Guwahati, Oct 29 (NationPress) After their dismal 69 all out against England at the ACA Stadium to kick off the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, South Africa made a remarkable turnaround, securing a place in the final with an impressive 125-run victory in the first semifinal on Wednesday.

This triumph marks South Africa’s inaugural entry into the Women’s World Cup final, as they dismantled England with a stellar performance. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt spearheaded the attack with a phenomenal 169 runs off 143 balls, a performance destined to be remembered in World Cup history.

Wolvaardt paced her innings with elegance, reaching her century off 115 balls before unleashing a late innings assault that saw her score 69 runs off the last 28 balls. Her innings, featuring 20 fours and four sixes, stands as the highest score by a South African in Women’s ODI World Cup history, leading her team to an imposing 319/7.

England, faced with an unprecedented target, struggled from the outset, losing early wickets thanks to Marizanne Kapp’s exceptional bowling. Marizanne, who briefly left the field due to cramps, returned to claim five wickets for just 20 runs, as England crumbled to 194 all out in 42.3 overs.

Despite a brief resurgence with a 107-run partnership between Alice Capsey (50) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (64), England could never fully recover from their early setbacks, succumbing to both scoreboard pressure and South Africa’s relentless discipline. For South Africa, this victory was a moment of redemption, laying to rest the disappointments of Christchurch 2022 and Bristol 2017.

Both Marizanne and Laura, standout players for the Proteas, delivered career-defining performances. South Africa now awaits the outcome of the match between India and Australia, vying for the chance to join them in Sunday’s final. The match began with Marizanne taking out Amy Jones for a duck, then dismissing Heather Knight without a score in a remarkable double-wicket maiden over.

Further troubles for England arose when a delivery from Ayabonga Khaka found Tammy Beaumont’s edge, confirmed by UltraEdge, sending her back to the pavilion for zero.

Alice and Nat attempted to revive England’s innings, securing some streaky boundaries before building their partnership. Alice narrowly avoided a catch dropped by substitute Nondumiso Shangase, and Nat survived a close run-out attempt.

Alice showcased her skill with her first ODI half-century off 70 balls, while Nat followed suit, reaching her milestone off 59 balls with a six off Sune Luus.

However, Sune had the final say when she dismissed Alice, and Marizanne returned to claim Nat’s wicket as England continued to falter.

Marizanne then completed her five-wicket haul, becoming the highest wicket-taker in Women’s ODI World Cup history with 44 scalps. The conclusion of the match was inevitable as England’s innings fell apart. The excitement sparked celebrations in the South African camp, bringing them one step closer to claiming the coveted trophy.

Previously, Laura made history as the first captain to score a century in a women’s ODI knockout match. South Africa’s innings began strongly with a solid 116-run opening partnership between Laura and Tazmin Brits, despite a brief collapse that saw three quick wickets fall. Laura steadied the ship with a composed partnership with Marizanne before launching into a spectacular late innings assault.

Despite a minor injury, Sophie Ecclestone performed admirably, securing 4-44 for England, though the rest of the bowling unit struggled to contain Laura’s stroke play on a favorable pitch. Laura began her innings elegantly, driving Lauren Bell for four, quickly establishing herself and Tazmin with a flurry of boundaries.

South Africa ended the powerplay at 58/0. Laura became the sixth woman to surpass 5,000 ODI runs, reaching her fifty with a drive. However, England fought back, and after a mini-collapse, Marizanne stabilized the innings with Laura.

Marizanne’s contributions included several boundaries off various bowlers, leading to a thrilling finish where South Africa crossed the 300-mark, thanks in part to 69 runs scored in the final five overs.

Brief scores:

South Africa 319/7 in 50 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 169, Tazmin Brits 45; Sophie Ecclestone 4-44, Lauren Bell 2-55) beat England 194 all out in 42.3 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 64, Alice Capsey 50; Marizanne Kapp 5-20, Nadine de Klerk 2-24) by 125 runs.

–IANS