Van Niekerk joins record breakers as West Indies suffer
ROUND-UP
RECORDS have continued to tumble after South Africa produced one of the best bowling displays so far as they skittled out West Indies for 48.
Marizanne Kapp grabbed 4-14 to do the early damage along with new-ball partner Shabnim Ismail while legspinner Dane van Niekerk later picked four wickets without conceding a run as South Africa bowled the opposition out in for 48 in 25.2 overs, the sixth lowest total in the tournament’s history.
Captain Van Niekerk became the first person to get four wickets in World Cup history without conceding a single run.
But Van Niekerk’s side could not follow that impressive victory up with a win over England as the hosts put on a record-breaking second-wicket stand to triumph by 68 runs.
After losing their first match of the tournament to India, England bounced back with victories over Sri Lanka and then South Africa at Bristol.
The 275-run stand between Tamsin Beaumont (148) and Sarah Taylor (147) guided England to an impressive victory and means they’ve won three of their four matches.
Meanwhile defending champions Australia maintained their unbeaten run in the tournament after beating Pakistan and New Zealand. The defeat for Pakistan, who have now lost all their games, means they only have a mathematical chance of reaching the semi-finals with three group-stage matches remaining.
In Leicester, Australia routed Pakistan by 159 runs following excellent halfcenturies by Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy and Elyse Villani and impressive bowling display from debutant Sarah Aley who took a first wicket with just her second delivery.
Elsewhere India maintained their perfect start to the tournament with victories over fierce rivals Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Mithali Raj and Deepti Sharma’s 118run third-wicket partnership led the way against Sri Lanka at the County Ground in Derby.
Captain Raj plundered four boundaries to record her 48th ODI halfcentury as her fine tournament continues after scoring 71 against England and 46 against Pakistan.
New Zealand could not follow up on their victory over Sri Lanka with a win over Australia as they lost by five wickets. After having their second game washed out against South Africa, the White Fearns set the Southern Stars 220 to win after Katie Perkins smashed 52.
But Perry’s knock of 71 eased Australia home and meant New Zealand had to beat Windies to get back on track, which they duly did in crushing style with 190 balls left.