A clinical, all-round performance saw South Africa crush England by 125 runs to book their maiden spot in the 50-over World Cup final. The victory was masterminded by captain Laura Wolvaardt (169) and pace spearhead Marizanne Kapp (5/20).
South Africa set a formidable total of 319 for seven, the second-highest in a knockout game. This was largely thanks to Wolvaardt, who, after reaching her century, exploded with 69 runs off 28 balls, shattering England’s death-bowling strategy.
England had been in the game at 202 for six, thanks to four wickets from Sophie Ecclestone, but Wolvaardt’s late charge took the game away from them completely.
The English chase was over before it started. Kapp delivered a double-wicket maiden, bowling Amy Jones and Heather Knight, as the top order collapsed to one for three, with all three batters scoring ducks.
Kapp returned from a cramp to finish her five-wicket haul, breaking a 107-run fourth-wicket stand. Her efforts also saw her become the all-time leading 50-over World Cup wicket-taker, capping a perfect day for the Proteas.
