ICC Women's T20 World Cup: South Africa crush Scotland by 80 runs

South Africa delivered a dominant all-round performance to defeat Scotland by 80 runs in their Group B clash at the Women's T20 World Cup in Dubai on Wednesday.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, South Africa posted an impressive 166-5 in their 20 overs. Captain Laura Wolvaardt led from the front with 40 runs, while Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp contributed 43 runs each, capitalizing on Scotland's weak bowling and missed fielding opportunities.

Scotland, competing in their first-ever World Cup, struggled in their chase and were bowled out for just 80 runs in 17.5 overs, suffering their third consecutive defeat. This loss eliminated them from the tournament. 

Wolvaardt’s knock of 40, which included five boundaries and a six, saw her surpass Lizelle Lee as South Africa's top scorer in T20I cricket. Though she was dismissed by a fine catch from Olivia Bell, Scotland's errors in the field continued, including a dropped catch that allowed Anneke Bosch to survive on just three runs.

Brits and Kapp's aggressive innings, both hitting five boundaries and a six, helped South Africa to their strong total. Kapp’s 43 off 23 balls earned her the Player of the Match award.

In Scotland’s reply, only Katherine Fraser (14) and Ailsa Lister (12) reached double figures, as the team never found momentum. Nonkululeko Mlaba was the pick of the South African bowlers, taking 3-12, while Chloe Tryon added 2-22, becoming the first player in women's T20I history to take two caught-and-bowled dismissals.

The win takes South Africa to the top of Group B, while Scotland remains at the bottom of the group, having lost earlier to Bangladesh and West Indies.