South Africa Storm into 1st Women’s ODI World Cup Final after defeating England by a massive 125 runs in Guwahati. This historic win marked the Proteas’ first-ever entry into the Women’s ODI World Cup final. Led by an incredible 169 from Laura Wolvaardt and a stunning all-round display from Marizanne Kapp (42 runs and 5 wickets), South Africa completely outclassed England in all departments.
Wolvaardt’s Record-Breaking Knock Leads the Way
South Africa Storm into 1st Women’s ODI World Cup Final thanks to Laura Wolvaardt’s brilliant batting performance. After being asked to bat first, openers Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits gave the team a dream start with a 116-run stand. Brits looked fluent during her knock of 45 but was bowled by Sophie Ecclestone while trying a reverse sweep.
Ecclestone struck twice in the same over, also dismissing Anneke Bosch for a duck. Soon after, Sune Luus was bowled for just 1, leaving South Africa in a tricky spot. However, Wolvaardt, showing great composure, rebuilt the innings alongside Marizanne Kapp, who played a quick and aggressive 42.
Even when Ecclestone returned to dismiss Kapp, Wolvaardt kept the scoreboard ticking. She went on to play one of the greatest innings of the tournament — a magnificent 169 off 143 balls, decorated with 20 boundaries and 4 sixes. Her fearless batting ensured South Africa Storm into 1st Women’s ODI World Cup Final with a commanding total on the board.
In the death overs, Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk added valuable runs, taking the total to 319/7. England’s bowlers, especially Linsey Smith, suffered under the late assault. Ecclestone was the only standout with figures of 4 for 44, but the South African batters had already done enough damage.
ALSO READ:
- Top 10 Men’s Test All-Rounder ICC World Rankings
- India vs Australia 2025 Semifinal Rain Forecast: Will Weather Impact the Women’s ODI World Cup Thriller?
Kapp’s Magical Spell Secures the Historic Win
Chasing 320, England had a disastrous start, losing their top three batters for just one run. The early breakthroughs gave South Africa complete control, reinforcing why South Africa Storm into 1st Women’s ODI World Cup Final with such dominance.
Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey tried to rebuild the innings, adding a steady 107-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Capsey reached her half-century but was soon dismissed by Sune Luus, breaking the crucial stand. From that moment, South Africa sensed victory.
Marizanne Kapp then returned to the attack and produced a fiery spell that destroyed England’s hopes. She dismissed Sciver-Brunt for 64 and went on to claim five wickets for just 20 runs, sealing England’s fate. Her exceptional all-round display ensured that South Africa Storm into 1st Women’s ODI World Cup Final in style.
Despite some lower-order resistance from Linsey Smith, England’s innings folded for 194 in 42.3 overs. They fell short by a huge margin of 125 runs, ending their campaign in disappointment.
With this emphatic victory, South Africa Storm into 1st Women’s ODI World Cup Final, marking a proud moment in their cricket history. The team’s unity, determination, and exceptional performances throughout the tournament have made them one of the most exciting sides to watch.
They will now face the winner of the India vs Australia semifinal at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, a match that promises to be a thrilling conclusion to an unforgettable tournament.
Brief Scores:
South Africa: 319/7 (Laura Wolvaardt 169, Tazmin Brits 45; Sophie Ecclestone 4-44)
England: 194 (Nat Sciver-Brunt 64, Alice Capsey 50; Marizanne Kapp 5-20)
Result: South Africa won by 125 runs.
South Africa Storm into 1st Women’s ODI World Cup Final — a moment that will be remembered as the beginning of a new era in women’s cricket.
SEE MORE:
source: crickbuzz
