Women's WC: England’s title defense falters

England’s hopes of defending its title at the Women’s Cricket World Cup faltered Monday when it lost by three wickets to South Africa to be left without a win after three matches.

Marizanne Kapp produced an outstanding all-round performance to lead South Africa to its third consecutive win at the tournament.

The South Africans are now level with six-time champion Australia on six points at the top of the standings. England has fallen back to seventh in the eight-team competition.
 

Brief scores: England 235/9 in 50 overs (Tammy Beaumont 62; Marizanne Kapp 5-45) lost to South Africa 236/7 in 49.2 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 77; Anya Shrubsole 2-34) by three wickets. Player of the match: Marizanne Kapp