Guwahati, India – In a stunning upset, South Africa defeated England by 125 runs in the first semi-final of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, securing their place in the final for the first time. A herculean effort from captain Laura Wolvaardt, who smashed 169, and a dominant bowling display led by Marizanne Kapp, with a five-wicket haul, propelled the Proteas to a historic victory at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
England, the defending champions, won the toss and elected to field, a decision they would soon regret. Wolvaardt's magnificent innings guided South Africa to a formidable total of 319/7. She became the first captain to score a century in a Women's World Cup knockout game. Her knock of 169 is the third-highest individual score in a Women's World Cup knockout match. Wolvaardt's innings was a mix of elegance, patience, and determination.
Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits initiated the innings with a century stand, laying a solid foundation. Brits contributed a composed 45 before Wolvaardt took charge, accelerating the scoring rate. Despite some wickets falling in the middle overs, Wolvaardt held the innings together, eventually receiving support from Chloe Tryon, whose aggressive cameo helped South Africa surpass the 300-run mark. Wolvaardt struck 20 boundaries and four sixes during her innings.
England's chase began disastrously, losing three wickets for just one run in the first two overs. Kapp was instrumental in this early collapse, dismissing Amy Jones and Heather Knight for ducks in successive deliveries. Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey attempted to revive the innings with a 107-run partnership, but their dismissals triggered another collapse. Sciver-Brunt scored a valiant 67, but Kapp eventually claimed her wicket. England were eventually bowled out for 194 in 42.3 overs.
Kapp's performance was exceptional, as she dismantled both the top and middle order. She finished with figures of 5/20, her best in the tournament, and became the leading wicket-taker of all time in 50-over World Cups. Nadine de Klerk sealed the victory by taking the final wicket.
Wolvaardt's remarkable innings also saw her achieve several milestones. She became the first South African woman to reach 5000 ODI runs. En route to her 169, she equaled the record for the most fifty-plus scores in Women's World Cup history.
This victory marks South Africa's first-ever appearance in an ODI World Cup final, across both men's and women's cricket. The Proteas will now await the winner of the second semi-final between India and Australia, scheduled to be held in Navi Mumbai. The final will take place on November 2nd.
The South African team, captained by Wolvaardt, includes experienced players such as Chloe Tryon, Marizanne Kapp and Sune Luus. The squad also features Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, and Nonkululeko Mlaba. This win represents a significant moment for South African cricket, showcasing the growth and talent within their women's team.
