NEW DELHI: In a spectacular display of leg-spin wizardry, Australia’s Alana King delivered a career-best performance, taking 7 wickets for a mere 18 runs in just seven overs. Her masterclass decimated South Africa for a paltry 97 runs in Indore on Saturday, securing a crushing seven-wicket victory for the defending champions in the Women’s World Cup. This stellar win propels Australia into a high-stakes semi-final clash against hosts India in Navi Mumbai.
King’s introduction in the 12th over proved to be the turning point of the match. Striking with her second delivery, the cunning leg-spinner showcased exceptional turn, dip, and drift, leaving the South African batters bewildered. “We anticipated the pitch would offer some turn, so I focused on exploiting that,” King commented. “Some deliveries spun more than others, but it felt fantastic to find my rhythm today. I’m incredibly excited as we head into the knockout stages.”
South Africa’s innings started promisingly, with Laura Wolvaardt swiftly accumulating 31 runs off just 26 balls, including four boundaries in a single over. However, King’s brilliance soon stole the spotlight. She dismissed Wolvaardt with a sharp diving catch at short mid-wicket and then tore through the batting order, claiming crucial wickets including Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, and Nadine de Klerk. Her relentless spell, which also featured two maiden overs, marked the first-ever seven-wicket haul in Women’s World Cup history, surpassing Jackie Lord’s previous record of 6/10 set in 1982.
Chasing a modest target of 98, Australia experienced an early wobble, losing Phoebe Litchfield (5) and Ellyse Perry (0). However, Beth Mooney (42) and Georgia Voll (38 not out) stabilized the innings with a solid 76-run partnership, guiding Australia to victory in just 16.5 overs.
Australia concludes the league stage undefeated, cementing their top position and a spot in the semi-finals against India. Meanwhile, South Africa will now face England in Guwahati. Wolvaardt graciously acknowledged King’s masterful performance: “It was a decent wicket to bat on, and full credit to King; she bowled magnificently. We simply need to regroup and concentrate on our next challenge.”
King’s extraordinary spell of leg-spin wizardry not only highlighted her exceptional skill and control but also underscored Australia’s formidable dominance in this World Cup. With the semi-finals on the horizon, fans can anticipate an exhilarating contest as the seven-time champions aim to defend their title against the formidable host nation, fueled by King’s magical bowling and a batting lineup in ruthless form.