Could Alana King's Stunning Seven-Wicket Spell Be the Best in Women's World Cup History?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Alana King
- South Africa
- The match showcased the rising talent and competitiveness in women's cricket.
- Australia demonstrated their strength and strategy in this World Cup match.
- Records continue to be broken, highlighting the evolution of women's sports.
Indore, Oct 25 (NationPress) Alana King's7 wickets for just 18 runs led to South Africa being bowled out for 97 runs in just 24 overs against Australia during the Women's ODI World Cup match held at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. This remarkable achievement made Alana the first bowler in the history of the Women’s ODI World Cup to claim seven wickets in a single match.
Having been invited to bat first, South Africa's opening pair, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, provided a solid start, putting together a 32-run partnership before Megan Schutt sent Wolvaardt back for 31 in the seventh over. Brits followed soon after, dismissed for 6, leaving South Africa at a precarious 42/2 after the initial 10 overs.
The match took a dramatic turn when Alana King struck twice in her first over, dismissing Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp, which initiated a swift batting collapse for the Proteas.
Despite some resistance from wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta, who hit three fours off Annabel Sutherland, Alana quickly dismissed Annerie Dercksen (5) and Chloe Tryon (0) on consecutive deliveries, leaving South Africa in dire straits at 60/6 by the 15.3 over mark.
With the majority of the batting lineup back in the pavilion, Alana seized the opportunity, bowling out Jafta (29) in the 18th over to secure her five-wicket haul. After the rapid loss of seven wickets, South Africa struggled to recover.
Alana added another wicket by dismissing Masabata Klaas, while Ashleigh Gardner contributed by getting Ayabonga Khaka (0). Concluding her spell with the final wicket of Nadine de Klerk (14), Alana's figures of 7-18 over seven overs, including two maidens, underscored her dominance.
This match now marks the lowest total for South Africa against Australia in ODI history.
Brief scores:
South Africa 97 all out in 24 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 31, Sinalo Jafta 29; Alana King 7-18) against Australia.