A record-breaking 169 from captain Laura Wolvaardt, followed by a fiery five-wicket haul from Marizanne Kapp, powered South Africa to a thumping 125-run win over England in the first semi-final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
The Comeback of the Tournament
When the same South African side was bundled out for just 69 in their campaign opener against England, few imagined this turnaround. But under Wolvaardt’s calm leadership, the Proteas stunningly rewrote their narrative.
Put in to bat first, Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits got the team off to a flying start. The pair put on a commanding 116-run stand that set the tone for the innings. Brits fell for 45, while Anneke Bosch departed for a duck soon after, but Wolvaardt held her ground like a seasoned warrior.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, 119/3 at one stage, Wolvaardt refused to blink. She found a reliable partner in Marizanne Kapp, who chipped in with a brisk 42 off 33 balls, before Chloe Tryon joined the party with an unbeaten 33.
But it was Wolvaardt’s day. The South African skipper played the innings of her life, a majestic 169 off 143 balls, peppered with 20 boundaries and four sixes. It was an exhibition of timing, temperament, and sheer class.
By the time she walked off in the 48th over, South Africa were cruising towards a match-winning total of 319/7. Sophie Ecclestone was England’s best bowler on a tough day, finishing with 4/44, while Lauren Bell and Nat Sciver-Brunt picked up one each.
England’s Nightmare Start
Chasing 320 in a semi-final is never easy, but England made it almost impossible for themselves. South Africa’s pace attack came out breathing fire, reducing England to 1/3 in just 1.1 overs.
Amy Jones, Tammy Beaumont, and Heather Knight — all gone for ducks. The Barsapara crowd couldn’t believe what they were watching.
Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey then launched a valiant recovery, stitching together a 107-run stand that gave England faint hope. Capsey struck a steady 50 off 71, while Sciver-Brunt top-scored with 64 from 76 balls, including six fours and a six.
But just as England looked settled, Sune Luus broke through to remove Capsey, and moments later, Kapp returned to dismiss Sciver-Brunt. That was the breaking point.
Kapp’s Five-for Seals the Deal
Once Sciver-Brunt departed, England’s chase unravelled completely. From 108/3, they crumbled to 194 all out.
Marizanne Kapp was the architect of the collapse, producing a sensational spell of 5/20 in seven overs. Nadine de Klerk added two more wickets to her name, while Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba, and Sune Luus shared the rest.
Danni Wyatt-Hodge (34) and Linsey Smith (27) showed some late resistance, but it was never going to be enough. South Africa was simply too clinical, too inspired.
They’ll now face either defending champions Australia or co-hosts India, who meet in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
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