South Africa reach first ever Women’s World Cup Final after Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp decimate England

Women's World Cup: South Africa entered their first final, and will now have to await the winners between IND & AUS.

South Africa inched closer to a maiden Women’s World Cup title with an all-round display on Tuesday. Experienced stars Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp made light work of the an in-form England side to clinch a landslide win the first semi-final in Guwahati. It will mark a first World Cup finals experience for the Proteas Women.

South Africa reach Women’s World Cup final

Facing an opponent that shot them out for 69 in the tournament opener, South Africa had a job cut out. However, Laura Wolvaardt led the way with a marathon innings in Guwahati. The Proteas captain smashed a sensational 169 of 143 deliveries to ensure South Africa put on a score in excess of 300. Some late hits from Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk ensured they scored 319, after being asked to bat first.

Skipper Laura Wolvaardt to the Rescue

England’s chase was all but over in the matter of 7 deliveries. Marizanne Kapp sent Amy Jones and Heather Knight packing for a duck in the first over. Ayabonga Khaka followed it up with Tammy Beaumont’s wicket to leave England reeling at 1/3. Nat Sciver-Brunt was their only saving grace, who scored a half-century. The all-rounder stitched partnerships with Alice Capsey and Danielle Wyatt-Hodge to keep the scoreboard ticking. However, Kapp returned to put the final nail in the coffin and Brunt was dismissed for 64.

The Women’s World Cup 2025 is South Africa’s 4th semi-final appearance, and their third straight knockout qualification. Their win over England marks their first success in that regard. The Proteas had never reached the final of a tournament in either ODI and t20 world Cup and Sunday will mark their first attempt. They will face the winner of the IND vs AUS semi-final, which will be played on Thursday.

Kapp Overtakes Jhulan Goswami

Kapp, with her five wickets, surpassed Jhulan Goswami as the highest wicket-taker in the Women’s World Cups. The SA all-rounder now has 44 scalps to her name, followed by the Indian at 43, and Megan Schutt and Sophie Ecclestone with 39 and 37, respectively.