After South Africa’s emphatic 150-run triumph over Pakistan in Colombo on 21st October 2025, veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp personified calm excellence and leadership in the post-match press conference.
The 35-year-old’s match-winning all-round display, an unbeaten 68 off 43 balls and a composed 3 for 20 with the new ball, was the cornerstone of South Africa’s record fifth consecutive win in an ICC Women’s ODI World Cup campaign, one that now sees them perched atop the points table with 10 points from six games.
Led by skipper Laura Wolvaardt, the Proteas’ story in this tournament has been one of grit and redemption. After suffering a 10-wicket defeat against England in their opening game in Guwahati, they roared back with consecutive wins, beating New Zealand by 6 wickets in Indore, India, by 3 wickets in Visakhapatnam, Bangladesh, by another 3-wicket margin, and Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in a rain-truncated clash before dismantling Pakistan in Colombo. This five-match winning streak has transcended previous records for South Africa in the tournament’s history, a campaign powered by Wolvaardt’s consistency and team-wide resilience.
Their latest victory was not just about numbers but timing and teamwork. Reduced to a 40-overs-a-side contest after persistent rainfall, South Africa’s batting lineup unleashed a counterattacking masterclass. After losing Tazmin Brits early, Wolvaardt (90 off 82) and Sune Luus (61 off 59) forged a defining 118-run stand, paving the way for Kapp’s explosive finish. Joined by the ever-improving Nadine de Klerk, who blazed 41 off just 16 balls, Kapp guided her side to a record 312/9, their highest total in World Cup history.
The bowlers then completed the rout, holding Pakistan to 83/7 in a revised 20-over target, with Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka striking early before the spin unit sealed the deal in difficult weather windows.
In her typically understated manner, Kapp acknowledged both fortune and preparedness after a rain-threatened match. “Yeah, definitely, lucky to be getting on the park and finishing our game, it was a bit tight today with the rain there, but yeah, we’re just lucky that it didn’t rain out,” she said. Her comments reflected the team’s clear awareness of how monsoon interruptions have shaped campaigns in Colombo in the ongoing edition of the tournament.
The veteran also emphasised the collective contribution that has carried South Africa to the summit: “That’s the beauty of this World Cup; you don’t only rely on one person. It’s been different people picking up their hands; it feels like we’re just getting better as we move forward.”
Kapp revisited the campaign’s turning point, the crushing 69 all-out against England. “We were very disappointed with that performance,” she admitted. “Luckily, like you said, we’ve turned it around very quickly. That’s the hard work our girls have been putting in behind the scenes.” Her words echoed conviction and pride, a reflection of a seasoned campaigner who has seen the rise and rebuilding of South African women’s cricket from close quarters.
She lauded Wolvaardt and Luus for laying the foundation against Pakistan: “It was a very good performance with the bat. Wolfie and Sune set it up for us to come in and just play our natural game. Everyone’s had a good hit-out now, the batters have that confidence, the bowlers have been bowling well, so yeah, everything seems like it’s coming together.”
On Nadine de Klerk’s power-packed knock, Kapp was brimming with admiration: “We’ve always known Nadine’s very talented. I’ve always said she’s a very good batting all-rounder. It seems like this year, her batting is really clicking, so that’s exciting for us as a team.” Her endorsement not only celebrated an individual breakthrough but underscored a broader theme, fresh energy seamlessly complementing South Africa’s seasoned nucleus.
When asked about the tense closing overs before the inevitable rain return, Kapp candidly detailed the strategy: “Honestly, we were just trying to get our overs in before the rain came. We were lucky enough to put a good total on the board with the early strikes; it made it easier for us to just get in as many overs of spin as possible.” It was a glimpse into South Africa’s adaptability, balancing proactive aggression with calculated control.
Despite labelling it “not my best bowling day,” Kapp remained pragmatic about her impact: “I don’t feel like I bowled that well, but still confident in my bowling, as long as I’m improving and confident in my skills, that’s all I can ask for.” Such humility typifies her influence; quiet intensity balanced with professionalism.
As South Africa heads into the semifinals, Kapp’s focus remains on refinement rather than complacency. “If we keep on improving on the basics, we’ve been doing it pretty well,” she noted. “We can probably tighten up a little bit on the bowling side, even though we’ve done well.” Her awareness of fine margins could prove decisive as South Africa chases their maiden World Cup title.
Answering questions on her side’s reliance on spin-friendly conditions, the veteran was philosophical: “Look, we’re playing in India and Sri Lanka, it’s the spinners taking wickets. Each bowler knows what they want to work on. Yes, we can be tighter in certain areas, but we’re happy where we are.”
Marizanne Kapp’s words mirrored the maturity of a leader who doesn’t need an armband to command presence. Her batting remains composed, her bowling decisive, and her perspective grounded in a team-first ethos. For South Africa, this streak isn’t just statistical, it’s symbolic. From humiliation in Guwahati to record-breaking dominance in Colombo, their evolution has been anchored by veterans like Kapp and the youthful exuberance of De Klerk, Luus, and Wolvaardt.
As the tournament marches toward its defining stages, one thing is certain: Marizanne Kapp’s calm authority and all-round excellence remain South Africa’s greatest asset in their quest for history.
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