LIVE: Scotland faced with huge target after South Africa’s women light up Dubai

South Africa’s women top-order batters set the stage for an impressive total against Scotland in Dubai, posting 166/5 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Openers Laura Wolvaardt (40) and Tazmin Brits (43) provided a strong foundation, while Marizanne Kapp stole the spotlight with a fiery 43 off just 24 balls. Despite facing a world-class batting lineup, Scotland’s bowlers showed resilience, with Olivia Bell, Kathryn Bryce, Katherine Fraser, Rachel Slater, and Darcey Carter each claiming wickets.

The T20 World Cup debutants now face a daunting task, needing an extraordinary batting performance to chase down the biggest total of the tournament so far.

How South Africa Posted the Tournament’s Highest Score

After winning the toss and electing to bat, South Africa’s openers made a fast start in their first-ever international encounter against Scotland. Laura Wolvaardt, who was dropped early, capitalized on her chance, laying the foundation for a massive total alongside Tazmin Brits.

The Proteas stormed to 60/0 during the powerplay, the highest powerplay total in the tournament so far, reaching 50 runs faster than any other team.

Scotland halted the momentum when Olivia Bell caught Wolvaardt off Katherine Fraser for 40 (27). Darcey Carter then struck with her first ball, dismissing Anneke Bosch (11), but with 89 runs on the board and nine overs still to play, South Africa remained in control. Marizanne Kapp’s arrival only increased the pressure on Scotland.

Tazmin Brits was unfortunate to miss out on a half-century, falling for 43 (35) while trying to clear the long-off boundary off Bell’s bowling. Kapp, however, continued her explosive innings, hitting six boundaries in her 43 (24) before being caught by Carter off Kathryn Bryce’s delivery.

Chloe Tryon’s batting struggles persisted as she fell cheaply in the closing stages, while Annerie Dercksen managed just 1* off 4 deliveries. But Sune Luus (18*) provided a late boost to help South Africa reach the highest total of the tournament so far, finishing on 166/5.

Playing XIs:

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Annerie Dercksen, Sune Luus, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka.