In a gripping series decider between Australia and South Africa at the North Sydney Oval, the spotlight shone on the formidable Beth Mooney, whose unbeaten 82 propelled Australia to set a challenging target of 238 runs from 31 overs, amidst rain interruptions.
However, it was Masabata Klaas who emerged as South Africa’s chief disruptor, claiming four wickets in her nine overs, albeit amidst some turbulent moments.
As the match neared its climax, Klaas found herself bowling the penultimate over of her spell, with Australia’s batters poised to accelerate in the death overs. Despite conceding nine runs off the first four deliveries, Klaas remained determined to contain the onslaught, aiming for a yorker.
However, fate took an unexpected turn when the ball slipped from her grasp, hurtling towards Alana King’s head. Reacting swiftly, King instinctively dropped to one knee and swung her bat wildly, connecting sweetly and dispatching the ball over deep square leg. Yet, in the frenzy of the moment, King inadvertently dislodged the bails with her foot, resulting in a run-out.
However, her timely intervention did not go in vain, as the umpire signaled a no-ball, sparing King from the embarrassment. Adding insult to injury for Klaas, King capitalized on the ensuing free hit, smashing another boundary and amassing 13 runs from a single legitimate delivery.
Alana King manages to hit a six – and her own wicket – off the same ball!
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 10, 2024
It's all happening! #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/PrsVvkNvL0
Nonetheless, Klaas managed to regain some ground by dismissing King in the final over of the match, curtailing her brisk cameo of 17 runs.
