Laura Wolvaardt’s phenomenal 169 completely neutralized a brave four-wicket effort from England’s Sophie Ecclestone, as South Africa powered to a 319 for seven total and a 125-run semi-final victory. The win sends the Proteas to their first-ever 50-over World Cup final.
Ecclestone, playing through a shoulder injury, was the pick of England’s bowlers. She broke a 116-run opening stand and claimed three more wickets, including Anneke Bosch for a duck, to leave South Africa at 202 for six.
However, with Ecclestone bowled out, Wolvaardt took over. The South African captain, having just reached her century, launched an incredible 28-ball, 69-run assault. England’s other bowlers had no answer as the total ballooned.
England’s chase began with a nightmare, as Marizanne Kapp delivered a double-wicket maiden. At one for three, with the top order gone for ducks, the game was lost.
Kapp returned to finish with five for 20, ending a 107-run resistance from Alice Capsey and Nat Sciver-Brunt. It was a dominant display from South Africa’s two biggest stars to seal a historic win.
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