South Africa hammer Scots in Women’s T20 World Cup

South Africa delivered a dominant performance to defeat Scotland by 80 runs in their Group B match at the Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai on Wednesday.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, South Africa posted a strong total of 166-5 in their 20 overs. Captain Laura Wolvaardt (40), Tazmin Brits (43), and Marizanne Kapp (43) took advantage of Scotland’s weak bowling and fielding.

Scotland, playing in their first World Cup, struggled in their reply and were bowled out for just 80 runs in 17.5 overs, leading to their elimination from the tournament after three consecutive losses.

This victory moves South Africa, who were runners-up to Australia in the 2023 edition, to the top of Group B, while Scotland remains at the bottom after previous defeats by Bangladesh and West Indies.

Scotland’s fielding woes began early, with a dropped catch when Wolvaardt was on just two. She capitalized on the mistake, hitting five fours and a six in her 27-ball 40, which also made her South Africa’s top scorer in T20I cricket, surpassing Lizelle Lee’s 1,896 runs.

Although Wolvaardt was eventually caught by Olivia Bell, Scotland’s fielding issues continued with another dropped catch giving Anneke Bosch a reprieve on just three runs. Brits hit five fours and a six in her 43, while Kapp’s rapid 43 from 23 balls earned her the player of the match award.

“I was a bit nervous at the start,” Kapp said. “(We) knew the wicket would be slow, and it played slower than our first game. Luckily, things worked out.”

Scotland’s chase never gained momentum, with only Katherine Fraser (14) and Ailsa Lister (12) reaching double figures. South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba was the standout bowler, taking 3-12 in her four overs, while Chloe Tryon (2-22) made history by becoming the first women’s T20I bowler to take two caught-and-bowled dismissals in a match.

Later on Wednesday, India will face Sri Lanka in a Group A clash.