Historic Win! South Africa Storms into ICC Women's ODI World Cup Final for the First Time, Crushes England by 125 Runs

In a spectacular performance at the ACA Stadium, South Africa Women’s cricket team created history by qualifying for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup final for the first time ever. The Proteas defeated defending champions England by a massive 125-run margin in the first semifinal of the 2025 World Cup. Captain Laura Wolvaardt played a record-breaking knock, while Marizanne Kapp’s lethal spell sealed England’s fate early in the chase.

🏆 South Africa Makes History

Batting first, South Africa posted an imposing 319 runs on the board, led by skipper Laura Wolvaardt’s stunning 169-run innings — her 10th ODI century and first-ever in a World Cup. Wolvaardt’s fluent stroke play and fearless batting dismantled England’s bowling attack, setting the tone for a memorable win.

In reply, England never really found their footing and were bundled out for just 194 runs, handing South Africa a commanding victory.

⚡ Kapp’s Firepower with the Ball

Marizanne Kapp produced one of the most dominant bowling performances of the tournament, taking 5 wickets for just 20 runs in her seven-over spell. Her early strikes completely rattled England’s top order, reducing them to 3 wickets for just 1 run.

England’s wicketkeeper Amy Jones was bowled by Kapp on the second ball of the innings. Captain Heather Knight followed soon after, also dismissed by Kapp in the same over. Ayabonga Khaka then sent Tammy Beaumont back to the pavilion on the very first ball of the next over.

With three top batters dismissed for ducks, England’s hopes of reaching another final were shattered within minutes.

💪 Partnership That Revived England’s Innings

Despite the disastrous start, Natalie Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey steadied England’s innings with a 107-run stand for the fourth wicket. Capsey scored a patient 50 off 71 balls, while Sciver-Brunt added a fighting 64 off 76 deliveries. However, both fell in quick succession — Capsey to Sune Luus and Sciver-Brunt to Kapp — which ended England’s resistance.

England’s tail failed to put up much fight, and their innings folded in the 43rd over at 194 runs.

🏏 Wolvaardt’s Record Knock Leads the Way

Earlier, South Africa’s innings was built on a strong opening partnership between Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, who added 116 runs for the first wicket. Brits contributed 45 runs before being bowled by Sophie Ecclestone, who was the pick of England’s bowlers with 4 wickets for 44 runs.

Despite losing a few wickets in the middle overs, Wolvaardt anchored the innings beautifully. Her partnership of 72 runs with Marizanne Kapp for the fourth wicket provided stability and momentum. Wolvaardt’s 169 was a masterclass in timing, placement, and temperament — a knock that will be remembered as one of the finest in women’s World Cup history.

🔄 Revenge for 2022 Heartbreak

This victory was particularly sweet for South Africa, who had suffered a heartbreaking semifinal defeat to England in the 2022 Women’s World Cup. Back then, Wolvaardt was dismissed for a duck, and Kapp had taken just two wickets. This time, both players turned the tables in emphatic fashion — leading South Africa to its maiden World Cup final.

🏁 The Road Ahead

With this dominant win, South Africa has set up a historic entry into the final, where they’ll aim to lift the coveted trophy for the first time. The win not only marks a turning point for South African women’s cricket but also underscores the team’s resilience, unity, and rising stature on the global stage.

Player of the Match: Laura Wolvaardt (169 runs)
Best Bowler: Marizanne Kapp (5/20)
Result: South Africa won by 125 runs

The Proteas have arrived — and this time, they’re not just participating; they’re making history.