The Proteas’ sensational ICC Women’s T20 World Cup victory over India could count for nothing if they take their eye off the ball, according to Marizanne Kapp.
The veteran all-rounder delivered a superb performance against the ODI world champions, claiming 2/27 with the ball before guiding the Proteas home with an unbeaten 81 at Old Trafford.
The victory lifted the Proteas into third position — level on points with second-placed India — but still significantly trailing on net run rate with -0.546 compared to +2.511.
India still have to face table-toppers Australia in what is likely to be the group decider on Sunday.
But Kapp believes that blockbuster clash could be inconsequential if the Proteas don’t take care of their own destiny by defeating both the Dutch (Thursday) and Bangladesh (Sunday).
“Look, we still have to face a strong Bangladesh team and the Netherlands,” Kapp said.
“So we can’t look too far ahead. We have to rock up every game and play our best cricket. And if we take care of that, then we worry about the rest later on.
“I’m not going to start thinking now if India lose or India beat Australia. We had one job today, and that’s the match we did that. Now our focus moves to the Netherlands and Bangladesh, who are also good teams in their own right.”
Should the Proteas beat both the Netherlands and Bangladesh, and India lose to Australia, Kapp and her teammates will automatically advance to a third consecutive ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final.
Equally, an Indian victory over the Aussies at Lord’s on Sunday — provided they have already disposed of Bangladesh — could result in Group 1’s contenders being separated by net run rate.
The Aussies, meanwhile, also still have to face Pakistan before their date with India.
FULL STANDINGS GROUP 1
| Team |
Matches |
Won |
Lost |
Tied |
Points |
Net RR |
| Australia |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
4.391 |
| India |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
2.511 |
| South Africa |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
-0.546 |
| Bangladesh |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
-0.641 |
| Pakistan |
3 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
-1.857 |
| Netherlands |
3 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
-3.384 |
