Australian leg spinner Alana King etched her name in cricket history with a record-breaking haul of 7 wickets for just 18 runs against South Africa in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cupwho led her team to a dominant performance in a key group stage clash.
Alana Kings makes history at the Women’s World Cup
South Africa were bowled out for just 97 runs, their lowest ever ODI total against Australia. King’s spellbinding spell is now the best bowling performance in the history of the Women’s World Cup, surpassing the 43-year-old record of 6/10 set by New Zealand’s Jackie Lord against India in 1982.
King’s spell of 7/18 in 7.2 overs will go down as one of the finest displays of spin bowling in the women’s game. It is the first ever 7-wicket haul in a Women’s ODI World Cup and only the sixth instance of a bowler taking seven wickets in a Women’s ODI. Her control, flight and turn completely dismantled the South African batting line-up as she exploited every bit of spin and variation the pitch offered.
The feat also makes King the best-performing Australian bowler in the Women’s ODIs, surpassing the legendary performances of Cathryn Fitzpatrick and Lisa Sthalekar. Her figures underline her growing reputation as one of the most dangerous spinners in world cricket.
Dominant Australia dismantles South Africa
Australia’s decision to bowl first paid off in spectacular fashion as the bowlers continued to apply relentless pressure from the outset. While Megan Schutt (1/21), Kim Garth (1/21) and Ashleigh Gardner (1/19) made valuable breakthroughs, it was King who turned the match into a one-sided affair. Her precise length and sharp spin kept South African batters guessing all the time.
For South Africa, captain Laura Wolvaardt (31), Sinalo Jafta (29) and Nadine de Klerk (14) were the only players to reach double figures, while the rest of the line-up crumbled. The Proteas were dismissed after 27.2 overswho never recovers from King’s ruthless spell.
Alana King reflects on her record-breaking stint
Speaking to broadcasters during the mid-innings break, King expressed her delight at her contribution to Australia’s dominant performance.
“It’s a good feeling (to take seven wickets) without a doubt. But I like to put Australia in a strong position. To bowl a quality team like South Africa under 100 is something we are very happy with,” she said.
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Reflecting on her approach, Kings added: “We’ve played here a few times now and I knew there would be a bit of spin. Even with a bit of drizzle I tried to stay consistent with my stick ball and trust it – it’s given me great rewards.”
King attributed her success to the supportive team environment and recognized her coaches, mentors and teammates for their continued support.
“I have great people around me who are helping me develop my game. I just want to continue to play my role for Australia and keep putting us in winning positions. They are a great team with a strong culture and confidence.”
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This article was first published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
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