Kapp-inspired Proteas pass biggest World Cup test, edge England in thrilling chase

South Africa passed their biggest test of the Women's Cricket World Cup in New Zealand so far, beating defending champions England in a thrilling final over clash in Mount Maunganui on Monday morning (SA time). 

In a rematch of the 2017 World Cup semi-final, which England won, the Proteas successfully hunted down the 236 they needed for victory in what is their highest ever run chase at the global showpiece. 

SCORECARD | Proteas v England

More importantly, this result confirms that the Proteas are a side capable of winning from difficult positions, and that they can make a play deep into this tournament. 

It was tense throughout, and England were slightly ahead in the contest for the majority of South Africa's chase, but there was both character and composure in a performance that was led by the heroics of Marizanne Kapp (5/45 and 32 off 42) and Laura Wolvaardt (77 off 101). 

In the end, the Proteas got home with four balls to spare after England had posted 235/9 from their 50 overs. 

They won by three wickets, with Trisha Chetty (13* off 13) hitting the winning runs. 

#TeamSouthAfrica win a thriller ?Their unbeaten run in the tournament continues, as #TeamEngland remain winless. #CWC22 pic.twitter.com/4M2zQgumTO

There was somewhat of a surprise at the toss when the Proteas, unchanged from their win over Pakistan on Friday, opted to bowl first. 

When England were reduced to 19/2 inside six overs thanks to a double strike from Kapp, however, it looked like the Proteas were on their way. 

Masabata Klaas then had the dangerous Nat Sciver (16 off 24) out in the 12th over, and with the scoreboard reading 42/3 at that stage, the Proteas were on the front foot. 

England recovered with a superb 107-run partnership for the fourth wicket