Wolvaardt’s Record 169 Powers South Africa into Historic Women’s World Cup Final
GUWAHATI: Skipper Laura Wolvaardt produced a masterclass with the bat, smashing a magnificent 169 to power South Africa into their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup final, defeating England by a commanding 125 runs in the first semi-final on Wednesday.
Batting first, the Proteas posted an imposing 319 for 7, before Marizanne Kapp tore through England’s batting lineup with a sensational 5 for 20, bundling them out for 194 in 42.3 overs.
The victory marks South Africa’s third consecutive World Cup final appearance — after reaching back-to-back T20 finals — but their maiden entry in the 50-over format. They will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Australia and India in Sunday’s title clash near Mumbai.
Wolvaardt Leads from the Front
Wolvaardt, in imperious form, struck her first World Cup century and dominated the English attack with 20 fours and four sixes in her 143-ball innings. Her knock, built on elegance and power, featured crucial partnerships — 116 runs with fellow opener Tazmin Brits (45) and key stands with Kapp (42) and Chloe Tryon (33 not out).
The South African captain’s sublime innings propelled her to the top of the tournament run charts with 470 runs, including one century and three fifties in eight matches. She received a standing ovation upon her dismissal in the 48th over.
England’s Sophie Ecclestone was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4 for 44, a remarkable effort after being cleared to play despite a shoulder injury.
Kapp’s Fiery Spell Seals It
Chasing 320, England’s hopes crumbled early as Kapp ripped through the top order — removing Amy Jones and Heather Knight for ducks in her opening over. Ayabonga Khaka then struck in the next, dismissing Tammy Beaumont for a golden duck to leave England reeling.
Nat Sciver-Brunt (64) and Alice Capsey (50) mounted a brief resistance with a 107-run partnership, but once Kapp dismissed Sciver-Brunt, the collapse resumed. She went on to remove Sophia Dunkley and Charlie Dean in quick succession, narrowly missing a hat-trick.
Nadine de Klerk ended proceedings by bowling Linsey Smith (27) to trigger jubilant celebrations from the South African camp.
With this emphatic win, South Africa exorcised the ghosts of their semi-final exits in 2017 and 2022 — both at the hands of England — and now stand just one victory away from a historic World Cup triumph.
