By Asif Naveed
Web Desk: South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt delivered a stunning performance, scoring a monumental 169 runs to propel her team into the Women’s World Cup final after a 125-run thrashing of England in the first semi-final on Wednesday.
Batting first in Guwahati, South Africa piled up 319 for 7, with Wolvaardt anchoring the innings through a majestic 143-ball knock laced with 20 boundaries and four sixes. Her commanding innings laid the foundation for a total that proved far beyond England’s reach.
When it was time to defend, seamer Marizanne Kapp starred with the ball, claiming a brilliant five-wicket haul for just 20 runs as England collapsed to 194 all out in 42.3 overs.
England entered the semi-final with historical confidence, having defeated South Africa in the group stage and in the 2017 and 2022 semi-finals. However, Wolvaardt paid no heed to the past, stitching crucial partnerships—116 runs with opener Tazmin Brits (45) and 72 with Kapp (42)—to put her team firmly in control.
England’s hopes briefly revived when spinner Sophie Ecclestone (4-44) struck twice in one over, dismissing Brits and Anneke Bosch. Yet, once Ecclestone completed her 10-over spell, Wolvaardt unleashed a flurry of boundaries.
Chloe Tryon provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 33, as South Africa hammered 117 runs in the final 10 overs. Wolvaardt’s remarkable innings finally ended in the 48th over, caught off Lauren Bell, earning her a standing ovation from both teammates and opponents.
South Africa’s bowlers then backed up the batting heroics with early breakthroughs. Kapp struck in her opening over, removing Amy Jones and Heather Knight for a double-wicket maiden, while Ayabonga Khaka dismissed Tammy Beaumont to leave England reeling at one for three.
Despite a fighting 100-run stand between Nat Sciver-Brunt (64) and Alice Capsey (50), Kapp returned to dismantle the lower order, sealing South Africa’s dominant victory and their spot in Sunday’s final.
Defending champions Australia will face hosts India in the second semi-final in Navi Mumbai on Thursday to determine South Africa’s opponents in the final.
