Marizanne Kapp 150th ODI: Proteas Women Target Series Leveler vs West Indies

Kapp Eyes 150th ODI as Proteas Women Aim to Level Series in Barbados

Kapp Set for Historic 150th ODI Appearance as Proteas Women Seek Redemption in Barbados

BARBADOS – South Africa’s Proteas Women are preparing for a pivotal second One-Day International (ODI) against the West Indies on Saturday, June 14, at the Three Ws Oval, where all eyes will be on Marizanne Kapp’s 150th ODI – a milestone that places her in elite company and highlights a glittering career spanning over 15 years.

After falling short by four wickets via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in the rain-affected series opener, the visitors will be desperate to bounce back, not only to stay alive in the series but also to mark Kapp’s landmark game with a performance befitting her stature in women’s cricket.

Kapp Reflects on Career, Passion, and Team Goals

In a media interaction ahead of her 150th ODI appearance, Kapp was characteristically humble but brimming with pride. The 35-year-old, who debuted against Australia in 2009, becomes only the second South African woman after Mignon du Preez to reach the 150-match mark in ODIs.

"I'm extremely proud," Kapp shared. "When I started playing, I didn’t even know women’s international cricket existed. I just played for the love of the game. Now, 15–16 years later, to still be here and contributing to the growth of South African women’s cricket is something I’ll always cherish."

Known for her fiery competitiveness and unmatched work ethic, Kapp insisted that the hunger to perform is still alive. “I can’t do anything half-hearted. It’s all or nothing for me. I still dream of winning a World Cup with this team,” she said, underlining her ambition and longevity in the game.

As she inches closer to Du Preez’s all-time record of 154 ODIs for South Africa, Kapp continues to serve as the team’s backbone — not just with her swing bowling or powerful batting, but also through her leadership and experience in pressure situations.

Where the Proteas Women Fell Short in the First ODI

Reflecting on the narrow loss in the first ODI, Kapp offered a candid analysis of the team’s shortcomings. “We started well, especially during the powerplay. But too many of us got starts — 20s and 30s — and didn’t carry on. On slow wickets like these, with the kind of West Indies bowling we’re facing, you need someone to bat through.”

Indeed, the scoreline from the first game indicated promise but not dominance. The Proteas posted a sub-par total which never looked defensible given the typically sluggish Caribbean surface, and intermittent rain made things harder for the bowlers to settle into rhythm.

Kapp noted that the bowlers need to take more responsibility. “We’ve been leaking runs on both sides of the wicket. Yes, 30 to 40 more runs would’ve helped, but as a bowling unit, we also need to tighten our lines and lengths.”

Importance of the Second ODI for South Africa

With the West Indies holding a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, Saturday’s game becomes a must-win encounter for the Proteas Women. More than just series parity is at stake. A strong showing would offer a morale boost ahead of the T20I series and send a message that the South African side, led by Laura Wolvaardt, remains a formidable force.

Wolvaardt, herself an elegant stroke-maker and a natural leader, will be hoping her side can take inspiration from Kapp’s milestone match and produce a complete performance with bat and ball. Players like Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, and Suné Luus are all capable of stepping up, and with bowlers like Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba in the lineup, South Africa possesses the arsenal to strike back hard.

Kapp’s Legacy and What Lies Ahead

Kapp’s contributions to South African cricket have been monumental. As an all-rounder, her stats are glittering: over 2,400 runs and more than 150 wickets in ODIs — numbers that place her among the finest in the world. But it’s her impact off the field that is equally significant. Her journey from obscurity to global acclaim mirrors the rise of South African women’s cricket itself.

“I never thought I’d still be playing after 15 years. Women’s cricket has changed so much, and I’m proud to have been part of that change,” she said. With the Women’s World Cup and more ICC tournaments on the horizon, Kapp’s presence remains invaluable.

What to Expect in the Second ODI

Fans can expect a much sharper South African performance in the second ODI. The team will look to build meaningful partnerships, especially among the top four batters, while the bowlers must aim to be disciplined on a surface that doesn't offer much pace or bounce.

The match, starting at 10h00 local time (16h00 SAST), will be broadcast live on SuperSport Action (Channel 210), and a big turnout is expected to witness a piece of history as Marizanne Kapp celebrates her 150th ODI appearance — a testament to longevity, excellence, and passion.

Fixtures Remaining on the Tour

South Africa will wrap up the ODI series with the third and final match on Tuesday, 17 June, before switching gears to the T20I leg of the tour. The T20Is are scheduled for 20, 22, and 23 June, all at the same venue — the iconic Three Ws Oval in Barbados.

With the series still alive, and Kapp’s landmark moment adding emotion and motivation, Saturday’s clash promises to be one of grit, skill, and perhaps a hint of destiny for one of South Africa’s cricketing greats.