A defiant 107-run partnership between Alice Capsey and Nat Sciver-Brunt was the only sign of resistance from England as they crashed out of the World Cup in a 125-run loss to South Africa. Capsey’s maiden ODI fifty was a bright spot in an otherwise dark day.
The pair came together with England in tatters at one for three, after Marizanne Kapp’s double-wicket maiden had destroyed their top order, with all three batters dismissed for ducks.
Capsey and Sciver-Brunt fought hard, steadying the ship and giving England a flicker of hope in their chase of 320. However, the pressure was too immense.
Marizanne Kapp, who had been forced off with cramp, returned to the attack to break the stand, dismissing Sciver-Brunt. She then quickly claimed two more wickets to finish with five for 20.
The 107-run stand was a display of character, but it was never going to be enough to overcome the damage done by Laura Wolvaardt’s 169 and Kapp’s record-breaking bowling.