For the first time ever, South Africa enter maiden ODI World Cup final in a historic moment that will be remembered for years. In an incredible semifinal clash at Guwahati, Laura Wolvaardt’s majestic hundred and Marizanne Kapp’s fiery five-wicket haul guided South Africa to a crushing victory over England by 125 runs. This win not only made South Africa enter maiden ODI World Cup final but also broke several records and showcased the team’s steady rise as a powerhouse in women’s cricket.
Wolvaardt’s Record-Breaking Knock Lights Up Guwahati
South Africa made a powerful start after being put in to bat. Captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits stitched a 116-run opening partnership that laid a perfect foundation. Their partnership helped South Africa enter maiden ODI World Cup final dream zone early in the match. Wolvaardt’s stunning 169-run knock became the highest individual score by a South African woman in World Cups and the second-highest by a captain in a World Cup match.
Wolvaardt smashed 18 fours and four sixes, showing her class and temperament. It was her first World Cup century and 10th overall in ODIs — a record that made her the youngest South African to reach 10 centuries at just 26 years. Her innings also took her past the 5000-run mark in women’s ODIs, making her the first South African and the sixth overall to achieve that feat.
It was this brilliance that ensured South Africa enter maiden ODI World Cup final as the captain led from the front. Supported by handy contributions from Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon, the Proteas posted a mammoth 319/7 — their highest-ever total in ODI World Cups. It also became the second-highest total in a World Cup knockout match, only behind Australia’s 356/5 in 2022.
Wolvaardt’s batting form throughout the tournament has been a major reason why South Africa enter maiden ODI World Cup final, combining skill with leadership and confidence under pressure.
Kapp’s Fiery Spell Destroys England’s Hopes
Defending 319, South Africa’s bowlers came out with full intent. Marizanne Kapp led the charge with a sensational spell of 5/20 — the best bowling performance by a South African woman in World Cups. Her fiery pace and control left England reeling at 1/3 within the first few overs. That early collapse gave the team complete control and pushed South Africa enter maiden ODI World Cup final storyline closer to reality.
Kapp’s spell also made her the leading wicket-taker in Women’s ODI World Cup history, surpassing India’s Jhulan Goswami with 44 wickets. It was her second five-wicket haul in World Cups, putting her in an elite club alongside legends like Lyn Fullston and Anya Shrubsole. Her fiery bowling ensured South Africa enter maiden ODI World Cup final in commanding fashion.
England’s batting completely crumbled. Their top three batters were dismissed for ducks — the first time in England’s women’s ODI history. Despite a fighting 107-run stand between Alex Capsey and Nat Sciver-Brunt, the team couldn’t recover and were bowled out for just 194.
This dominant performance sealed a 125-run win — England’s second-heaviest defeat in ODI World Cup history. It was also South Africa’s first ODI win batting first against England since 2003. With this emphatic display, South Africa enter maiden ODI World Cup final with unmatched confidence and momentum.
The win also means that South Africa have now reached the finals of three consecutive ICC women’s tournaments (two T20 World Cups and one ODI World Cup) — a huge milestone that highlights their consistency and growth. Their 31 sixes in the tournament — the most by any team — underline their fearless approach and attacking mindset.
As South Africa enter maiden ODI World Cup final, Laura Wolvaardt’s batting heroics and Marizanne Kapp’s record-breaking spell stand as shining examples of teamwork, discipline, and passion. This victory isn’t just about statistics — it’s about belief, perseverance, and the rise of a new global force in women’s cricket.
Brief Scores:
South Africa Women 319/7 (Laura Wolvaardt 169, Tazmin Brits 51; Kate Cross 2-62)
England Women 194 all out (Nat Sciver-Brunt 72; Marizanne Kapp 5-20)
For the first time ever, South Africa enter maiden ODI World Cup final, rewriting history with pride, power, and perfection.
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