Proteas storm into their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final with a 125-run statement win in Guwahati
South Africa etched their name in the history books with a dominant 125-run victory over England in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 semi-final at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday.
The emphatic win propelled the Proteas into their first-ever Women’s World Cup final, ending years of heartbreak after semi-final exits in 2017 and 2022. They will now face the winner of the second semi-final between India and Australia, to be played in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
Wolvaardt’s Century Lays the Foundation
Leading from the front, captain Laura Wolvaardt delivered a batting masterclass, scoring a breathtaking 169 off 143 balls — her maiden World Cup century — to power South Africa to 319/7. Her innings was a blend of grace and aggression, featuring 20 fours and four sixes.
Opening alongside Tazmin Brits (45), Wolvaardt gave South Africa a flying start with a 116-run partnership. Though England briefly clawed their way back by taking three wickets for just three runs, Wolvaardt held firm to rebuild the innings alongside Marizanne Kapp (42).
Once she crossed the three-figure mark, the skipper switched gears, adding 89 runs with Chloe Tryon (33)* to push the Proteas past the 300-run mark. A late flourish from Tryon and Nadine de Klerk (unbeaten 14) added crucial runs in the final overs.
Among England’s bowlers, Sophie Ecclestone (4/44) stood out with another fine spell, while Lauren Bell (2/55) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (1/67) provided support. However, they couldn’t contain South Africa’s late assault.
England’s Chase Falters Under Pressure
Set a stiff target of 320, England endured a disastrous start as Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka ripped through their top order within the first two overs, reducing them to 1/3. Kapp struck twice in her opening over, removing Amy Jones and Heather Knight, while Khaka dismissed Tammy Beaumont to leave England in tatters.
A brief resistance came through Nat Sciver-Brunt (64) and Alice Capsey (50), who combined for a 100-run stand for the fourth wicket, keeping faint hopes alive. But once Sune Luus broke the partnership by dismissing Capsey, South Africa’s bowlers tightened the noose.
Kapp returned to deliver another fiery spell, removing Sciver-Brunt and adding two more scalps to complete a sensational five-wicket haul (5/20) — one of the finest bowling performances of the tournament.
Despite Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s late efforts (34), wickets continued to tumble as England were eventually bowled out for 194 in 42.5 overs, sealing South Africa’s comprehensive 125-run triumph.
Kapp, Wolvaardt Shine as Proteas Break the Barrier
For South Africa, this win marks not just a ticket to the final but a symbolic breakthrough after years of near-misses.
- Kapp’s all-round brilliance (42 runs and 5 wickets) underscored her status as a big-match player.
- Wolvaardt’s century reaffirmed her standing as one of the world’s most elegant yet destructive batters.
Their composed leadership and team balance have been central to the Proteas’ unbeaten streak heading into the final.
England’s Campaign Ends in Disappointment
England, who had entered the semi-final in fine form, struggled to recover from the early damage inflicted by Kapp and Khaka. Despite Sciver-Brunt’s valiant half-century, their middle and lower order failed to withstand South Africa’s relentless pressure.
The defending champions bowed out of the tournament, unable to replicate their 2022 title run, as South Africa celebrated one of their greatest victories in women’s cricket history.
What’s Next
South Africa will now prepare for the CWC25 final, where they await either Australia or India in a clash that promises to define a new era for women’s cricket in the country.