The Barsapara Cricket Stadium witnessed history on Wednesday night as South Africa Women demolished England by 125 runs in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinal, booking their maiden appearance in a World Cup final. Captain Laura Wolvaardt’s breathtaking 169 and Marizanne Kapp’s devastating five-wicket haul handed the defending champions one of their heaviest defeats in tournament history.
Wolvaardt’s Stunning Century Powers Proteas to 319
After England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt won the toss and opted to bowl first, few could have predicted the carnage that would follow. Wolvaardt set the tone immediately, crunching two boundaries off Lauren Bell’s opening over.
“This wicket looks good for batting. Let’s make the most of it,” Wolvaardt told opening partner Tazmin Brits as they walked out to bat, according to pitch-side microphones.
The duo added 116 runs before England fought back with three quick wickets. At 119-3, the match hung in balance, but Wolvaardt had other plans.
“When Marizanne walked in, I just told her we need to rebuild,” Wolvaardt revealed in the post-match presentation. “She took all the pressure off me.”
Kapp’s aggressive 42 off 33 balls provided the perfect foil. The turning point came in the 40th over when Wolvaardt reached her century and immediately switched gears. She targeted Sciver-Brunt, smashing 13 runs including a towering six over long-on.
Record-Breaking Assault in Final Overs
The final 10 overs saw South Africa plunder 117 runs. Wolvaardt’s partnership with Chloe Tryon (33 not out) yielded 89 runs off just 57 balls. Linsey Smith bore the brunt, conceding 20 runs in one over as Wolvaardt unleashed four sixes in the death overs.
When Wolvaardt finally holed out for 169 off 143 balls – the highest score by a South African in Women’s World Cup history – she received a standing ovation from both teams. Her innings contained 20 fours and four sixes.
“I didn’t expect to go that big,” Wolvaardt admitted. “But once I got to my hundred, I just backed myself to go after everything.”
Sophie Ecclestone fought valiantly for England, claiming 4-44, but the damage was done. South Africa posted 319-7, the second-highest score in World Cup knockout matches.
Kapp’s Double-Wicket Maiden Destroys England’s Chase
Vegas11 News reports that the chase never got started. Kapp struck with consecutive deliveries in her opening over, trapping Amy Jones LBW before bowling Heather Knight through the gate.
“It was a nightmare start,” admitted a shell-shocked Knight at the fall of wicket interview. “We never recovered from that.”
When Ayabonga Khaka dismissed Tammy Beaumont for a first-ball duck in the next over, England slumped to 1-3 – the first time all three top-order batters recorded ducks in a Women’s ODI. The shell-shocked crowd fell silent as English hopes evaporated within eight deliveries.
Sciver-Brunt and Capsey Stage Brief Resistance
Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey staged a 107-run fightback, both reaching half-centuries. The partnership gave England a glimmer of hope, with the required rate still manageable at 108-3.
“We believed we could do it,” Capsey said later. “But once our partnership broke, it crumbled quickly.”
Sune Luus broke through, and Kapp returned to dismiss Sciver-Brunt with a beauty that jagged back sharply. The England captain, who top-scored with 64, could only watch as her middle stump cartwheeled.
“That ball from Marizanne was just too good,” Sciver-Brunt conceded. “We weren’t at our best today, and to beat the top teams, you need a complete performance.”
Kapp’s Five-For Seals Historic Win
Kapp finished with sensational figures of 5-20 from seven overs, becoming the most prolific bowler in Women’s World Cup history. England were bowled out for 194 in 42.3 overs, falling 125 runs short.
The South African players embraced in emotional celebrations as they secured their first-ever World Cup final berth after semifinal heartbreaks in 2017 and 2022.
“This team has shown incredible resilience,” Wolvaardt said, holding back tears. “We’ve been knocked down so many times this tournament – remember we got bowled out for 69 in the group stage. But we kept believing.”
Breaking the Semifinal Curse
The victory was particularly sweet for the Proteas, who had lost both previous World Cup semifinals to England. They also avenged their 10-wicket thrashing by England earlier in this tournament.
“Tonight was about rewriting history,” Kapp declared. “We’ve waited so long for this moment. Now we’re one step away from glory.”
South Africa will face either India or Australia in Sunday’s final in Mumbai. Australia thrashed India in the group stage, but as Wolvaardt noted: “Knockout cricket is different. Whoever we face, we’ll be ready.”
Key Stats from Historic Victory
- Biggest win margin: 125 runs – England’s second-heaviest defeat in World Cup history
- Wolvaardt’s 169: Highest individual score by a South African in Women’s World Cup
- Kapp’s 5-20: Best bowling figures by a South African in World Cup knockouts
- England’s 1-3: First instance of all three top-order batters recording ducks in Women’s ODIs
- South Africa’s sixth semifinal: Finally broke through after five previous failures
The final takes place on Sunday, November 2, with India and Australia battling Thursday for the second spot. For South Africa Women, a fairytale ending to their World Cup journey beckons – from being dismissed for 69 to potentially lifting the trophy within three weeks.
As Vegas11 News witnessed firsthand, this wasn’t just a cricket match. It was the night South African women’s cricket came of age on the world’s biggest stage.
Related Links: Rain Washes Out India vs Bangladesh Women’s World Cup Match | India Cricket October 23: Men Face Australia, Women Battle NZ