Picture Credit: Cricbuzz

Wolvaardt’s ice, Kapp’s fire put South Africa in final

Guwahati, October 29: Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp produced stunning performances to propel South Africa into their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup final, defeating four-time champions England by 125 runs in a memorable semifinal clash.

If composure had a face, it would be Laura Wolvaardt’s. The South African skipper delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression, scoring a magnificent 169 off 143 balls — the only century by a captain in a World Cup knockout match. Her innings was a perfect blend of patience and power, featuring 20 fours and four sixes.

Wolvaardt shared key stands throughout the innings — 116 with Tazmin Brits for the first wicket, 72 with Marizanne Kapp for the fourth, and 89 with Chloe Tryon for the seventh — helping South Africa post a commanding 319/7. Her acceleration was breathtaking as she plundered 69 runs off her last 28 deliveries before falling on the final ball of the 48th over.

“My goal was to get to the 40th over. I thought while I’m there, I might as well swing,” Wolvaardt said after her innings, downplaying one of the greatest knocks in Women’s World Cup history.

Kapp, who admitted to having “one of the worst net sessions” of her career just two days before the semifinal, responded in the most emphatic way possible. Her 33-ball 42 boosted the total, but her real magic came with the ball. Kapp’s inswinging deliveries ripped through England’s top order, dismissing Amy Jones and Heather Knight inside the first over.

England’s chase of 320 got off to a disastrous start at 1/3 within seven balls, with Kapp’s fiery spell setting the tone. Nat Sciver-Brunt (51) and Alice Capsey (50) tried to rebuild with a 130-ball stand, but once Capsey fell to Sune Luus and Sciver-Brunt edged Kapp to Sinalo Jafta, the chase unraveled quickly.

Kapp returned to complete her career-best 5/20, surpassing India’s Jhulan Goswami as the leading wicket-taker in Women’s World Cup history. Her emotional celebration after every wicket — part rage, part relief — embodied South Africa’s hunger to rewrite history.

England were bowled out for 194, falling 125 runs short of their target. Kapp’s fiery spells, combined with Wolvaardt’s serene brilliance, marked a new dawn for South African cricket. “I would love to play India in the final,” Kapp said later. “Even when the crowd is against me in India, it feels like they’re cheering for me.”

For South Africa, this victory means more than just a spot in the final — it’s the breaking of a barrier that has eluded both their men’s and women’s teams for decades. They now await the winner of the India vs Australia semifinal to contest Sunday’s grand finale at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium.

As Wolvaardt walked off the field, arms raised and smiling broadly, it was clear — the head girl of South African cricket had just led her class to history.

Match Summary:
South Africa Women: 319/7 (Laura Wolvaardt 169, Marizanne Kapp 42; Lauren Bell 2-58)
England Women: 194 all out (Nat Sciver-Brunt 51, Alice Capsey 50; Marizanne Kapp 5-20, Sune Luus 2-33)
Result: South Africa won by 125 runs.

Related:
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Source: Cricbuzz