A captain’s innings of the highest order from Laura Wolvaardt set the stage for South Africa’s historic 125-run victory over England, securing their place in a 50-over World Cup final for the first time. Wolvaardt’s 169 was the cornerstone of a dominant team performance.
After being asked to bat, Wolvaardt anchored the innings, sharing a 116-run opening stand with Tazmin Brits. Despite a mid-innings wobble caused by England’s Sophie Ecclestone, who took four wickets, Wolvaardt held firm, reaching a measured century off 115 balls.
With the platform set, Wolvaardt exploded. She blasted 69 runs from her final 28 deliveries, hitting four sixes and turning the game on its head. Her assault pushed South Africa to 319 for seven, a total that proved far beyond England’s reach.
England’s chase began in disastrous fashion. Marizanne Kapp delivered a brutal opening spell, including a double-wicket maiden, to reduce England to one for three. The top three batters all failed to score, effectively ending the contest within the first few overs.
Kapp returned later, overcoming cramp, to scythe through the middle order, finishing with five for 20. Her performance not only sealed the win but also etched her name in the history books as the tournament’s all-time leading wicket-taker. England were eventually bowled out for 194.