One single delivery, the “ball of the day,” signaled the beginning of the end for England. Marizanne Kapp’s perfect “nip-backer” that bowled Amy Jones started a catastrophic collapse that led to a 125-run humiliation and South Africa’s first-ever 50-over World Cup final.
That ball was part of a sensational double-wicket maiden from Kapp. Immediately after, she dismissed England captain Heather Knight, who chopped on for a duck. This left England in the hopeless position of one for three.
Kapp, who briefly left the field with cramp, returned to prove her class. She finished with five for 20, ripping out the middle order and becoming the all-time leading World Cup wicket-taker in the process.
This bowling masterclass was in defence of a monumental 319 for seven, set up by captain Laura Wolvaardt. Wolvaardt was just as dominant, scoring 169.
Her innings was a two-act play: a patient century followed by a 28-ball blitz that yielded 69 runs. Between Kapp’s unplayable delivery and Wolvaardt’s brutal hitting, England were simply outclassed.
Kapp’s ‘Nip-Backer’ Begins England’s 125-Run Humiliation
