Alana King has delivered the greatest spell in World Cup history, taking seven wickets to lead Australia to a big win over South Africa and top spot on the table. Led by King’s 7-18, Australia were able to bowl South Africa out for 97 in Indore, before chasing down the victory target with seven wickets in hand and with 33 overs to spare.
The result means Australia will finish the round-robin stage of the ODI tournament undefeated and face hosts India in a semi-final in Mumbai on Thursday. South Africa will face England in the other semi-final, with Saturday’s clash always set to determine top spot on the ladder.
In all, the whole affair lasted a little over three hours as King spun a web around South Africa and showed why she is the best wrist spinner in the world right now. King’s figures marked the fifth best by any woman in an ODI, the best by any Australian woman, and the only time a woman has taken seven wickets in a World Cup match.
- Australian Associated Press
Tahlia McGrath’s verdict
That was good fun! How good was Kingy? It was pretty awesome – it felt like she’d take a wicket every ball. Super happy for her.
It’s awesome to get the job done and walk away with a bit of momentum going into the semi-finals.
