South Africa Women outclassed England Women by 125 runs in the first semifinal of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 in Guwahati, securing their first-ever World Cup final berth after a commanding all-round performance. Laura Wolvaardt produced one of the finest innings in World Cup history, scoring 169 runs to power South Africa to 319 for 7 in 50 overs — the second-highest total in a World Cup knockout match.

Chasing a huge target, England collapsed under pressure. Marizanne Kapp (5/20 in 7 overs) destroyed their batting, including two wickets in her opening over. England never recovered from a disastrous start at 1 for 3 and were eventually bowled out well short of the target.

Wolvaardt’s Masterclass Lifts South Africa

Wolvaardt produced a batting display full of grace and power. She began with elegant cover drives before shifting gears in the final overs with a flurry of shots on the leg side.

She shared strong partnerships throughout the innings, including a steady start with Tazmin Brits (45) and a vital 89-run seventh-wicket stand with Chloe Tryon (33*). Kapp also chipped in with a quickfire 42 off just 33 balls, adding crucial late runs.

Brits, however, later suffered a wrist injury while fielding after an awkward fall.

Ecclestone’s Effort Not Enough for England

England’s Sophie Ecclestone, playing despite a shoulder injury from the previous match, bowled bravely to take 4 for 44. But apart from her, England found little to celebrate. Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey both scored half-centuries, yet their efforts weren’t enough to challenge South Africa’s total.

Only two other players — Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Linsey Smith — managed to reach double digits.

Kapp’s Magic With the Ball

Marizanne Kapp produced a dream spell that crushed England early. Her first delivery to Amy Jones was a perfect inswinger that beat the bat and hit the off stump. Three balls later, Heather Knight edged onto her stumps while trying to defend. Kapp’s opening over left England reeling at 1 for 3.

Ayabonga Khaka joined the attack and made it worse, removing Tammy Beaumont for a duck. England’s top order had collapsed within two overs.

Sciver-Brunt and Capsey Fight Back Briefly

After the early carnage, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey fought back with a 100-run partnership. Capsey reached her maiden ODI fifty but fell soon after, caught at mid-off off Sune Luus’s bowling.

Sciver-Brunt also reached a fifty, hitting Luus for a towering six over long-off. But her resistance ended when Kapp returned to dismiss her with a delivery that moved away slightly, finding the edge.

Kapp then removed Sophia Dunkley and Charlie Dean with back-to-back deliveries, roaring in celebration as South Africa moved closer to victory.

Late Resistance Fails

Wyatt-Hodge, playing her second match of the tournament, tried to fight on with 34 runs off 31 balls. But once she and Linsey Smith were dismissed by Nadine de Klerk, England’s hopes were over.

Kapp’s spell, supported by disciplined bowling from her teammates, ensured England were bowled out without posing a serious challenge.

Wolvaardt’s Record-Breaking Innings

Earlier, Wolvaardt had anchored South Africa’s innings with poise and power. After a solid start of 116 for no loss, South Africa briefly slipped to 119 for 3 as Ecclestone struck twice in one over.

But Wolvaardt remained calm. She rebuilt the innings and unleashed a barrage of sixes in the death overs. She reached her 150 with a massive hit over midwicket and added another big six off Linsey Smith.

Her final tally of 169 runs was met with thunderous applause from the crowd. As she walked off after being caught by Capsey, Wolvaardt received warm congratulations from both teams — a fitting tribute to a truly special innings.