England has no answer for Wolvaardt's bat and Kapp's ball
A monumental century from Laura Wolvaardt and a stunning five-wicket haul by Marizanne Kapp powered South Africa into their first-ever Women's ODI World Cup final, following a commanding 125-run victory over England in Guwahati. The semi-final triumph was built on individual brilliance, ensuring South Africa will compete for the title on Sunday against the winner of the Australia-India clash.
Wolvaardt delivered a batting masterclass, crafting a magnificent 169 to anchor South Africa's formidable total of 319 for 7. Her innings was a study in controlled aggression, beginning with elegant drives before escalating into a powerful onslaught in the final overs. She found crucial support from Tazmin Brits (45) in a strong opening stand and later from Kapp, who contributed a rapid 42 from just 33 balls. Despite a commendable effort from England's Sophie Ecclestone, who claimed 4 for 44, Wolvaardt’s dominance set a daunting target.
Faced with a record chase, England's hopes were dismantled within the first two overs. Marizanne Kapp produced a devastating opening spell, removing Amy Jones and captain Heather Knight in the first over alone. When Ayabonga Khaka dismissed Tammy Beaumont shortly after, England were left reeling at a disastrous 1 for 3.
A period of determined resistance came from Nat Sciver-Brunt (64) and Alice Capsey (50), who forged a brave century partnership to revive England's chances. The pair steadied the innings and gave their side a glimmer of hope. However, just as the momentum seemed to be shifting, Kapp was reintroduced into the attack with immediate and decisive effect.
Kapp shattered the partnership by dismissing the dangerous Sciver-Brunt, caught behind. In her next over, she effectively sealed the match by removing Sophia Dunkley and Charlie Dean on consecutive deliveries, completing her five-wicket haul and leaving England’s lower order exposed. Her final figures of 5 for 20 underscored a match-winning performance that perfectly complemented Wolvaardt’s earlier heroics. While Danni Wyatt-Hodge added a late 34, it was too little, too late, as Nadine de Klerk cleaned up the tail to spark jubilant South African celebrations.
