Women’s T20 World Cup: South Africa Crush Scotland by 80 Runs in Group B

South Africa 166-5 (20 overs): Brits 43 (35), Kapp 43 (24), Wolvaardt 40 (27)
Scotland 86 (17.5 overs): Mlaba 3-12, De Klerk 2-15
South Africa won by 80 runs.

South Africa handed Scotland a crushing 80-run defeat in Dubai, knocking the Scots out of contention for the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals. With commanding performances from Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, and Marizanne Kapp, South Africa posted a formidable 166-5, the highest score of the tournament thus far.

In response, Scotland crumbled under the pressure of South Africa’s spin attack, managing just 86 runs. Nonkululeko Mlaba shone with 3-12, while Scotland’s Katherine Fraser top-scored with only 14.

This victory catapulted South Africa to the top of Group B, tied with England on points but ahead due to net run-rate. Scotland remains winless at the bottom. South Africa faces Bangladesh next, while Scotland will take on England in their final group match.

Key Moments:

• Wolvaardt reached a milestone, becoming South Africa’s all-time leading T20I run-scorer.
• Scotland missed early chances, dropping Wolvaardt on two, which proved costly.
• Mlaba’s 3-12 sealed South Africa’s comprehensive win, highlighting Scotland’s inexperience at this level.

Reaction:

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt expressed satisfaction with the team’s ruthless performance, while Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce admitted costly mistakes and pressure led to their downfall. Marizanne Kapp, named player of the match, emphasized that there’s always room for improvement despite the impressive win.