South African all rounder Marizanne Kapp returns to Perth Scorchers

South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp’s inclusion has undoubtedly delivered a big confidence boost to the defending champions of the Women’s Big Bash League, the Perth Scorchers. 

Kapp has been in the headlines recently for her brilliant knock of 150 against England at Taunton, and she followed it up with a crucial 43 in the second innings.

The Scorchers will be delighted to have the star all-rounder back in their ranks. She was the player of the match in the last edition’s finals, wherein her all-round performance with both bat and ball in the WBBL07 decider at the Scrocher’s home ground, the Optus Stadium, helped her side lift the title. 

Kapp played a blitzkrieg cameo of 31 not out before backing it up with a tight spell of 1-25 off four over against Adelaide Strikers. 

However, this wasn’t the 32-year-old’s first WBBL title. Kapp had won the title twice with the Sydney Sixers before winning it for the third time with the Scorchers. 

Speaking about her return to the side, she said, “I really enjoyed my time over there last year. It’s a really good bunch of players and coaching staff.

“I was a bit nervous when I first started ... but I’m happy to have contributed towards the end, especially when it mattered. I didn’t think I would enjoy my time as much as I did.

“I’m not really someone who moves from club to club, but I think that’s a testament to the good bunch of people over there.”

The experienced all-rounder had a great season with the Scorchers last time, taking 12 wickets at an average of 21.33 and economy rate of 5.28 runs per over to go with 106 runs at 21.2, striking at more than 99. 

When asked about her side’s potential to defend their title, Kapp said, “You can’t look too far ahead. If we focus on the back-end of the tournament, you can probably get caught out a bit, so we’ll start taking it one game at a time.

“If we play the same brand of cricket that we did last year, we should go a long way.”

Kapp will be joining skipper Sophie Devine and recently-signed New Zealand batter Maddy Green on the imports list. 

Meanwhile, Scorchers coach Shelley Nitschke was stoked to have Kapp back.

“We’re stoked to have Kappie back. She’s one of the best all-rounders in the world, and she keeps getting better and better, particularly with her batting,” Nitschke said.

“She has been around for a while and is incredibly diligent with her preparation, making her such a good role model for those younger players coming through.

“Kappie also talks about the game well and pulls everyone along with her for the ride. It’s certainly exciting to have her on our team.”