Marizanne Kapp is one of the most sought-after players in the global women’s game.
The 34-year-old is a regular in The Hundred in England, Australia’s Big Bash and India’s WPL, where she has delivered Player-of-the-Match performances in grand finals to help her respective teams win franchise league championship titles.
But yet there is nothing more the veteran all-rounder desires more than success with the Proteas on the international stage.
Kapp and the Proteas came perilously close last year when they became the first South African senior team to reach a World Cup final.
Unfortunately, the juggernaut Australians were just too good on the day at Newlands, but Kapp is still pushing her body to the limits to go one further at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE.
“I think I’ve mentioned it so many times that it’s absolutely amazing playing in leagues and all of that, but nothing beats playing for your country – and especially at World Cups,” Kapp said following the 80-run win over Scotland on Wednesday.
“I feel like you kind of up your game because it’s the biggest stage. You want to do well, you want to perform and play in that home World Cup.
“There were a lot of tears from off-field things, but it’s still one of the best memories of my cricketing career.”
Kapp was superb in the 80-run victory over Scotland a couple of days ago, where she provided much-needed impetus to the innings with a rapid 43 off 24 balls (6x4).
There has, though, been plenty of debate related to Kapp’s workload throughout the competition, which has seen her walk to the crease at No 4 instead of her usual first-drop position.
“I had a bit of a niggle leading up to India, which we probably didn’t say out loud. So, that was the main reason for me not bowling there,” Kapp said.
“And yeah, we didn’t want me to just miss cricket because I could still play as a batter. So, we made the decision to not let me be off completely, so that I can continue with the momentum that I’ve been having with the bat.”
Post-match shenanigans by Ayanda Hlubi after the Proteas Women’s big win against Scotland! 🏏💥
Laughter, highlights, and plenty of smiles—our team is enjoying every moment of this journey! 🏏🇿🇦#AlwaysRising #WhateverItTakes #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/YO5mgPDrIP
The Proteas will be counting on Kapp to drive their challenge as they head into the business end of the tournament.
Laura Wolvaardt’s side face Bangladesh in Dubai tomorrow (4pm start), and require a victory in order to progress to their third consecutive T20 World Cup semi-final.
Despite her heavy workload as an all-rounder, Kapp has the further responsibility now of leading the Proteas attack after her long-time new-ball partner Shabnim Ismail retired from international cricket after last year’s T20 World Cup.
“Obviously we miss Shabby, and I feel like when we had that partnership where bowling together, we probably picked up a lot more wickets because they had to take on one of us – whether it would be her picking up the wickets or me,” Kapp said.
“But look, I’ve been doing that in leagues for the last 10 years. So, I’m used to that. I’m used to leading the bowling attack.
“We also have some brilliant young bowlers now, but like I said, I’m used to leading bowling attacks in all these leagues I play. So, yeah, it’s nothing new.”
One of the youngsters aspiring to fill Kapp’s shoes in the future is the promising Annerie Dercksen.
The 23-year-old may not quite be a new-ball bowler in the Kapp mould, but she certainly packs a heavy punch with the bat in the middle-order.
The Proteas Women are not only showcasing their incredible talent this World Cup but also honor the bonds that keep them grounded.
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) October 10, 2024
The players take to the field in customized playing shirts with embroidered names of family members and close friends.#AlwaysRising… pic.twitter.com/4BiITKY11C
Dercksen showed her potential against England when she clubbed 20 not out off 11 balls, and Kapp believes the strongly-built all-rounder could yet still light up this competition.
“I’m so happy for her with the few knocks she’s had. When I first saw her, I immediately said, ‘This kid is going to be good’. I feel like there’s still so much more that she can do. And we’ve not seen half of it yet,” Kapp said.
“Even with her bowling, she bowls quite a heavy ball. She’s brilliant in the field and still so young. I really feel like that someone (Dercksen) in the next 10 years is going to be one of the big names.”