England’s hopes of defending its title at the Women’s Cricket World Cup faltered Monday when it lost by three wickets to South Africa to be left without a win after three matches.
Marizanne Kapp produced an outstanding all-round performance to lead South Africa to its third consecutive win at the tournament. The South Africans are now level with six-time champion Australia on six points at the top of the standings. England has fallen back to seventh in the eight-team competition.
Kapp took 5-45 — her first five-wicket haul in one-day internationals— as South Africa contained England to 235-9 after choosing to bowl. She then made 32 from 42 balls at a vital stage in the chase as South Africa reached its winning target with four deliveries to spare.
