Marizanne Kapp's unbeaten 81 guided South Africa to a six-wicket win over India
India posted 158/7 but failed to defend the total despite early breakthroughs
The defeat leaves India needing a positive result against Australia to boost their semi-final hopes
South Africa produced one of the finest run chases of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, defeating India by six wickets at Old Trafford, Manchester, thanks to a sensational unbeaten 81 from Marizanne Kapp.
Chasing 159, the Proteas reached 161/4 in 19.1 overs to stay firmly in contention for a semi-final berth, while India suffered a major setback in their qualification campaign. Kapp's masterclass came after India had posted 158/7, a total that looked competitive but ultimately proved insufficient on a good batting surface.
The veteran all-rounder held the innings together brilliantly, combining composure with calculated aggression to guide her side home with five balls to spare.
India's Bright Start Fades After Middle-Order Stumble
After winning the toss, India got off to a flying start through Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, racing to 67/2 inside seven overs. However, South Africa fought back admirably through Marizanne Kapp (2/27), Shabnim Ismail (2/28), and Ayabonga Khaka. Yastika Bhatia looked fluent before falling, while Jemimah Rodrigues failed to convert her start.
Harmanpreet Kaur, playing her landmark 200th T20I, scored 24 off 22 balls, and Deepti Sharma added a valuable 29 from 21 deliveries. Yet India managed only 42 runs in the final five overs, slipping from a dominant position to finish on 158/7. The slowdown proved costly as South Africa's disciplined bowling unit restricted the late flourish India desperately needed.
Kapp Turns the Match on Its Head
India's bowlers struck early when left-arm spinner Shree Charani removed both South African openers, reducing the Proteas to 25/2. But that only brought Kapp to the crease.
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Partnering Tazmin Brits, she rebuilt the innings before accelerating dramatically in the second half of the chase. Kapp brought up her first-ever Women's T20 World Cup fifty and capitalized on crucial fielding lapses, including a dropped chance that proved decisive.
As India struggled to create opportunities, Kapp continued to punish loose deliveries, steering South Africa toward victory. Chloe Tryon eventually struck the winning runs as the Proteas completed a memorable chase and recorded a six-wicket win, leaving India with plenty to ponder ahead of their next must-win encounter.
