South African star and premiere all-rounder Marizanne Kapp was voted the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for June 2022, due to her brilliant performance in the one-off Test between England and South Africa in Taunton.
Kapp edged out fellow South African Shabnim Ismail and England batter Nat Sciver for the monthly award, following scores of 150 and 43* in the four-day Women’s Test which ended in a draw.
Kapp becomes the third South African after Shabnim Ismail and recently retired Lizelle Lee who took the awards in January and March 2021 respectively to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award.
Kapp produced a tremendous knock on the opening day of the test, after finding her side in deep trouble at 45/4. She stitched up important partnerships with lower order bats Anneke Bosch and Temi Sekhukhune worth 72 and 49 respectively on her way to her maiden Test century in just her second test match. Kapp faced 213 deliveries hitting 26 boundaries leading her team to a decent total, before falling for 150 just minutes before stumps, courtesy of a blinder from Tammy Beaumont.
South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp wins the June 2022 Player of the Month Award
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She followed up her brilliant first-innings knock with a resilient one of 43* in the second innings. Her unbeaten stand of 63 runs with ‘night-watcher’ Temi Sekhukhune ensured that her side doesn’t falter towards defeat and made sure the match ended in a draw.
Former England international and member of the voting panel Lydia Greenway was thrilled that Kapp was voted on top. “Playing in just her second Test match, Kapp showed resilience and high levels of skill to keep South Africa in the fight,” Greenway quoted. She added, “In a weakened South Africa team due to injury, Kapp showed why she is one of the best all-rounders in the world by taking responsibility with bat and ball.”
As for Kapp, the all-rounder was really pleased to receive the award. She said, “It really means a lot for me to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award, especially being up against two absolutely brilliant players in Shabnim Ismail and Nat Sciver.”
“What made my first Test century so special was that, number one, our first Test match (in 2014) was an absolute nightmare.
“Then having to play another one after eight years where I had minimum preparation for the Test match because I was unwell and then finding my team in the position, we were in at 45 for four, it is something that will stay with me throughout my career.
“It’s definitely a highlight for me, especially with the wickets that fell at the other end and then having to bat with the tail as well, those partnerships are what also made it so special.”
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