Kapp set for 150th ODI as Proteas Women seek series-leveller against West Indies

The Proteas Women will be looking to bounce back in the second one-day international (ODI) against the West Indies following a four-wicket Duckworth-Lewis-Stern defeat in the opening match of the three-match series at the Three Ws Oval in Barbados.

The second One-Dayer will get underway on Saturday, 14 June from 10h00 local time (16h00 SAST) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport Action (Ch. 210).

Experienced allrounder Marizanne Kapp, who is on the verge of playing her 150th ODI for South Africa, addressed the media ahead of the clash, reflecting on the team’s performance in the first match, while expressing her pride in reaching the significant milestone in her career.

Looking back at where the team came up short in the series opener, Kapp commented: “We started off okay, the first 10 overs in the powerplay. If you look at the scorecard, we had a lot of players who scored 20s and 30s, but no one scored big. In these conditions, with this bowling attack, you need an in-batter, and we just needed one top-order batter to go through. We had a lot of starts, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough.”

On the bowling front, Kapp acknowledged the need for improvement but also noted that the total posted by the team was below par on a typically slow Caribbean wicket.

"I felt like the runs were probably 30 to 40 short because it's always going to be difficult for our bowlers to defend that type of total on these wickets. Even if you look at the previous tour, we know we've not been at our best with the ball. We've been bowling a bit on both sides of the wicket, but you can always improve. We know bowling has probably been a little bit of a concern, but in saying that, the runs weren't enough as well,” the 35-year-old added.

Saturday’s fixture will mark a landmark moment for Kapp, who is set to earn her 150th ODI cap, becoming only the second South African woman to reach the milestone after Mignon du Preez. The seaming allrounder is also six matches away from breaking du Preez’s all-time appearance record in the format.

Reflecting on her journey as one of the best players in the sport since making her debut against Australia in 2009, Kapp said: "I'm extremely proud. Looking back, not only on my career but where women's cricket started and when I started playing for South Africa, I didn't even know there was international women's cricket.

“When I made my debut, I just thought, I'll give this a go, even though I've always loved cricket. I never thought women's cricket would end up here, and I would still be playing, 15 - 16 years later. It's definitely a very proud moment, and hopefully I've got a few more games in me,” she continued.

When asked whether the passion still burns after nearly two decades at the top, Kapp was unequivocal in her response.

“Definitely. I wouldn't be sitting here if I didn't have that hunger. I can't do anything half and half. It's either I go for it or I don't do it at all. I'm proud of my career. I'm proud of what we have achieved as a South African cricket team. So I definitely still have that hunger, still want to perform at the highest level and hopefully bring home a World Cup.”

Proteas Women Squad - West Indies Outbound Tour

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World LIons), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), *Miané Smit (Knights) and Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)

*Uncapped in T20Is

Fixtures - West Indies Outbound Tour

ODI Series

Saturday, 14 June @ 16h00 SAST,

2nd ODI: West Indies v South Africa (Three Ws Oval, Barbados)

Tuesday, 17 June @ 16h00 SAST

3rd ODI: West Indies v South Africa (Three Ws Oval, Barbados)

T20I Series

Friday, 20 June @ 20h00 SAST

1st T20I: West Indies v South Africa (Three Ws Oval, Barbados)

Sunday, 22 June @ 16h00 SAST

2nd T20I: West Indies v South Africa (Three Ws Oval, Barbados)

Monday, 23 June @ 20h00 SAST

3rd T20I: West Indies v South Africa (Three Ws Oval, Barbados)