GUWAHATI: South African captain Laura Wolvaardt hit an epic 169 to lead her side to the final of the Women’s World Cup, beating England by 125 runs in the first semi-final on Wednesday.
South Africa scored 319-7 thanks to Wolvaardt’s sensational 143-ball knock, which was studded with 20 fours and four sixes in the eastern Indian city of Guwahati.
When they returned to defend, seamer Marizanne Kapp (5-20) devastated England, who were bowled out for 194 in 42.3 overs.
England had history on their side by beating South Africa in a group match at this year’s tournament and eliminating them in the 2017 and 2022 semi-finals of the 50-overs showpiece.
Wolvaardt showed little respect for past records, however, as she first combined an opening stand of 116 with Tazmin Brits (45) and raised 72 with Kapp (42) to lay the foundation for their huge total.
England had sweated over the fitness of Sophie Ecclestone (4-44) after a shoulder injury to their star spinner, who proved why she is so highly rated as she sent the Brits and Anneke Bosch in the same direction to drag her team back into the match.
However, when Ecclestone had used up her quota of 10 overs, Wolvaardt stepped on the gas.
Chloe Tryon came in with a breezy cameo of 33 that was not left behind as South Africa plundered 117 runs from the last 10 overs.
Wolvaardt’s batting masterclass came to an end in the 48th when she bowled out Lauren Bell and departed to handshakes from her impressed opponents after a statement innings that put South Africa in the box-seat.
They also had a similarly impressive start with the ball as they returned to defend their total.
Kapp started with a two-wicket maiden, dismissing Amy Jones and Heather Knight, and Ayabonga Khaka removed Tammy Beaumont with her first legitimate delivery to leave England at one for three off seven deliveries.
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt (64) and Alice Capsey (50) forged a century before Kapp sent Sciver-Brunt back and then dismissed Sophia Dunkley and Charlie Dean in successive deliveries to effectively seal their place in Sunday’s final.
Defending champion Australia will take on host country India in the second semi-final in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
