide.
As for Kapp, she reminded the cricket world once again that greatness doesn’t fade with age — it grows sharper. Her name will echo through this World Cup, not just for runs and wickets, but for redefining what dominance looks like at 35.
