Marizanne Kapp has thrown the gauntlet down ahead of South Africa's decisive third women's ODI against Australia, claiming the rest of the women's cricket world is catching up to the once all-conquering Aussies.
Kapp was the star of the Proteas' surprise 84-run win at North Sydney Oval on Wednesday night, their first defeat of Australia in an ODI from 17 attempts.
The 34-year-old allrounder pitched in with 75 runs and, as Australia chased 234 in reply, set a batting collapse of 8-71 in motion with figures of 3-12.
Australia were all out for 149 despite a 77-run partnership between allrounders Ash Gardner and Kim Garth that helped the hosts save face.
The result marked the second win of the multi-format tour for South Africa, who had never previously beaten Australia in any form of the game.
Since going on a 26-game ODI winning streak between March 2018 and September 2021, Australia have lost to India, England twice, and now South Africa.
The defeats have coincided with the rise of women's franchise leagues outside of Australia, with The Hundred and Women's Premier League debuting in 2021 and 2023, respectively.
Former captain Meg Lanning, arguably Australia's greatest-ever player, has also retired in this period after taking medical leaves of absence from the side.
Kapp believed Australia's dominance of the women's cricket sphere had been curbed.
"There's definitely a change," she said.
"Losing someone like Lanning, you're never going to be able to replace her, not with captaincy and her batting as well.
"I remember too many games where we had Australia in trouble and she came out to bat and saved them.
"I think everyone is catching up a bit around the world, even the associate teams are picking up against the lower-ranked teams so it's good for the women's game.
"It's a lot more challenging, and hopefully this can continue."
Australia are hopeful Gardner and Ellyse Perry will both be available for the third match of the ODI series, to be played at North Sydney Oval this Saturday.
Gardner reported tightness in her right hamstring and did not return to field after a rain delay stopped play for an hour on Wednesday.
Darcie Brown replaced Gardner in the field, but the allrounder was able to bat and made 35 runs before being caught behind from Eliz-Mari Marx's bowling.
Gardner will be assessed on Thursday and could be rested with one eye on next week's Test. The 26-year-old has been a stand-out in the longest format in recent times.
"She was fine," Garth said of Gardner.
"It didn't look to me like she was hampered too much, so I think she did really well. She batted beautifully, so I don't think there's too much to worry about."
Perry, meanwhile, battled a stomach bug as she pitched in two runs with the bat amid Australia's collapse.
"I have absolutely no doubt she'll be out there on Saturday, knowing Pez,' Garth said.
