Kapp stars as South Africa edge India in Women's World Cup thriller

Marizanne Kapp's superb unbeaten 81 saw South Africa to a dramatic six-wicket win over India as the Proteas maintained their bid for a semi-final spot at the Women's T20 World Cup.

Kapp, who earlier in Sunday's heavyweight clash at Old Trafford had taken 2-27, struck seven fours and four sixes as South Africa pass a target of 159 with just five balls to spare after India failed to make the most of a promising start with the bat.

South Africa managed just 25 runs in the powerplay but Kapp's arrival at the crease to join Tazmin Brits with two wickets down turned the tide, the pair sharing a partnership of 97 in 63 balls.

India were left to rue dropping Kapp three times, with the experienced all-rounder making them pay by hammering two sixes in Deepti Sharma's penultimate over before Chloe Tryon edged a winning four off Nandani Sharma.

"It was a tough game, playing India is always tough," said Kapp, 36.

"And I am very proud of the way the team came back. I was just praying to be honest... I struggled in the first few balls. The partnership with Taz set us up beautifully."

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, appearing in a record 200th T20 international, lamented her side's fielding.

"We got a couple of chances in between but couldn't take those chances," she said. "We have to take opportunities at this level."

South Africa now join India on four points, behind unbeaten Group A leaders Australia on six.

This result could make India's clash with Australia at Lord's on June 29 key to deciding the outcome of the group, with only the top two from each of the two pools qualifying for the semi-finals

Earlier, the West Indies maintained their unbeaten start to the tournament with a third straight win, despite making hard work of chasing just 99 against Sri Lanka.

They collapsed to 70-5 before veteran Stafanie Taylor's unbeaten 27 secured a Group B success that also eliminated winless Ireland.

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews led from the front with 3-15 as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 98.