A magnificent maiden World Cup hundred from captain Laura Wolvaardt sparked a historic semi-final victory for South Africa, as they crushed England by 125 runs to reach their first-ever 50-over World Cup final. Wolvaardt’s 169 was an innings for the ages.
The celebration for her 115-ball century was just the beginning. With wickets having fallen, Wolvaardt took charge, transforming her innings into an all-out assault. She plundered 69 runs from her final 28 deliveries, hitting four sixes.
Her onslaught, which included taking 20 runs off a single Linsey Smith over, pushed South Africa to 319 for seven. This came after England’s Sophie Ecclestone (four wickets) had caused a mid-innings wobble.
England’s formidable batting lineup never stood a chance. Marizanne Kapp began with a double-wicket maiden, reducing them to one for three. The top order was blown away for ducks, a symbolic surrender to the pressure.
Kapp, who also became the all-time leading World Cup wicket-taker, finished with five for 20. She returned to break a 107-run partnership for the fourth wicket, sealing a dominant and emotional victory for the Proteas.