GUWAHATI, India – South Africa’s Proteas Women pulled off one of the greatest upsets in Cricket World Cup history today, crushing defending champions England by 125 runs to secure their first-ever World Cup final appearance.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt’s magnificent 169 not out powered the Proteas to 319 for 7, before Marizanne Kapp’s historic double-wicket maiden set the tone for a bowling performance that dismissed England for just 194 in 39.4 overs at Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
The comprehensive victory defied all pre-match expectations, with England having entered the semi-final as overwhelming favorites to reach a fourth consecutive World Cup final.
Wolvaardt’s career-defining innings came when her team needed it most, the 25-year-old skipper displaying remarkable composure and shot selection throughout her 143-ball stay at the crease. Her previous best ODI score of 135 was eclipsed as she anchored South Africa’s innings from start to finish.
The right-hander found the boundary 18 times and cleared it twice, pacing her innings perfectly to accelerate when required while never losing control. Her partnership building proved crucial as South Africa recovered from early setbacks to post a total that would prove more than adequate.
Wolvaardt becomes just the third woman to score 150-plus in a World Cup semi-final.
If Wolvaardt’s batting excellence laid the foundation, it was Kapp’s extraordinary opening over that shifted momentum decisively in South Africa’s favor. The veteran all-rounder achieved what no South African cricketer had managed before – opening the bowling with a double-wicket maiden.
Amy Jones and Heather Knight, two of England’s most experienced campaigners, were dismissed for ducks in successive deliveries, leaving the defending champions reeling at 0 for 2 after just six balls of their reply.
England, who won the toss and elected to field first, appeared confident in their ability to chase down whatever target South Africa set. However, the early loss of key wickets exposed a batting lineup that struggled to adapt to the pressure of a record chase.
Despite their reputation for deep batting and big-match experience, England never recovered from Kapp’s devastating opening salvo. The middle order, which had been a strength throughout the tournament, failed to fire when their team needed them most.
The defending champions managed just seven boundaries in their entire innings, a stark contrast to South Africa’s free-flowing approach that yielded 22 fours and two sixes.
South Africa 319-7 (50 overs) – L. Wolvaardt 169* (143 balls, 18×4, 2×6) – Highest individual score in a World Cup semi-final by a South African – Seventh-highest total in World Cup semi-final history
England 194 all out (39.4 overs) – Largest defeat by runs margin in World Cup semi-final and England’s lowest total in a World Cup knockout match since 2009
Looking ahead
South Africa now face either Australia or New Zealand in Sunday’s final, with the Proteas carrying unprecedented momentum into cricket’s showpiece event. Having overcome the tournament favourites in such emphatic fashion, confidence within the squad will be sky-high.
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