South Africa Women registered a vital six-wicket victory over India Women in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, boosting their semifinal hopes while dealing a major setback to India’s campaign. Marizanne Kapp starred with a magnificent unbeaten 81, guiding the Proteas to a memorable chase at Old Trafford, Manchester.
Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 158 runs. However, South Africa responded confidently, with Kapp anchoring the innings and ensuring her side crossed the finish line with wickets and balls to spare. Her match-winning knock was widely regarded as one of the standout performances of the tournament so far.
The victory kept South Africa firmly in contention for a place in the semifinals and strengthened their position in the group standings. For India, the defeat has complicated the road to the knockout stage, leaving the team dependent on results in the remaining group matches.
Following the loss, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur pointed to missed opportunities in the field, acknowledging that dropped chances proved costly against a strong South African batting unit. Former India captain Mithali Raj also stressed the need for tactical adjustments as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
South Africa’s successful chase was also historic, setting a new benchmark for the highest successful run chase in Women’s T20 World Cup history. The result highlighted the Proteas’ growing confidence and ability to perform under pressure on the global stage.
With the group stage nearing its conclusion, both teams now face must-win situations in their remaining fixtures as the battle for semifinal places intensifies.