On 2 July 2017, at Leicester’s, South Africa’s captain Dane van Niekerk delivered a spell that not only demoralised the West Indies but also etched her name in cricket history during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017. In 3.2 overs of pristine bowling, she claimed four wickets without conceding a single run, becoming the first-ever bowler to achieve such a feat in an international innings.
West Indies won the toss and opted to bat, but their innings collapsed shockingly, all out for just 48 runs, the second-lowest total in their history. Initial blows struck by Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp reduced them to 16/5, but it was van Niekerk’s unyielding spell that completed the rout. She dismissed Merissa Aguilleira, Shanel Daley, Chedean Nation and Qiana Joseph in four consecutive overs, delivered in absolute control, 20 dots.
Her figures of 4/0 from 3.2 overs surpassed even legendary performances such as Richie Benaud’s 3/0 in Tests more than half a century earlier. No bowler before van Niekerk had managed four wickets for no runs, making her spell an unprecedented moment in international cricket.
Van Niekerk’s career has always been filled with remarkable moments, and it all began when she made her international debut at just 16 years old during a 2009 World Cup match in Newcastle against the West Indies.
Her journey came full circle in 2013 when she etched her name in history by becoming the first South African woman to claim a hat-trick in international cricket again, against the West Indies. She finished that unforgettable match with 5/28, showcasing her ability to change games with the ball.
To understand the rarity of her 2017 feat of 4/0, one must look back to 1959, when Australia’s Richie Benaud delivered a similar spell in a Test match against India in Delhi, taking three wickets for no runs. Van Niekerk’s figures, however, surpassed that mark, making her the only cricketer to take four wickets in an international match without conceding a run.
Adding to South Africa’s dominance in that 2017 World Cup clash was Marizanne Kapp, who was named Player of the Match for her fiery spell of 4/14. The West Indies were bowled out for just 48, and South Africa chased the target down in 6.2 overs without losing a wicket.
Van Niekerk’s 4/0 figures remain unmatched. She ended the tournament with 15 wickets, joint-leading for South Africa, and set the standard for her team’s bowling effort.
Dane van Niekerk’s spell against West Indies at the 2017 Women’s World Cup stands as one of cricket’s most extraordinary bowling performances. It’s more than numbers, a mythic moment of precision, control and unyielding dominance.
