ENG vs SA Highlights, Women's World Cup 2025 1st Semi Final: Laura Wolvaardt century, Marizanne Kapp fifer power South Africa to 125-run win; reach first-ever ODI World Cup final

ENG vs SA Highlights, Women's World Cup 2025 1st Semi Final: South Africa’s women’s team scripted history on Wednesday, defeating four-time champions England by 125 runs to secure their first-ever berth in a Women’s ODI World Cup final. The emphatic win in Guwahati was headlined by captain Laura Wolvaardt’s sublime hundred and an inspired spell from all-rounder Marizanne Kapp.Wolvaardt played one of the most remarkable innings of her career, scoring 169 off 143 balls to carry South Africa to a formidable total of 319/7. Her knock, marked by 17 fours and three sixes, was a blend of patience and precision as she handled England’s attack with authority. Partnering Tazmin Brits (45) and later Kapp (42), she ensured South Africa recovered from Sophie Ecclestone’s double strike in the 22nd over that briefly halted momentum.Wolvaardt’s acceleration in the final stages, supported by Chloe Tryon’s unbeaten 33, pushed the Proteas well past 300. During her innings, she crossed both 150 runs and the 5000-run milestone in ODIs, reaffirming her stature as one of the game’s premier batters.England’s chase never truly found rhythm after Kapp dismantled their top order early. The right-arm seamer removed Amy Jones and Heather Knight in her first spell before returning to claim the crucial wicket of Nat Sciver-Brunt (64), ending any hopes of a comeback. Alice Capsey’s 50 was the only other major contribution in England’s 194 all out.“This probably has to be right at the top considering the context, a World Cup semi-final,” Wolvaardt said after being named Player of the Match.For South Africa, the result marks a new chapter in their cricketing journey. After falling short in two T20 World Cup finals, they now advance to their first-ever ODI final, where they will face the winner of Thursday’s India–Australia semifinal in Navi Mumbai.