PROTEAS THROUGH TO ODI WORLD CUP FINAL
South Africa delivered a stunning all-round performance to crush England by 125 runs in the Women’s Cricket World Cup semi-final in Guwahati.
The Proteas booked their first-ever place in an ODI World Cup final.
Batting first, the South Africans were unstoppable. Laura Wolvaardt produced a breathtaking 169 from just 143 balls, the highest score by a South African at a Women’s World Cup. She was calm early on, then ruthless as the innings wore on, smashing boundary after boundary to lift her team to an imposing 319 for 7.
Tazmin Brits supported well with 45, and Marizanne Kapp’s quick 42 ensured South Africa finished strong with momentum firmly on their side.
When England began their chase, South Africa struck almost immediately. Kapp removed Amy Jones and Heather Knight in a sensational double-wicket maiden before dismissing Tammy Beaumont moments later.
England were 1 for 3 after seven balls, and from there, they never recovered. Even as Nat Sciver-Brunt (64) and Alice Capsey (50) tried to rebuild, Kapp returned to shatter their resistance and finish with an incredible 5 for 20.
The Proteas fielded sharply, bowled with precision, and showed remarkable composure throughout.
South Africa will now face either Australia or India in Sunday’s final, riding high on confidence and history in the making.
Image credit: gsport4girls