Laura Wolvaardt played a pivotal role with an impressive 169 runs as South Africa dominated England by 125 runs to secure a spot in their first-ever ODI Women’s World Cup final on Wednesday.
South Africa set a total of 319-7, and subsequently restricted England to 194 all out in 42.3 overs, with medium-pacer Marizanne Kapp shining with figures of 5-20 in the first semi-final held in Guwahati.
The Proteas will now face the winner of the second semi-final between defending champions Australia and India in the final showdown scheduled for Sunday on the outskirts of Mumbai.
South Africa has now reached their third consecutive final in women’s World Cup events, with two appearances in T20 tournaments and their debut in the 50-over prestigious competition.
In the previous two ODI World Cups in 2017 and 2022, South Africa suffered defeats against England in the semi-finals.
The South African squad erupted in jubilation as Nadine de Klerk dismissed Linsey Smith for 27, claiming the final wicket.
Wolvaardt’s stellar performance, marking her first World Cup century, laid the foundation for the comprehensive victory, forming a crucial 116-run partnership with opening batswoman Tazmin Brits, who contributed 45 runs.
With 20 fours and four sixes in her 143-ball innings, Wolvaardt not only achieved her 10th ODI century but also accelerated the scoring in the latter overs, totaling 470 runs in the tournament, including one century and three half-centuries in eight matches.
Despite England’s efforts to claw back, Wolvaardt’s resilience shone through as she built significant partnerships with Kapp, who scored 42, and later with Chloe Tryon, remaining unbeaten on 33.
In the 48th over, Wolvaardt departed after an exceptional display, receiving a standing ovation and acknowledgments from the opponents.
Ecclestone, who overcame a shoulder injury, showcased a commendable performance with figures of 4-44.
Kapp’s explosive start rattled England, claiming early wickets by dismissing Amuy Jones and Heather Knight, both for ducks, in the first over. Ayabonga Khaka further dented England’s hopes by dismissing Tammy Beaumont for a golden duck in the second over.
Although a partnership between skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt, who scored 64, and Alice Capsey, who contributed 50, briefly revived England’s innings, the South African bowlers regrouped and restricted their progress.
Kapp’s brilliance continued as she dismissed key English batters, including Sciver-Brunt and Sophia Dunkley, coming close to a hat-trick that was narrowly avoided by Ecclestone.