South African veteran Marizanne Kapp reminded the world of her all-round brilliance with a career-best unbeaten 93 off 51 balls, steering Melbourne Stars to a commanding 18-run victory over Brisbane Heat in the 11th edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) on November 23, 2025, at Allan Border Field, Brisbane.
The 35-year-old delivered a masterclass under pressure, rescuing the Stars from early trouble at 29 for 3 to a formidable total of 171 for 8, and later backed it up with a disciplined bowling spell of 2 for 31 in four overs. Her match-winning performance earned her the Player of the Match award as the Stars registered their third win of the season to climb to third place on the points table with seven points from five games.
Kapp walked to the crease at a critical juncture after skipper Annabel Sutherland won the toss and opted to bat first, only to see her top order crumble inside the powerplay. With calm authority and attacking instinct, Kapp rebuilt and then dominated, producing a fluent exhibition marked by nine boundaries and five towering sixes. Her blend of calculated aggression and composure turned the innings around and gave the Melbourne Stars a total that looked improbable at the halfway mark.
In response, the Brisbane Heat, led by Jess Jonassen, fought through intent but fell short by 18 runs, undone by regular wickets and Kapp’s incisive new-ball spell that broke the back of their top order. Her figures of 4-0-31-2 added the finishing touch to a complete all-round display, underscoring her reputation as one of the finest T20 all-rounders in women’s cricket.
The win not only extended the Stars’ momentum but also reasserted their credentials as serious contenders in WBBL 11, with three victories, one defeat to the Melbourne Renegades, and a rain-affected fixture against Adelaide Strikers so far.
Across the ongoing season, Kapp has looked in scintillating form with the bat, amassing 121 runs at a strike rate of 161.33 and an average of 30.25 from five innings, including one half-century. Her new role, higher up the order, has allowed her to express freedom and build innings of substance for the Stars. She currently stands as the second-highest run-scorer for the Melbourne Stars franchise this season, behind Meg Lanning, reflecting her consistency and leadership value within the squad.
Kapp’s success in WBBL 11 builds on an impressive legacy. Since making her league debut on December 6, 2015, for Sydney Sixers against Sydney Thunder, she has been a pillar of reliability across multiple seasons. Overall, she has accumulated 1,482 runs in 98 innings, striking at 109.77 and averaging 19.76, with six half-centuries in 139 matches.
Since joining Melbourne Stars, Kapp has continued to deliver with both bat and ball, contributing 224 runs at a strike rate of 139.13 and an average of 20.36 in 14 innings, including one half-century. Her enduring influence, adaptability in Australian conditions, and unmatched game awareness make her an indispensable figure in the team setup.
At 35, Kapp’s longevity and competitive drive remain her strongest allies. Whether defusing pressure with calm precision or switching gears to punish bowlers, her contributions have consistently shaped match outcomes. Against Brisbane Heat, it was a performance that went beyond numbers; it was a statement from a veteran still hungry to dominate, still capable of shifting momentum through sheer presence and skill.
As Melbourne Stars eye a deeper run in WBBL 11, Marizanne Kapp’s form may well be the game-changer they need. Her latest heroics in Brisbane reaffirm that experience and excellence can coexist powerfully, and that the South African all-rounder continues to be one of the WBBL’s most valuable assets.
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