Captain Laura Wolvaardt slammed four sixes in a breathtaking late-innings blitz to sink England in the World Cup semi-final, finishing with 169 and leading her team to a 125-run victory. The win marks South Africa’s first-ever appearance in a 50-over World Cup final.
Wolvaardt, who had patiently built her innings to a 115-ball century, transformed the game in the final overs. With her team at 202 for six, she took it upon herself to set an imposing total, adding 69 runs from just 28 balls.
Her assault, which included a 20-run demolition of one Linsey Smith over, pushed South Africa to 319 for seven. England, who had bowled well in the middle overs led by Sophie Ecclestone (four wickets), had no reply to the late onslaught.
England’s chase was a disaster from the start. Marizanne Kapp delivered a fiery opening spell, claiming a double-wicket maiden to leave England at a hopeless one for three, with their top three batters all out for ducks.
Kapp finished with five for 20, also becoming the tournament’s all-time leading wicket-taker. Despite a 107-run stand for the fourth wicket, England were bowled out for 194, their campaign ended by Wolvaardt’s power and Kapp’s precision.
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