South African cricket sensation Marizanne Kapp has committed to Melbourne Stars until the conclusion of WBBL|12, signing a contract that spans three years with the club. Kapp claims more than 240 caps for South Africa, having showcased her talents across all three formats of the game.
The 34-year-old has also gained extensive experience in domestic cricket, featuring prominently in tournaments such as the WPL, the Hundred, and previous stints in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) with teams like the Sydney Sixers, Sydney Thunder, and Perth Scorchers. Last year, she was the top pick for the Thunder in the inaugural WBBL overseas player draft.
Marizanne Kapp is a valuable addition to the young Melbourne Stars team. Not only is she a skilled all-rounder, but her experience playing in big matches like the WBBL|07 Final will be crucial for the Stars’ success in WBBL|10. Her impressive bowling record with 275 wickets at a great economy rate strengthens the Stars’ bowling attack.
Marizanne Kapp has carved a remarkable career as a true all-rounder. She debuted with the Sydney Sixers in the league’s inaugural season, becoming one of the first South Africans to participate. Her impact was immediate, showcasing her skills as a medium pacer with a staggering 17 wickets at an incredible economy rate.
After a successful stint with the Sixers, Kapp’s talents continued to flourish, particularly her batting, during her time with the Perth Scorchers. This well-rounded skill set was on full display during the WBBL|07 season, where she played a pivotal role in securing the Scorchers’ championship victory, even earning the player-of-the-final award for a crucial all-around performance.
Throughout her impressive WBBL career spanning over 125 matches, Kapp has amassed a mighty 1258 runs with a high score of 68. Equally impressive is her bowling record, with 124 wickets claimed. Her best bowling figures stand at a remarkable 4 wickets conceded for just 10 runs.
Melbourne Stars General Manager Blair Crouch mentioned that “Marizanne is one of the best all-rounders in the world with an outstanding record at both domestic and international level.”
In addition to her proven cricketing ability, strategic factors influenced Marizanne Kapp’s decision to join the Melbourne Stars. A key consideration was the opportunity to reunite with Head Coach Jonathan Batty, with whom she has collaborated successfully for several years. Captain Meg Lanning’s leadership style also emerged as a significant factor in her decision-making process.
Beyond team personnel, Kapp expresses a distinct preference for playing in large stadiums, particularly the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Her past performances indicate that she thrives in such environments and enjoys bowling at the MCG, suggesting a potential recurring advantage for the Stars. This confluence of factors – a supportive team culture, familiar colleagues, and the appeal of big-match atmospheres – makes the Melbourne Stars an ideal fit for Kapp’s professional aspirations.
“I feel like the women’s game deserves to be played on those big grounds so I can’t wait to get out there,” Kapp said.
