Australia, the defending champions, secured a dominant seven-wicket victory against South Africa in Indore. Leg-spinner Alana King delivered a remarkable performance, achieving the best figures ever in a Women’s World Cup match.
King’s exceptional 7-18 bowling display turned the game in Australia’s favor as South Africa struggled, getting bowled out for a mere 97 runs in 24 overs. The seven-time champions displayed their dominance by chasing down the target in just 16.5 overs.
King, introduced in the 12th over, immediately made an impact by taking a wicket with her second delivery. Her skillful leg-breaks, showcasing impressive turn, drift, and dip, kept the batters on their toes throughout the match.
“We anticipated some turn on the pitch, so I made the most of it,” King commented. “Certain deliveries gripped better, and it was satisfying to perform well today. I’m excited for the knockout stage.”
King’s spell was a spectacle as she did not concede a single run in her first 15 balls while claiming four South African wickets. Her career-best figures set a new record for an Australian in women’s ODIs and marked the first seven-wicket haul in Women’s World Cup history, surpassing Jackie Lord’s 6-10 for New Zealand in 1982.
Despite South Africa’s strong start with Laura Wolvaardt’s aggressive batting, the team crumbled after King’s exceptional catch to dismiss the South African captain. Australia finished the league stage undefeated, securing the top spot and setting up a semi-final against hosts India in Navi Mumbai. South Africa will face England in Guwahati.
Reflecting on the match, Wolvaardt acknowledged King’s outstanding bowling performance, stating, “Credit to King, she bowled beautifully. We need to regroup and focus on the upcoming challenges.”
With the semi-final lineup confirmed, the upcoming double-header on Sunday featuring England versus New Zealand and India against Bangladesh are considered inconsequential matches.