In a historic dual-act demolition, Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp delivered performances for the ages to lead South Africa into their first-ever 50-over World Cup final with a 125-run win over England. The two veterans were simply unstoppable.
Wolvaardt set the stage with a breathtaking 169. After building a foundation with a 115-ball century, she went berserk, smashing 69 runs off her final 28 balls. Her assault pushed the total to 319 for seven, a score that shattered England’s morale.
Then, Kapp took over with the ball, ensuring the chase was a formality. She produced a devastating opening spell, including a double-wicket maiden, to leave England at one for three, with their entire top three back in the pavilion for ducks.
Kapp, who also became the all-time leading World Cup wicket-taker, was forced off with cramp but returned to claim three more wickets, finishing with five for 20.
England, who had been in the game at 202 for six thanks to four wickets from Sophie Ecclestone, were comprehensively outplayed. They were bowled out for 194, their World Cup dreams ended by two of the game’s greats.