South Africa make history, thump Australia for first time in a women’s ODI

A South African superstar has inspired a historic first in the second women’s ODI after Australia crumbled in shocking scenes.

A devastating all-round display from Marizanne Kapp has powered South Africa its first ever win over Australia in a crushing 84-run ODI demolition.

Kapp was on fire, belting 75 off 87 balls with the bat before taking 3/12 off five overs to tear the Aussie top order apart.

Watch Australia v South Africa Women’s Series on Kayo. Every T20I, ODI + Test Live with no ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >

Australia was lucky as Kapp was put in cotton wool late after suffering soft tissue damage in her arm in the first ODI after copping a stray throw.

It allowed Australia to avoid complete disaster as Ash Gardner, who was battling hamstring tightness, combined with Kim Garth in the highest ever ninth-wicket partnership in women’s ODIs.

A week after she claimed her second Belinda Clark Award in three years, Gardner was forced to come off midway through South Africa’s innings having already picked up two wickets as the visitors reached 6/229 after a couple of rain delays which left the hosts chasing a revised target of 234 from 45 overs.

Georgia Wareham couldn’t believe it. Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Marizanne Kapp was incredible. Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Gardner (35) and Garth (42 not out) saved Australia from what looked set to be a record-breaking defeat when they slumped to 8/71, with Gardner moving fairly well in spite of her discomfort.

But it was all about Kapp, who nearly singehandedly demolished the Aussies.

Kapp has been one of the most dominant forces in the WBBL and backed it up with bat and ball against the Aussies.

The South African quick removed openers Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield but saved her best for Beth Mooney who had her middle stump rocked back as Kapp claimed the extraordinary figures of 3/7 from her opening four overs.

One of the all-time great performances she turned in today. (Kapp's done it SO many times, really, throughout her career.)

This delivery from today was Kapp-level brilliant. Sit back and marvel, everyone.#AUSvsSAhttps://t.co/ETHokm7sT4

— Annesha Ghosh (@ghosh_annesha) February 7, 2024

I have said this before and I will say it again now:

Marizanne Kapp is the best all-rounder in the country and one of the best in the world#AUSvSApic.twitter.com/tyLeoCdGLD

— Werner (@Werries_) February 7, 2024

After winning their first ever T20I vs Australia women just a few days back, SA women in their 17th attempt have registered their FIRST EVER ODI victory vs Australia. #AUSvsSA

— Peeyush Sharma (@peeyushsharmaa) February 7, 2024

History achieved for South Africa. Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Her incredible effort helped South Africa beat Australia in an ODI for the first time, while this was Australia’s first loss at North Sydney in 15 years, with the sides to face off at the same venue on Saturday.

With Australia clinging onto a 6-4 lead in the multi-format series, selectors won’t want to risk Gardner with the lone Test to begin next Thursday which is worth four points.

Teammate Ellyse Perry also battled a stomach bug on Wednesday and didn’t look herself when she came out to bat having bowled just two overs in front of a very disappointing midweek crowd.

Originally published as South Africa make history, thump Australia for first time in a women’s ODI