Women's World Cup: Wolvaardt's historic ton, Kapp's magical 5-fer power South Africa to first-ever final with dashing 125-run win over England

South Africa stapled their first-ever Women's ODI World Cup final after notching a comprehensive 125-run win over England in the semifinal clash in Guwahati on October 29. South Africa first rode on Laura Wolvaardt's historic 169 to post a big total of 319/7. In reply, England had no answer to Marizanne Kapp's wizardry, who bagged a brilliant fifer to bundle them out for a paltry 194.

South Africa enter first-ever Women's ODI World Cup final

South Africa now await the second finalist, which will be decided on October 30, when India and Australia will take on each other for the coveted spot as the title clash is slated to be played on November 2 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

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Laura Wolvaardt tonks historic ton

Batting first, South Africa posted a formidable total of 319 for seven against England, powered by a magnificent innings from skipper Laura Wolvaardt. Opening the batting, Wolvaardt produced a commanding knock of 169 runs off just 143 balls. Her innings was a showcase of dominance, featuring 20 boundaries and four towering sixes, which single-handedly anchored the South African batting effort and laid the foundation for a huge score.

Wolvaardt received excellent support from her teammates throughout the innings. Opener Tazmin Brits provided a steady base with her contribution of 45 runs from 65 deliveries. Later, all-rounder Marizanne Kapp injected crucial momentum with a quickfire 42 runs off 33 balls. It was Chloe Tryon who finished the innings with a flourish, playing an unbeaten cameo of 33 runs from 26 balls to successfully push South Africa past the challenging 300-run mark.

Despite the South African onslaught, left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone emerged as the standout bowler for the English side. She was the most effective in stemming the flow of runs and taking wickets, finishing with impressive figures of four wickets for 44 runs.

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Marizanne Kapp breaks England's back with fiery fifer

South Africa's historic victory was rooted in a breathtaking bowling display led by pace spearhead Marizanne Kapp. She completely decimated the English top order and never let the batting lineup recover, finishing with a sensational five-wicket haul. Her spell began with a double-strike in the very first over of the run-chase, where she dismissed opener Amy Jones and number three batter Heather Knight, both for ducks. Kapp later returned to claim the crucial wicket of England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, securing her remarkable figures of 5 for 20 from just seven overs.

England's collapsed chase

Despite the early destruction, Nat Sciver-Brunt fought valiantly, notching a resolute half-century. She was supported by number five batter Alice Capsey, who also composed a fighting half-century, attempting to keep England in the contest. However, the consistent pressure exerted by the South African bowlers proved too much. England ultimately folded for just 194 in 42.3 overs, falling a massive 125 runs short of the target. The victory was sealed by the supporting bowlers, with Nadine de Klerk taking the final two wickets, and Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba, and Sune Luus each chipping in with a wicket as South Africa booked their ticket to the 2025 grand finale.