The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 witnessed another sensational performance by South Africa in the semi-final match. The 29th game between England and South Africa ended by 194 runs to book South Africa's place in their first-ever 50-over World Cup final. Four-time champions fell in front of the Proteas and closed the door to the finals. South African player Laura Wolvaardt received the Player of the Match award for her outstanding batting performance.
Laura Wolvaardt Smashes Record-Breaking 169 in Semi-Final
South African Skipper Laura Wolvaardt continuously proves her standard with the bat by smashing 169 runs off 143 balls. This achievement became the highest score by a South African in a Women’s World Cup. Her innings concluded with 20 fours and 4 sixes, which led the Proteas to make a competitive total of 319/7 in 50 overs. Captain Wolvaardt started the innings with a 116-run stand alongside Tazmin Brits (45 off 65) and later added another crucial 72-run partnership with Marizanne Kapp (42 off 33). Their aggressive batting display helped South Africa reach the 300-run milestone. She has perfectly balanced her skills throughout the entire tournament.
Marizanne Kapp’s Five-Wicket Spell Shatters England’s Chase
The all-rounder Marizanne Kapp showcased an electrifying performance in both batting and bowling. She scored 42 off 33 to support the batting line to reach the score of 319. In the second innings, she displayed her consistency with the ball by taking 5 wickets for just 20 runs. Her spell included a double-wicket maiden that reduced England to 1/3 in the opening overs. She put England under pressure and restricted them from chasing the total. Pacer Kapp’s haul surpassed the legendary indian fast bowler Jhulan Goswami as the all-time leading wicket-taker in Women’s World Cup history. Apart from Kapp, other bowlers also contributed to South Africa's destruction of the England bowling lineup.
England Crumble Under Early Pressure in Guwahati
The 4-time Women’s World Cup champions started with high hopes in Guwahati. However, they couldn’t make a better start against South Africa in the semi-final. England has previously dominated South Africa in the tournament. But the England bowler found it hard to control South Africa’s batters. England Women won the toss and chose to bowl first. Spinner Sophie Ecclestone took 4 wickets for 44 runs in her 10-over spell. However, the rest of the bowling attack failed to put pressure or break the crucial partnership.
England’s chase witnessed an early collapse. Their top batters fell for ducks. Powerful batters Nat Sciver-Brunt (64) and Alice Capsey (50) were the only major contributors for the team. Their 107-run fourth-wicket partnership added extra potential, and the team was bowled out for 194 in just 42.3 overs. With this, England's hopes of reaching the final were dashed.
Historic Moment Marks a New Era for South African Women’s Cricket
South Africa’s energetic win against England marks their first-ever ODI World Cup final appearance across both men’s and women’s cricket. In 2017 and 2022, they fought hard for a final spot but fell short in the semi-finals. This time, Captain Wolvaardt, along with top performers like Kapp, Brits, and Mlaba, indicated how far the team has come. South Africa has showcased a powerful comeback in this tournament. After the semi-final match between India and Australia, the winner will face South Africa in the final.