
Half-centuries from Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp and Suné Luus were the highlights for the Proteas Women as they reduced England’s first-innings lead on Day 2 of the one-off Test at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Monday.
Captain Wolvaardt top-scored with a gritty 65 off 147 balls (11x4), while Kapp contributed 57 from 74 deliveries (11x4) and Luus matched it with a 56-run effort off 148 balls (8x4). Their efforts helped South Africa reach 281 all out in 88.4 overs in reply to England’s 395/9 declared. At stumps, England were 31/1 in their second innings, holding a 145-run lead with two days to play.
The Proteas resumed the day on 17/0, with Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch (6) at the crease. England struck early as Lauren Bell (4/49) removed Bosch within the first two overs of the morning.
Wolvaardt then partnered with young all-rounder Annerie Dercksen (41) to put together a crucial 92-run stand for the second wicket. Their contributions took South Africa to 113/1 before Dercksen fell on the stroke of lunch, with Lauren Filer (2/53) claiming her first wicket of the match.
After the interval, Wolvaardt was adjudged LBW off the bowling of Sophie Ecclestone (1/40), leaving the Proteas at 138/3. This brought Kapp and Luus to the crease and the experienced duo steadied the innings with a solid 99-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Both batters notched up their half-centuries before Kapp was clean bowled by Ryana MacDonald-Gay (2/50) with the score on 237/4.
Shortly after, the play was interrupted by inclement weather. Upon resumption, England seized control, taking wickets at regular intervals. MacDonald-Gay, Bell, Filer and Nat Sciver-Brunt (1/25) shared the last six wickets, restricting South Africa to 281 all out.
England’s second innings got off to a shaky start, with Maia Bouchier (0) dismissed by Ayanda Hlubi (1/1) early on. However, Tammy Beaumont (8*) and captain Heather Knight (19*) steadied the ship, guiding England to a strong position at the close of play.
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