Eman 
ZeeaK 
South Africa Create History, Storm Into First-Ever ODI World Cup Final
South Africa Women scripted history in Guwahati as they booked a place in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup final for the first time ever. Powered by Laura Wolvaardt’s stunning 169 off 143 balls and an all-round masterclass from Marizanne Kapp (42 & 5/20), the Proteas thrashed England Women by 125 runs to secure a memorable win.
Batting first after being asked to, South Africa got off to a flying start with openers Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits putting on a solid 116-run partnership. The pair looked in complete control before Sophie Ecclestone turned the game momentarily in England’s favor with a double strike in the 23rd over — removing Brits for 45 and dismissing Anneke Bosch for a duck. Soon after, Sune Luus was bowled for 1, leaving South Africa at 130/3.
However, Kapp joined Wolvaardt to rebuild the innings and added some quick runs, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Her aggressive 42-run knock kept South Africa’s momentum alive until Ecclestone returned to dismiss her once again. The Proteas then slipped to 202/6, but Wolvaardt remained the rock of the innings.
In the final overs, the South African skipper shifted gears brilliantly. She smashed 20 fours and 4 sixes, taking her team past the 300-run mark with vital cameos from Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk. The English bowlers, especially Linsey Smith, bore the brunt of South Africa’s late onslaught as they posted a commanding 319/7 in 50 overs.
England’s chase got off to a disastrous start as they lost their top three batters for just one run. Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey tried to rebuild with a steady 107-run partnership for the fourth wicket, but once Capsey (50) fell to Luus, the collapse resumed. Sciver-Brunt (64) continued to resist, but Kapp’s fiery spell blew away the middle order, ensuring England’s downfall for 194 in 42.3 overs.
It was a complete performance from South Africa — led by Wolvaardt’s record-breaking ton and Kapp’s five-wicket haul — as they cruised to a 125-run victory, earning their maiden berth in an ODI World Cup final.
The Proteas will now face the winner of the India vs Australia semifinal at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai in what promises to be an electrifying final.
Brief Scores:
South Africa: 319/7 in 50 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 169, Tazmin Brits 45; Sophie Ecclestone 4/44)
England: 194 in 42.3 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 64, Alice Capsey 50; Marizanne Kapp 5/20)
Result: South Africa won by 125 runs
For more latest cricket news, match highlights, and updates, visit 👉 www.crickethighlights.online
image credits cricbuzz
About the Author
