The Protea Women have made history. South Africa’s national women’s cricket team stormed into their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final after a dominant 125-run victory over England in Guwahati on Wednesday.
The semi-final clash, played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, ended with South Africa posting a massive 319 for 7 in 50 overs, before bowling out England for just 194 in 42.3 overs.
The win came as redemption for the team, which had suffered semi-final heartbreaks in the 2017 and 2022 tournaments.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt produced one of the greatest innings in South African cricket history, scoring 169 runs off 143 balls.
Her commanding performance earned her the Player of the Match title. Speaking after the game, Wolvaardt said the moment felt “very special,” especially after England had beaten South Africa in the last two World Cup semi-finals.
“The memory of our 69 all-out loss did linger, but I wanted to take control today. Having runs on the board in a knockout game is always crucial,” she said .
Wolvaardt’s innings, supported by Tazmin Brits’ 45 from 65 balls, helped the Proteas recover from a mid-innings wobble. After a strong 116-run opening stand, England struck back with quick wickets.
But experienced all-rounder Marizanne Kapp added 42 off 33 balls, ensuring South Africa pushed past the 300 mark. Spinner Sophie Ecclestone was the pick of England’s bowlers with figures of 4 for 44 from her 10 overs.
In their chase, England crumbled early under relentless pressure from South Africa’s bowling attack. Marizanne Kapp led the charge with a sensational five-wicket haul, finishing with 5 for 20 in seven overs.
Ayabonga Khaka and Nadine de Klerk supported well, picking up key wickets as England’s top order fell to 1 for 3 within the first two overs.
England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt top-scored with 64, while Alice Capsey added 50, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to recover. Kapp’s return for a second spell sealed the match — taking the final wickets and confirming South Africa’s 125-run victory.
Nadine de Klerk took the final catch off her own bowling to dismiss Linsey Smith, sending the Proteas into celebration mode as they reached their first-ever ODI World Cup final.
Reflecting on the result, Wolvaardt credited her team’s composure and teamwork.
“We knew we had to keep believing. The bowlers executed perfectly, and I’m just so proud of everyone,” she said.
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt admitted her side was “hugely disappointed,” acknowledging that they were outplayed.
“You need to play a complete game to beat a team like South Africa. Credit to Laura — that was one of the best innings I’ve ever seen,” she said .
The victory marks a turning point for the Protea Women, who have come close to World Cup glory several times but never made it past the semi-final stage.
They now await the winner of Thursday’s semi-final between Australia and India, to be played at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai at 09:30 GMT (11:30 SAST).
South Africa will play in the World Cup final on Sunday, 2 November, at 11:30 (SAST), with a chance to make even greater history by claiming their first global title in women’s cricket.
