Leg-spinner Alana King not only executed a masterclass in wrist-spin but also, with the help of her teammates, led Australia to a seven-wicket victory which assured them the top place in the Women’s World Cup league stage at Holkar Stadium on Saturday. The champions were thus drawn to play against the hosts India in the semi-finals on Thursday at Navi Mumbai.
King’s remarkable performance of 7/18 in 7 overs was not only her first seven-wicket haul but also the best individual bowling performance in Women’s World Cup history, not to mention the best by an Australian bowler in WODIs. She totally bamboozled South African batswomen and picked up including Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Annerie Dercksen, and Nadine de Klerk and bowled them out for merely 97 runs in 24 overs. Her bowling had the contribution of two maidens and she exhibited very high control and was deceptive.
Australia on the other hand, needed 98 runs which was an easy task even though they lost Phoebe Litchfield (5) and Ellyse Perry (0) in quick succession. The partnership of Beth Mooney (42) and Georgia Voll (38 not out) of 76 runs not only occupied the crease for the rest of the innings but also helped Australia to win with a difference of 199 balls.
In addition to the above-mentioned, another highlight of the match was the daring innings of South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt (31) who, in the first six overs, struck seven four. But very shortly, King’s magnificent performance became the game-changer. She claimed Wolvaardt's wicket through a wonderful diving catch by Kim Garth, then along with King came a series of wickets resulting in Proteas being struggling at 43 for 4.
King's wizardry did not end there as she continued on with her fast-paced dismissals: Marizanne Kapp, Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta, Nadine de Klerk, and Masabata Klaas all succumbed to her clever deliveries, thereby reaffirming her status as one of the most skilled wrist-spinners in the contemporary cricket scene.
Having topped the table, Australia will take on India in the semis, whereas India, even if they beat Bangladesh in their last group match, will still be fourth at best.
