Alana King records best bowling figures in Women’s World Cup history; Australia bowl out South Africa for 97

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Australian leg-spinner Alana King etched her name into cricket history with a record-shattering spell of 7 wickets for just 18 runs against South Africa in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, guiding her team to a dominant performance in a key group-stage clash.

South Africa were bundled out for a mere 97 runs, their lowest-ever ODI total against Australia. King’s mesmerizing spell is now the best bowling performance in Women’s World Cup history, surpassing the 43-year-old record of 6/10 by New Zealand’s Jackie Lord set against India in 1982.

King’s spell of 7/18 in 7.2 overs will be remembered 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 lineup, as she exploited every bit of spin and variation the pitch offered.

This achievement also makes King the best-performing Australian bowler in 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.

Opting to bowl first, Australia’s decision paid off spectacularly as the bowlers maintained relentless pressure from the outset. While Megan Schutt (1/21), Kim Garth (1/21) and Ashleigh Gardner (1/19) chipped in with valuable breakthroughs, it was King who turned the match into a one-sided affair. Her precise length and sharp spin left South African batters guessing throughout.

For South Africa, captain Laura Wolvaardt (31), Sinalo Jafta (29) and Nadine de Klerk (14) were the only players to reach double figures, as the rest of the lineup crumbled. The Proteas were dismissed in 27.2 overs, never recovering from King’s relentless spell.

Speaking to the broadcasters during the mid-innings break, King expressed her delight at contributing to Australia’s dominant performance.

“It’s a good feeling (to take seven wickets), no doubt. But I love trying to put Australia in a strong position. To bowl a quality side like South Africa out under 100 is something we’re 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 stock ball and trust it – it’s given me great rewards.”

King credited her success to the supportive team environment, acknowledging her coaches, mentors, and teammates for their continued backing.

“I’ve got amazing people around me who help me evolve my game. I just want to keep playing my role for Australia and keep putting us in winning positions. It’s a great team with a strong culture and self-belief.”

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.