A phenomenal all-round performance, led by superstars Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp, powered South Africa to a historic 125-run semi-final victory over England, booking their ticket to a maiden 50-over World Cup final. The two veterans delivered career-defining performances when it mattered most.
Captain Wolvaardt laid the foundation with an innings of grit and explosive power, scoring 169. After anchoring the innings with a 115-ball century, she went ballistic, smashing 69 runs off her last 28 balls. Her assault wrecked England’s bowling figures and set a massive target of 319 for seven.
England, who had harboured hopes of restricting the total after Sophie Ecclestone’s four-wicket haul, simply had no answer to Wolvaardt’s late onslaught. The 47th over alone, bowled by Linsey Smith, went for 20 runs as the captain showcased her 360-degree power.
Then, Marizanne Kapp took over with the ball. She effectively ended the contest in her opening spell, claiming a double-wicket maiden to leave England stunned at one for three, with their top three batters all back in the pavilion for ducks.
Kapp, who was forced off with cramp, returned to prove her class, finishing with five for 20 and breaking the back of the English middle order. Her haul also made her the all-time leading wicket-taker in 50-over World Cups, a fitting tribute on a day of historic achievements for her team.