South Africa players celebrate their team’s win at the end of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup one-day international (ODI) semi-final match between England and South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on October 29, 2025. (Photo by Biju BORO / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE — (Photo by BIJU BORO/AFP via Getty Images)
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In Guwahati on Wednesday, the Proteas Women wrote one of the most defining chapters in South African cricket history. A phenomenal innings from captain Laura Wolvaardt and a devastating spell from Marizanne Kapp powered South Africa to a 125-run victory over England, sealing their place in the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final, the first time any African team, men’s or women’s, has reached the 50-over final.
For a side that had twice fallen short in the semi-finals, this was a day of redemption, resilience, and brilliance.
Wolvaardt’s Masterclass
South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt (C) is congratulated by England’s Danni Wyatt-Hodge (R) for her team’s win at the end of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup one-day international (ODI) semi-final match between England and South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on October 29, 2025. (Photo by Biju BORO / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE — (Photo by BIJU BORO/AFP via Getty Images)
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When England won the toss and sent South Africa in to bat, memories of bowling them out for 69 earlier in the tournament would have filled them with confidence. But Wolvaardt had other plans.
The South African skipper took 115 balls to reach her maiden World Cup century, holding the innings together while wickets fell around her. Her start was patient, measured, even cautious, but once she settled, she produced one of the great one-day hundreds. With impeccable timing and effortless power, Wolvaardt unleashed a late assault that transformed a good total into a monumental one.
In the final overs, she added 69 runs in just 28 balls, slamming four sixes straight down the ground and taking 20 runs off Linsey Smith’s 47th over alone. When she finally holed out to Lauren Bell in the 48th, the groundwork was done. Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk took over, adding 16 more runs off Smith’s next over to close with momentum.
South Africa’s 319 for seven was the second-highest total ever in a World Cup knockout, and even a stronger batting lineup than England’s would have struggled to chase it.
England Collapses Under Pressure
England’s Alice Capsey (L) is run out during the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup one-day international (ODI) semi-final match between England and South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on October 29, 2025. (Photo by Biju BORO / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE — (Photo by BIJU BORO/AFP via Getty Images)
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England’s reply unravelled almost immediately. Their top three batters were dismissed without scoring, a stunning start that left them one for three, with the only run being a wide. That moment summed up their day.
Marizanne Kapp, South Africa’s veteran all-rounder, was unplayable. She began with a double-wicket maiden, bowling Amy Jones with a vicious nip-backer before Heather Knight chopped on while attempting a loose drive. Kapp’s next over was another maiden, her movement off the seam troubling everyone who faced her.
When she left the field briefly with a cramp, England tried to rebuild. Alice Capsey struck a fighting half-century and added 107 for the fourth wicket with Nat Sciver-Brunt, offering a glimmer of resistance. But once Kapp returned, that hope was extinguished.
She removed Sciver-Brunt, Sophia Dunkley, and Charlie Dean, all caught behind, showcasing her mastery of swing and seam. The last two dismissals came off consecutive balls, nearly giving her a hat-trick. Sophie Ecclestone survived the next delivery, sparing England that final humiliation, but by then the damage was irreversible.
Kapp finished with five for 20, becoming the leading wicket-taker in Women’s World Cup history. England were bowled out for 194 in 42.3 overs, falling 125 runs short.
A Day for the Record Books
GUWAHATI, INDIA – OCTOBER 29: Marizanne Kapp of South Africa poses for a photo with the match ball after taking five wickets in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 Semi-Final match between England and South Africa at Barsapara Cricket Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Guwahati, India. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
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Everything about this victory felt monumental. For Wolvaardt, her 169 wasn’t just her highest score; it was a statement of leadership and composure under pressure. For Kapp, it was a performance that underlined her status as one of the greatest all-rounders in the modern game.
South Africa’s top order, anchored by Wolvaardt and supported by Tazmin Brits (56), laid the foundation with a 116-run opening stand. Even when Sophie Ecclestone tried to turn the tide, removing Brits, Anneke Bosch, and Suné Luus in quick succession, the Proteas refused to panic. Each setback was met with calm resolve, a testament to how much this side has matured.
England, meanwhile, looked a shadow of their former selves. Ecclestone battled through a shoulder injury to claim four wickets, but there was little support around her. Their middle order, which had failed to find consistency throughout the tournament, once again fell short when it mattered most.
From Heartbreak to History
TOPSHOT – South Africa players celebrate their team’s win at the end of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup one-day international (ODI) semi-final match between England and South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on October 29, 2025. (Photo by Biju BORO / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE — (Photo by BIJU BORO/AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
For South Africa, this victory carries the weight of years of near misses. In 2017 and 2022, they fell agonisingly short in the semi-finals. Those losses could have broken a lesser team. Instead, they forged a hardened unit defined by resilience and self-belief.
That belief was visible in every run Wolvaardt scored and every delivery Kapp bowled. It was visible in the dugout, in the smiles, the tears, the shared understanding that this was no ordinary win.
They didn’t just beat England. They redefined what’s possible for African cricket.
With this victory, South Africa have booked their place in the World Cup Final on Sunday, where they will face either Australia or India. Regardless of the opponent, they enter as history-makers, playing without fear and with the belief that destiny is now on their side.
The journey from heartbreak to triumph has been long, but every setback has built towards this moment. Wolvaardt’s century and Kapp’s five-for were more than match-winning performances; they were symbols of a team that refused to settle for almost. As the Proteas prepare for the biggest match of their lives, they carry with them not just the hopes of a nation but of an entire continent. This is no longer just South Africa’s story; it’s Africa’s story.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/sindiswamabunda/2025/10/29/history-made-south-africa-become-first-african-team-to-reach-icc-womens-cricket-world-cup-final/
