Guwahati, October 29, 2025: A record-breaking 169-run innings by Laura Wolvaardt, followed by a devastating five-wicket haul from Marizanne Kapp, propelled South Africa into their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final after a commanding 125-run victory over England in the semi-final at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
The emphatic win ended four-time champions England’s campaign, as they were bowled out for 194 in 42.3 overs while chasing a daunting 320-run target.
England’s innings collapsed early, with South Africa’s fiery pace attack reducing them to 1/3 in just 1.1 overs, dismissing Amy Jones, Tammy Beaumont, and Heather Knight for ducks.
Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt (64 off 76) and Alice Capsey (50 off 71) steadied the innings with a 107-run partnership, but once Sune Luus removed Capsey, the resistance faded. Sciver-Brunt fell soon after, caught behind off Kapp, triggering a decisive lower-order collapse.
Kapp finished with sensational figures of 5/20 in seven overs, while Nadine de Klerk picked up two wickets and Khaka, Mlaba, and Luus shared the remaining three.
Earlier, after being put to bat, South Africa staged a remarkable turnaround from their modest 69 all out against the same opponents earlier in the tournament. This time, they posted a formidable 319/7 in 50 overs.
Openers Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits gave the Proteas a strong start, adding 116 runs before Sophie Ecclestone (4/44) broke through, removing Brits (45) and Anneke Bosch (0) in quick succession.
After a brief wobble at 119/3, Marizanne Kapp (42 off 33) joined Wolvaardt in a 72-run fourth-wicket stand, stabilizing the innings. Late contributions from Chloe Tryon (33 not out) further lifted the total, as Wolvaardt’s masterclass powered South Africa beyond 300.
Wolvaardt’s 169 off 143 balls, decorated with 20 fours and four sixes, was the highest individual score by a South African in Women’s World Cup history.
With this victory, South Africa advance to the 2025 Women’s World Cup final, where they will face either defending champions Australia or co-hosts India, who meet in the second semi-final in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
