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Wolvaardt and Kapp Script History as South Africa Reach First-Ever Women’s World Cup Final News24 –

Sports
By Correspondent


ENG W vs SA A SF-1: South Africa’s wait for redemption is finally over. A record-breaking century from captain Laura Wolvaardt and a fiery five-wicket haul from all-rounder Marizanne Kapp powered the Proteas to their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup final, defeating England by a commanding 125 runs in the 2025 semi-final at Guwahati on Wednesday.

After heartbreaking exits in the semi-finals of the 2017 and 2022 editions, both at the hands of England – South Africa produced a complete performance to turn the tables this time, sealing their maiden World Cup final berth in stunning fashion.

Wolvaardt’s Masterclass

Opting to bat first after losing the toss, South Africa got off to a dream start as openers Laura Wolvaardt (169 off 143) and Tazmin Brits (45 off 65) stitched together a fluent 116-run stand. Even as wickets tumbled at the other end, Wolvaardt remained the anchor, mixing classical cover drives with modern aggression.

Partnerships with Marizanne Kapp (42 off 33) and Chloe Tryon (33 off 26) helped South Africa post 319/7, their highest-ever score in Women’s World Cup history and the second-highest total in a World Cup knockout after Australia’s 356/5 in 2022.

England’s Sophie Ecclestone (4/44) bowled brilliantly and equaled Carole Hodges’ record for the most wickets by an English bowler in Women’s World Cup history (37). Yet, she could do little to stop the Proteas’ charge.

Wolvaardt’s knock wasn’t just match-defining, it was historic. Her 169 became the third-highest score in a Women’s World Cup knockout match, behind Harmanpreet Kaur’s 171 (2017) and Alyssa Healy’s 170 (2022). It also stands as South Africa’s highest-ever individual score in World Cup history, surpassing Kapp’s 102 against Pakistan in 2013.

The milestone-laden innings also saw Wolvaardt join an elite list. She became the first South African woman to cross 5,000 ODI runs, joining a select club that includes Smriti Mandhana, Meg Lanning, Suzie Bates, Tammy Beaumont, and Nat Sciver-Brunt, all of whom have scored 10 or more ODI centuries. Wolvaardt’s 169 also marked her 10th career century, reinforcing her status as one of the most consistent batters in the modern game.

The Proteas skipper now leads the 2025 Women’s World Cup run charts with 470 runs in eight innings at an average of 67.91, including a century and three fifties, surpassing her own record of 433 runs from the 2022 edition.

Kapp’s Fiery Five-for Seals the Deal

If Wolvaardt’s century set up the win, Marizanne Kapp made sure England never stood a chance in the chase. The experienced all-rounder delivered a devastating new-ball spell, taking 5 for 20 to leave England reeling at 1/3, dismissing key batters Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones, and Heather Knight without scoring.

Despite a fighting 107-run stand between Nat Sciver-Brunt (64 off 76) and Alice Capsey (50 off 71), Kapp’s relentless accuracy and support from Ayabonga Khaka (1/28) and Suné Luus (1/41) ensured that England were bowled out for just 194 in 42.3 overs.

Kapp’s spell made history on multiple fronts. It was her second five-wicket haul in Women’s World Cup history, both against England, and it made her the leading wicket-taker in Women’s World Cup history with 44 wickets in 30 matches, surpassing Jhulan Goswami’s 43.

She also became the third bowler ever to claim a five-wicket haul in a World Cup knockout, joining Anya Shrubsole (6/46 in 2017 final) and Sophie Ecclestone (6/36 in 2022 semi-final).

In the larger picture, Kapp now ranks as the third-highest wicket-taker in Women’s ODI history, with 181 wickets in 161 matches, behind Shabnim Ismail (191) and Jhulan Goswami (255).

A New Dawn for South African Cricket

For South Africa, this victory is more than just a place in the final – it’s a moment of history, resilience, and redemption. After years of coming close, the Proteas have finally broken through the semi-final barrier.

Led by the calm brilliance of Laura Wolvaardt and the fierce determination of Marizanne Kapp, South Africa have not only rewritten records but also redefined belief, proving that this generation of Proteas women is ready to rule the world.




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