South Africa stormed into their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final after outclassing England by 125 runs in a one-sided semi-final at Guwahati’s ACA Stadium. The Proteas will now meet the winner of Thursday’s India-Australia semi-final, set to be played in Navi Mumbai.
After falling short in the semifinals of 2017 and 2022, South Africa finally broke their jinx with a dominant all-round performance. Captain Laura Wolvaardt led from the front with a sensational 169 off 143 balls, while Marizanne Kapp’s fiery spell of 5 for 20 dismantled England’s chase.
Set a stiff target of 320, England never found their rhythm and were bundled out for 194 inside 43 overs. Nat Sciver-Brunt (64), Alice Capsey (50), and Danni Wyatt-Hodge (34) were the only batters to show resistance, but frequent wickets halted any real momentum.
Kapp struck early, removing Amy Jones and Heather Knight in her opening over, while Ayabonga Khaka dismissed Tammy Beaumont to leave England reeling at 3 for 1. Sciver-Brunt and Capsey steadied the innings with a 100-run stand for the fourth wicket, briefly reviving England’s hopes. However, Sune Luus broke the partnership, and Kapp returned to rip through the middle order, completing her five-wicket haul in style.
Earlier, South Africa had posted a commanding 319 for 7 after opting to bat first. Wolvaardt’s majestic innings, studded with 20 boundaries and four sixes, was the centerpiece of the Proteas’ total. Tazmin Brits (45), Kapp (42), and Chloe Tryon (33 not out) also played key supporting roles.
England’s Sophie Ecclestone (4/44) was the pick of the bowlers, striking twice in a single over to briefly shift momentum. Lauren Bell (2/55) and Sciver-Brunt (1/67) chipped in, but South Africa’s late flourish led by Tryon and Nadine de Klerk, lifted the total beyond 300.
Despite England’s mid-innings comeback, Wolvaardt’s brilliance ensured South Africa maintained control throughout. Her partnerships of 72 runs with Kapp and 89 with Tryon turned the tide decisively. By the time Wolvaardt departed, the Proteas had already laid the foundation for a famous win.
The result marks a historic moment for South African women’s cricket, sealing their first-ever appearance in a World Cup final and setting the stage for a thrilling title clash.
