South Africa asserted their dominance with a comprehensive 125-run win over England, sealing a historic spot in their first-ever 50-over World Cup final. The victory was a true team effort, headlined by Laura Wolvaardt (169) and Marizanne Kapp (5/20).
The Proteas posted a massive 319 for seven, the second-highest total in a knockout game. This was thanks to Wolvaardt, who, after a patient century, exploded with 69 runs off 28 balls, destroying England’s death bowling.
England, who had been in the game at 202 for six thanks to four wickets from Sophie Ecclestone, had no answer to the late onslaught.
Their chase then began with a complete disaster. Kapp delivered a double-wicket maiden, reducing them to one for three, with their top three batters all failing to score.
Kapp, who also became the all-time leading World Cup wicket-taker, returned to finish her five-wicket haul, ending England’s resistance. They were bowled out for 194 in a truly dominant display by the Proteas.
