With an international career spanning 15 years, Proteas star Marizanne Kapp understands the need to manage her body in order to get the best results. Picture: REUTERS, Satish Kumar
The Proteas’ performances have varied bizarrely between the sublime and average thus far in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Such vagaries of form have left Laura Wolvaardt’s team needing to beat Bangladesh on Saturday in Dubai (4pm start) to ensure qualification for their third consecutive T20 World Cup semi-final.
It is almost a given that for the Proteas to achieve this feat, they will need their star all-rounder Marizanne Kapp to have an impact on proceedings – be it with bat or ball.
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.
At 34 and with an international career spanning 15 years already, Kapp understands the need to manage her body in order to get the best results.
“You are called for such a time as this”. ✝️🙏 Loved being out in the middle! 🇿🇦 #t20worldcup pic.twitter.com/x9WMkatUUy
— Marizanne Kapp (@kappie777) October 8, 2024
“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.
“It was more trying to not push it when it’s not necessary. And look, it’s always going to be tough as an all-rounder, especially in these conditions.
“I almost feel like the skill I do first, I’m probably going to be the best at that skill on the day because it’s so tough when you have to bat and then come and bowl, and vice versa.”
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
But while Kapp may be approaching the twilight of her time with the Proteas, it seems that she has only now found her rhythm – particularly with the bat over the last year.
Her form has been excellent, striking 378 runs at an average of 31.50 at a strike-rate of 144.27 over the past 12 months.
In that period, she has belted 48 boundaries and seven sixes in comparison to her previous best of 16 and five in 2018.
“The last couple of years, I’ve been working a lot on the basics, hitting the ball as late as possible and looking at other options as well. I feel like I’m striking the ball more powerfully. I also have one or two extra shots I can go to if the pace is not there,” she said.
“But like I said in so many interviews, I feel like it’s more a confidence thing for me. Knowing now that I can bat, I don’t have to show anyone that I can hold a bat.
“If you look at my cricket, if I feel like you believe in me and you almost rate me as a cricketer, I’ll probably perform. If I feel insecure, then I’m not going to perform.”