Women's World Cup: Australia's Alana King shatters records with 7/18
What's the story
Alana King, Australia's leg-spin 'Queen of Spin,' has made history by posting the best-ever bowling figures in a Women's World Cup match. In the final group stage game of the ongoing 50-over World Cup at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, she decimated South Africa's batting lineup with an incredible 7/18. Her performance helped Australia bowl out their opponents for just 97 runs.
Record-breaking feat
King's record-breaking spell
King's 7/18 against South Africa is not just a personal best but also the best bowling figures by an Australian in a women's ODI. She started the match on a high note, taking four wickets for no runs in her first five overs. Her victims included Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Annerie Dercksen and Chloe Tryon who fell in quick succession to her brilliant leg-spin bowling.
Batting collapse
South Africa's batting order crumbles under pressure
After a brief resistance, South Africa's batting order collapsed like a house of cards. King dismissed Sinalo Jafta, Masabata Klaas and Nadine de Klerk - all bowled - as the team struggled to put up a fight against Australia's bowling attack. This was South Africa's second score below 100 in the tournament, further highlighting King's exceptional performance on the day.
King
Best World Cup figures; best performance as an Aussie (WODIs)
King's 7/18 is now the best figures by a bowler in ICC Women's World Cup history. The previous best record was held by Jacqueline Lord of New Zealand, who picked 6/10 against India for New Zealand in 1982. King has also registered the best figures by an Aussie Women bowler in ODIs. She broke the previous best record of Ellyse Perry, who managed 7/22 against England in 2019.
Information
King gets to 72 WODI scalps
With this effort, King has raced to 72 WODI wickets from 42 matches at 18.30. This was her 2nd five-wicket haul. She also owns two four-fers.