Guwahati, Oct 29 (NationPress) After a dismal start in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, where South Africa was bowled out for just 69 by England at the ACA Stadium, they dramatically reversed their fortunes by defeating the same team in a stunning fashion. South Africa clinched their place in the title clash with a commanding 125-run victory in the first semifinal on Wednesday.

With this remarkable achievement, South Africa has advanced to their inaugural Women’s World Cup final by dismantling England with a masterful display. Captain Laura Wolvaardt spearheaded the charge with an extraordinary 169 runs off 143 balls—an innings that will be remembered in World Cup history.

She meticulously built her innings, reaching her century in 115 balls before unleashing a torrent of runs in the late stages, amassing 69 runs from her final 28 balls. This performance, featuring 20 fours and four sixes, marks the highest score by a South African in a Women’s ODI World Cup, as the Proteas posted a formidable total of 319/7.

In pursuit of a record target, England faced an immediate setback as Marizanne Kapp struck early, leaving them reeling at 1-3. Despite briefly leaving the field due to cramps, she returned to claim a five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5-20 as England was bowled out for 194 in just 42.3 overs.

Alice Capsey (50) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (64) attempted to rebuild with a 107-run partnership, but England never fully recovered from the early collapse. South Africa’s disciplined bowling and the pressing scoreboard ensured that their victory was never in doubt, laying to rest the memories of their previous World Cup disappointments in Christchurch 2022 and Bristol 2017.

Both Marizanne and Laura, two of the Proteas’ standout players, delivered match-winning performances. South Africa now awaits the winner of the upcoming match between India and Australia, who will compete for the chance to join them in Sunday’s final. Marizanne had a stellar start to her bowling spell, dismissing Amy Jones for a duck and forcing Heather Knight to chop onto her stumps in a double-wicket maiden over.

England's troubles continued as Ayabonga Khaka’s delivery found Tammy Beaumont’s edge, confirmed by UltraEdge, sending the opener back for a golden duck. Alice and Nat worked to stabilize England’s innings, scoring some streaky boundaries to bring their partnership's fifty, though Alice had a close call when she was dropped by substitute Nondumiso Shangase.

As if to heighten the drama, Nat narrowly avoided a run-out, thanks to a desperate dive. Alice was impressive with her sweeps, earning her maiden ODI half-century off 70 balls, while Nat followed suit, reaching her fifty off 59 balls with a six off Sune Luus.

However, Sune had the last laugh, dismissing Alice, who was caught at mid-off. Nat faced another scare when she was dropped by Tazmin Brits, then had to leave the field for treatment after a heavy fall. Just when South Africa needed a breakthrough, Marizanne returned to have Nat caught behind.

She followed this up with another wicket, catching Sophia Dunkley’s edge and then sending Charlie Dean back for a golden duck to complete her five-wicket haul, surpassing Jhulan Goswami to become the highest wicket-taker in Women’s ODI World Cup history with 44 wickets.

At this point, the result was a mere formality—Sophie Ecclestone was dismissed by Nonkululeko Mlaba, Danni Wyatt-Hodge was caught off Nadine de Klerk, and Linsey Smith’s edge to mid-off sparked jubilant celebrations among the Proteas, propelling them one step closer to claiming the coveted trophy.

Brief scores:

South Africa 319/7 in 50 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 169, Tazmin Brits 45; Sophie Ecclestone 4-44, Lauren Bell 2-55) defeated 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