ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp shine as South Africa book their berth in the final

South Africa are through to the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 as they came up with a magical effort in the semi-final, beating England by 125 runs at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday. Put into bat, South Africa piled up a huge total of 319 for seven, which England failed to chase, succumbing to pressure and getting all out for 194.

In a big semi-final, South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt (169) stepped up and played a blinder. She along with Tanzim Brits (45) put England under massive pressure and added 116 runs for the opening partnership. 

However, the 2017 champions made a solid comeback and picked three wickets inside four runs. It seemed that England would then carry on the momentum but the South Africa captain seemed to be batting in a different zone. 

Marizanne Kapp (42) came up with decent support, adding 72 runs with captain. In the end, Chloe Tryon (33*) along with Wolvaardt unleashed herself as their 89-run stand took South Africa to 319 for seven. For England, Sophie Ecclestone bagged four wickets. 

Marizanne Kapp takes fifer as South Africa bundles out England for 194 to reach final of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025

In the chase, Marizanne Kapp was all over the England top order as they were left reeling at one for three. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt (64) then led the rescue charge with Alice Capsey (50) and brought England back in the game with their 107-run stand for the third wicket. 

However, it was always a waiting game for England as pressure was mounting on them. Both the set batters lost their wickets in quick succession of time with Kapp completing her fifer. 

Danielle-Wyatt Hodge (34) and Linsey Smith (27) gave their best but couldn’t carry on as South Africa ended England’s innings on 194 to win the game by 194 and book their berth in the final of the World Cup for the very first time. 

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