In a thrilling semi-final clash at Guwahati, South Africa Women scripted history by defeating England Women by 125 runs to storm into their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup final. The Proteas displayed an all-round masterclass as Laura Wolvaardt smashed a stunning 169 ,while Marizanne Kapp bagged a brilliant five-wicket haul.
England won the toss and Opted to bowl first, South Africa got off to a solid start. Openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits built a steady platform with a 116-run partnership. Brits departed after scoring 45, but Wolvaardt continued her elegant assault on the English bowlers. Her innings was a perfect blend of timing and power — hitting 20 boundaries and 4 sixes in a commanding display. Even as wickets fell around her, Wolvaardt anchored the innings beautifully. She was well supported by Marizanne Kapp (43 off 33) and Chloe Tryon (33 off 21)* as South Africa piled up a commanding 319 for 7 in 50 overs.
Sophie Ecclestone is the pick of the bowler for England took 4/44 in 10 overs while Lauren Bell bagged 2 wickets and Nat Sciver Brunt get one wicket.
Chasing a mammoth 320, England’s innings began in chaos. Their top order crumbled under intense pressure, slipping to a shocking 1 for 3 within the first three overs. Marizanne Kapp was unplayable with the new ball, swinging it both ways and dismantling England’s top order early on. She removed Amy Jones (0), Heather Knight (0), and Ayabonga Khaka remove Timmy Beaumont (0)in a fiery spell that set the tone for the team.
Despite the disastrous start, Nat Sciver-Brunt (64) and Alice Capsey (50) tried to rebuild England’s innings. Their 107-run stand offered some hope, but once Kapp returned to the attack, the resistance was short-lived. , Danni Wyatt added 34 runs ,Both set batters fell in quick succession, and the lower order collapsed soon after. England were eventually bowled out for 194 in 42.3 overs, falling well short of the target.
Marizanne kapp stand out bowler for south africa took 5/20 in 7 overs while Nadine De Klerk gets 2 wickets and Mlaba , Khaka and Luss bag one wicket each.
Match summary
Toss: England won the toss and Opted to bowl first
South Africa innings: 319/7 in 50 overs
Top performer: Laura Wolvaardt 169 off 143 balls , Sophie Ecclestone 4/44 in 10 overs
England innings: 194/10 in 42.3 overs
Top performer: Nat Sciver Brunt 64 off 76 , Marizanne kapp, 5/20 in 7 overs
Result: South Africa women won by 125 runs
Player of the match: Laura Wolvaardt 169 off 143 balls