Laura Wolvaardt smashed 169 while Marizanne Kapp bagged a five-for as South Africa thrashed England by 125 runs to enter the 2025 Women's World Cup final, 24NewsHD TV reported on Wednesday.
The Proteas scripted history in Guwahati to reach their first World Cup final and will face the winner of the second semi-final between India and Australia which will take place on Thursday.
After multiple semifinal heartbreaks in 2017 and 2022, the Proteas finally broke through with a composed all-round performance, powered by Marizanne Kapp’s five-wicket haul and captain Laura Wolvaardt’s century earlier in the day.
Chasing 320 for victory, England were bowled out for 194 in under 43 overs, falling well short as South Africa sealed a comprehensive win.
Nat Sciver-Brunt (64) top-scored for England while Alice Capsey (50) and Danni Wyatt-Hodge (34) made useful contributions to keep the chase alive. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to offer support with wickets falling at regular intervals.
Kapp (5/20) led the way for South Africa with a brilliant spell that broke the backbone of England’s innings. Nadine de Klerk (2/24) supported her well with two wickets while Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba and Sune Luus chipped in with one each.
England endured a nightmare start in their chase. Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka struck early, reducing England to 1/3 inside the first few overs. Kapp removed Amy Jones and Heather Knight in her opening over while Khaka dismissed Tammy Beaumont soon after.
Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey then led England’s fightback, adding 100 runs for the fourth wicket to revive hopes.
Both batters showed great determination to keep England in the game though they had already lost three key wickets.
However, South Africa turned the game back in their favour when Sune Luus broke the partnership by dismissing Capsey.
Soon after Kapp returned to the attack and immediately made an impact to remove Sciver-Brunt. She then struck twice again to complete a superb five-wicket haul.
Danni Wyatt-Hodge tried to maintain England’s momentum after Capsey’s dismissal but wickets continued to tumble from the other end as the Proteas tightened their grip on the game before recording a memorable win.
Earlier, South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt produced a breathtaking knock of 169 runs, the highest individual score by a South African batter in Women’s World Cup history, to propel her side to 319 for 7 against England.
Wolvaardt’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression and determination, as she anchored the innings despite regular wickets falling at the other end.
The Proteas skipper found valuable support early on from Tazmin Brits (45) and Marizanne Kapp (44), before Chloe Tryon added a lively 33 not out in the closing stages to help push the total past the 300 mark.
For England, Sophie Ecclestone was once again the standout performer with the ball, claiming four wickets, while Lauren Bell picked up two.
Playing XIs
South Africa Women: Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta(w), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba
England Women: Amy Jones(w), Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Nat Sciver-Brunt(c), Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell