In a stunning display of skill and determination, South Africa defeated England by 125 runs in the first semi-final of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 in Guwahati, securing their place in the final for the first time ever. The victory was powered by a record-breaking century from captain Laura Wolvaardt and a sensational five-wicket haul from Marizanne Kapp.
England won the toss and elected to field, but South Africa's opening pair, Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, defied expectations with a formidable 100-run partnership. Wolvaardt, in particular, played a captain's innings, anchoring the batting order and scoring a magnificent 169 off 143 balls. Her incredible innings was the highest score by a South African batter in Women's World Cup history.
While Brits contributed a valuable 45, the rest of the South African batting lineup struggled to maintain consistency. Marizanne Kapp added a useful 44, and Chloe Tryon provided some late fireworks with an unbeaten 33. South Africa finished their innings with a total of 319/7, their highest ever in a Women's World Cup. Sophie Ecclestone was the pick of the English bowlers, taking 4 wickets for 44 runs.
Chasing a daunting target of 320, England's innings got off to a disastrous start. They were reduced to 1/3 in the second over, with their top three batters dismissed without scoring. Kapp was instrumental in this early collapse, removing key players and putting South Africa firmly in control. Nat Sciver-Brunt (17) and Alice Capsey (15) attempted to steady the ship with a 107-run partnership, but their dismissals triggered another collapse.
Marizanne Kapp continued to wreak havoc, completing her five-wicket haul and dismantling the English batting lineup. England were eventually bowled out for 194 in 42.3 overs. Nadine de Klerk took the final wicket, sealing South Africa's historic victory.
South Africa's win marked their first-ever ODI World Cup final appearance, a moment of immense pride for the team and their fans. They will now travel to Navi Mumbai for the final on Sunday, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between India and Australia. Their journey to the final has been one of resilience and determination, overcoming earlier defeats to emerge as a force to be reckoned with.
