South African cricket history was rewritten on Wednesday as the Proteas Women demolished England by 125 runs to storm into the country’s first-ever ICC Cricket World Cup final, scheduled for Sunday, 2 November.
The semi-finals can only be described as a dream come true for the Proteas, as they went in to bat first as the underdogs.
Skipper Laura Wolvaardt had a magnificent innings, smashing 169 off 143 balls to guide her team to 319/7 in their allotted 50 overs. Protea Tazmin Brits chipped in with a solid 45 off 65 balls, while Marizanne Kapp provided great support with 42 off 33 deliveries.
Kapp went on to have a terrific bowling session, taking two England players out with ducks and ending her session with a spectacular 5/20 in seven overs.
Now, a new ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup champion will be crowned on Sunday when South Africa faces co-hosts India in the final in Mumbai.
This comes after India knocked the defending and seven-time World Champions, Australia, out of the tournament with a stunning five-wicket victory following a record run chase at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai to secure their spot in the final against the Proteas.
On the eve of the finals, Wolvaardt expressed her gratitude for the unprecedented support, telling SuperSport: “I want to thank all South Africans and DStv subscribers for their support throughout this World Cup campaign. We have truly felt the might of the entire nation, particularly during the semi-final against England.”
ALSO READ: Proteas Women stun England to reach maiden World Cup final
“Please continue backing us this Sunday as we play in the final. Let’s do this together,” Wolvaardt added.
The final will kick off at 11:30 (SA time) on Sunday, with build-up coverage starting at 11:00. DStv will broadcast on SuperSport Variety 4, SuperSport Grandstand, and SuperSport Cricket, with commentary available in English, isiXhosa, and Afrikaans.
Proteas Men’s captain Temba Bavuma has thrown his support behind the women’s team: “It would add so much to South Africa’s story, both from a cricketing and sporting point of view. As a country, we’ve been doing well, and seeing the women reach this point would only strengthen our legacy.”
Sunday’s final represents the first time any senior South African cricket team, male or female, has reached a 50-over ICC Cricket World Cup final – a milestone that has united the nation behind the #HereForHer campaign.
You must be logged in to post a comment.