Snehasis Mukherjee in Dubai
It was a heartbreaking day for South Africa as they lost the Women’s T20 World Cup final in Cape Town to Australia in front of their home fans. On top of that, one of their legends and veteran fast bowlers, Shabnim Ismail, announced her retirement from international cricket. Since 2007, Ismail had led the pace attack, finishing with 113 WT20I appearances.
With Ismail’s departure, fans wondered who would step up to support Marizanne Kapp with the new ball. The team management tried different combinations, and finally, Ayabonga Khaka took that spot. Despite playing since 2014, Khaka had only opened the bowling in 17 innings up until 2023, taking 14 wickets at an economy rate of 6.06. However, in 2024, she has opened the bowling ten times, claiming five wickets at an economy rate of 7.42.
Before the World Cup, South Africa played a warm-up match against India, where Khaka took a fifer. In the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, she has taken three wickets in five matches at an economy of 5.13. Kapp, on the other hand, has taken five wickets in as many matches at an economy of 4.27. Khaka has had the tough task of filling Ismail’s shoes, and so far, she has delivered consistently on the big stage.
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Kapp-Khaka Pair
Barring one or two occasions, mostly this pair has been successful in every phase of the game, whether with the new ball or at the death overs. After the historic semi-final win over Australia, Khaka shared her experience of bowling alongside Kapp. She said: “I think for me, the role is new to open the bowling, and I am just trying my best to get comfortable with it. It is a work in progress.”
Individually, Khaka has taken six wickets in eight innings against New Zealand at an economy rate of 6.90. Her execution has boosted the entire bowling unit and especially, the yorkers, that she nailed in the last over against Phoebe Litchfield, left fans berserk. After the win against Australia, she said: “We have been doing well as a bowling unit. We knew Australia would come at us hard. We stuck to our plans, executed, and did not change much. Our goal was to restrict them as much as possible, and we did just that.”
Looking ahead, it is expected that Laura Wolvaardt will once again give the new ball to Kapp and Khaka to target the White Ferns’ top order. Can Khaka guide the Proteas women to their maiden title, something even Ismail could not achieve? All of South Africa will be hoping for it.
Also Read: New Zealand bowlers hold off Windies charge, set up summit clash with South Africa