A spectacular late-innings onslaught from Laura Wolvaardt left England shell-shocked and propelled South Africa to a historic 125-run victory, securing their first-ever spot in the 50-over World Cup final. Wolvaardt’s 169 was an innings of brutal genius.
For a long time, England were in the contest. Despite a 116-run opening stand, their star bowler Sophie Ecclestone (four wickets) dragged them back into the game, picking up key wickets to reduce South Africa to 202 for six. A manageable target seemed likely.
However, Wolvaardt, who had just completed her century, flicked a switch. She unleashed a breathtaking display of power, adding 69 runs in 28 balls. England’s death bowlers had no reply as four sixes sailed down the ground, pushing the total to an imposing 319 for seven.
Faced with a record chase, England’s batting lineup folded instantly. Marizanne Kapp produced a “ball of the day” to bowl Amy Jones and then dismissed Heather Knight in a double-wicket maiden. At one for three, with three ducks in the scorecard, the game was all but over.
Kapp, who also became the all-time leading World Cup wicket-taker, returned to take five for 20, ending a brief recovery led by Alice Capsey and Nat Sciver-Brunt. It was a clinical and historic performance from the Proteas.
