South Africa, Oct 30 : In a stunning turnaround from their shaky start to the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, South Africa stormed into their first ever final with a commanding 125 run victory over England in the semifinal at the ACA Stadium on Wednesday.
After being bowled out for just 69 by the same opponents in the group stage, the Proteas scripted a remarkable redemption story powered by captain Laura Wolvaardt’s majestic 169 and Marizanne Kapp’s fiery five-wicket haul.
Batting first, South Africa piled up a mammoth 319/7, led by Wolvaardt’s record breaking innings the highest individual score by a South African in a Women’s ODI World Cup. Her knock, peppered with 20 boundaries and 4 sixes, was a masterclass in pacing and power, reaching her century off 115 balls before unleashing a blistering finish with 69 runs off her final 28 deliveries.
In reply, England’s chase fell apart almost immediately as Kapp ripped through the top order, reducing them to 3 for 1. Despite a spirited 107-run partnership between Nat Sciver Brunt (64) and Alice Capsey (50), England could not recover from the early collapse and were bowled out for 194 in 42.3 overs.
Kapp’s brilliant 5 for 20 not only sealed the win but also made her the highest wicket taker in Women’s ODI World Cup history with 44 scalps, surpassing India’s Jhulan Goswami.
The result marked a night of redemption and triumph for South Africa, erasing the heartbreaks of past semifinals in Christchurch (2022) and Bristol (2017).
With this victory, the Proteas now await the winner of the India–Australia clash to decide their opponent in Sunday’s historic final.
Brief Scores:
South Africa 319/7 (50 overs): Laura Wolvaardt 169, Tazmin Brits 45; Sophie Ecclestone 4-44, Lauren Bell 2-55
England 194 all out (42.3 overs): Nat Sciver Brunt 64, Alice Capsey 50; Marizanne Kapp 5-20, Nadine de Klerk 2-24
Result: South Africa won by 125 runs