Guwahati: In a commanding display of batting and bowling, the South Africa women’s cricket team booked their place in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final with a stunning 125-run victory over last edition’s runners-up, England.
After being asked to bat first, South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt lit up the stage with a magnificent 169, anchoring her side to a formidable 319 for 7. Her 116-run opening stand with Tazmin Brits set a perfect platform, before England struck back with a few quick wickets. The arrival of Marizanne Kapp eased the pressure on Wolvaardt, ensuring the innings stayed on track. England managed to pick wickets in clusters at one stage, but once Sophie Ecclestone’s spell ended, Wolvaardt went into overdrive. Late contributions from Chloe Tryon and Nadine De Klerk propelled the Proteas to a challenging total.
Chasing 320, England faced a historic task: 264 was the highest total they had ever successfully chased in an ODI. Their pursuit began disastrously as Marizanne Kapp’s double strike and Ayabonga Khaka’s wicket left them reeling at 3/1. Alice Capsey and Nat Sciver-Brunt tried to stabilize the innings, rotating the strike and picking occasional boundaries. By the halfway stage, the sides were almost level at 119 each, though England had already lost two more wickets.
However, England could not recover. The chase slipped away as wickets continued to fall, and they were eventually bowled out for 194. South Africa’s superior performance with both bat and ball ensured a comfortable 125-run win.
The victory was historic: South Africa overcame the ghosts of their semifinal heartbreaks in 2017 and 2022 to reach their first-ever ODI World Cup final. Wolvaardt’s brilliance, Kapp’s timely strikes, and crucial contributions from the lower order made the Proteas the deserved winners.
South Africa will now face the winner of Australia vs India in the final, aiming to lift their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup trophy.
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