South Africa’s Women’s Cricket World Cup dream reached new and unprecedented heights on Wednesday as the Proteas stunned England by 125 runs in a commanding semifinal victory in Guwahati — securing the nation’s first-ever spot in a Women’s World Cup final.
Led by captain Laura Wolvaardt’s record-shattering 169, South Africa delivered a complete performance with bat and ball, dismantling the defending champions in a match that showcased both resilience and ruthless execution under pressure.
Wolvaardt rewrites the record books
Having lost the toss and sent in to bat, South Africa endured early wobbles. But Wolvaardt — already one of the world’s most consistent run-scorers — took control with a masterful innings filled with precision strokes, patience, and power.
Her 169 from 143 balls now stands as:
✅ The highest score by a South African at a Women’s World Cup
✅ One of the top innings in tournament knockout history
Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits laid a solid foundation with a strong opening stand. Brits’ 45 helped set the tone before she was bowled by Sophie Ecclestone (4-44), who battled through a shoulder injury to lead the England attack.
South Africa briefly stumbled to 202-6, but Wolvaardt’s composure never wavered. Supported by Marizanne Kapp’s rapid 42, the Proteas surged to a powerful 319-7, sending a clear statement to the cricketing world.
England collapse under intense pressure
If England hoped to chase down the target with a bold start, Kapp quickly extinguished that ambition.
The star all-rounder produced an extraordinary double-wicket maiden, removing Amy Jones and captain Heather Knight. When Tammy Beaumont followed for a duck, England were left 1-3 after just seven balls, their title defense spiralling.
Nat Sciver-Brunt — England’s most reliable performer — steadied the ship with a determined 64, combining for a crucial 107-run stand with Alice Capsey (50). But once Capsey fell immediately after reaching her half-century, the innings again unravelled.
Kapp’s return inflicted further damage, dismissing Sciver-Brunt and opening the floodgates for South Africa’s bowlers to clean up the tail. England were all out for 194 in 43 overs, bringing an emotional end to their campaign.
A remarkable turnaround
This victory tasted even sweeter given their earlier group-stage humiliation, when they were bowled out for just 69 by the same opponents.
The Proteas entered this semifinal with a point to prove — and they proved it in emphatic fashion.
“This team has grown stronger every single game,” Wolvaardt said afterward. “To reach a World Cup final is a dream come true. But we’re not done yet.”
Eyes on a historic Sunday
South Africa will now face Australia or India in Sunday’s final — one match away from lifting the biggest prize in the women’s game.
No matter the opponent, momentum and belief are firmly on the side of the Proteas. With Wolvaardt in sublime form and Kapp delivering match-winning contributions in both departments, South Africa have announced themselves as serious contenders for the 2025 crown.
For England, meanwhile, it marks a painful exit — and a tough rebuilding job ahead as a dominant generation nears transition.