Laura Wolvaardt’s Record-Breaking 169 Powers South Africa Into Historic Women’s World Cup Final

Laura Wolvaardt delivered a masterclass with the bat, scoring a magnificent 169 to guide South Africa to a crushing 125-run victory over England in the Women’s World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

The triumph not only secured a place in the final but also marked South Africa’s first-ever appearance in an ODI Women’s World Cup final.

Batting first in Guwahati, the Proteas posted a commanding 319-7 before bowling out England for 194 in 42.3 overs. Medium pacer Marizanne Kapp was exceptional with the ball, taking 5-20 in a devastating spell that dismantled England’s batting order.

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South Africa will now face the winner of the second semi-final between defending champions Australia and India in Sunday’s title decider near Mumbai.

This is South Africa’s third consecutive Women’s World Cup final appearance across formats — following two T20 finals — but their first in the 50-over version. The Proteas had previously fallen to England in the semi-finals of the 2017 and 2022 editions.

Laura Wolvaardt’s Record Knock Sets Up Victory

Nadine de Klerk sealed the win when she dismissed Linsey Smith for 27, sparking jubilant celebrations in the South African camp. But it was Wolvaardt who laid the foundation for the emphatic victory with her maiden World Cup century. She shared a 116-run opening stand with Tazmin Brits, who made 45, before accelerating in the final overs.

Wolvaardt reached her 10th ODI hundred and went on to strike 20 fours and four sixes in her 143-ball innings. Her total of 470 runs — including one century and three half-centuries in eight matches — places her at the top of the tournament’s run charts.

England’s Sophie Ecclestone offered resistance with figures of 4-44 despite carrying a shoulder injury. She halted South Africa’s momentum by removing Brits for 45 and Anneke Bosch for a duck in the same over.

However, Wolvaardt continued to dominate, forming key partnerships with Kapp (42) and Chloe Tryon (33*). She finally departed in the 48th over, receiving a standing ovation from both teammates and opponents.

Kapp Destroys England’s Batting Order

Kapp’s explosive opening spell gave South Africa the perfect start as she removed Amy Jones and Heather Knight for ducks in the first over. Ayabonga Khaka followed up by dismissing Tammy Beaumont for a golden duck, leaving England reeling early in their chase.

A fighting partnership between Nat Sciver-Brunt (64) and Alice Capsey (50) added 107 runs for the third wicket, but once they fell, the Proteas bowlers seized full control. Kapp claimed Sciver-Brunt, then dismissed Sophia Dunkley and Charlie Dean in quick succession, narrowly missing a hat-trick.

The result marks a watershed moment for South African women’s cricket as they march into their first-ever ODI World Cup final with confidence and momentum on their side.

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