Key Highlights
- South Africa defeats England in a 125-run victory to reach the final of the Women’s World Cup.
- Laura Wolvaardt scored an innings of 169, leading South Africa’s total of 319-7 in 50 overs.
- Marizanne Kapp took five wickets for England, dismissing Nat Sciver-Brunt and several other key batters.
- England’s captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt, acknowledges the team’s potential for growth despite this defeat.
Spectacular Victory: South Africa Triumphs Over England
In a dramatic turn of events at the Women’s World Cup, South Africa secured their first-ever semi-final victory by defeating England in an emphatic 125-run win. The match, held on October 29, 2025, saw Laura Wolvaardt deliver one of the greatest performances in women’s cricket history.
Laura Wolvaardt’s Masterclass Batting
Wolvaardt, South Africa’s captain and a cornerstone player, produced an innings for the ages. With 169 runs from 143 balls at the top of the order, she guided her team to a commanding total of 319-7 in their allotted 50 overs.
As England struggled with a record chase, Wolvaardt’s performance was nothing short of exceptional. She dominated the powerplay, managing to score quickly while maintaining control. Despite England’s best efforts, including strong performances by Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey, South Africa held firm.
Marizanne Kapp’s Pivotal Bowling Performance
England’s chances were significantly curtailed when Marizanne Kapp, one of the most dynamic bowlers in international cricket, took five wickets for 20 runs. Kapp’s proactive knock from just 33 balls set the stage for South Africa’s success.
Kapp’s all-around skills were on full display as she not only scored a counter-attacking 42 but also dismantled England’s middle order with precision and authority. Her dismissal of Nat Sciver-Brunt, who fell to her second ball, was particularly telling in the early stages of the chase.
England’s Struggles
England’s batting lineup faced a daunting task as they slumped to 1-3 with Amy Jones, Tammy Beaumont, and Heather Knight all falling for ducks. Despite a composed stand of 105 between Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey, the pressure mounted as Capsey fell after reaching her first ODI fifty.
England’s bowlers, led by Sophie Ecclestone’s four-wicket haul, attempted to hold their ground. However, Kapp’s return to the field with cramp saw her deliver another crucial spell that broke England’s resistance and sealed South Africa’s victory.
Nat Sciver-Brunt on Post-Match Reflections
England’s captain Nat Sciver-Brunt expressed a sense of optimism despite the defeat. She acknowledged the team’s progress since earlier in the tournament, stating that they have “come a long way” and are learning from each match.
“This will hurt but hopefully in time we’ll be able to take the learnings from it and move forward,” Sciver-Brunt said. “It’s really exciting where we can go. To beat the best teams, you really have to be at your best and hopefully we’ll come back stronger the next time.”
Implications for the Future
The victory sets South Africa on a path to their first ever Women’s World Cup final. They will face either India or Australia in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, with those two teams playing their semi-final match on Thursday.
South African captain Laura Wolvaardt and her team are celebrating this historic achievement while already looking ahead. “It’s very special to be history-makers today,” Wolvaardt said. “This is a fair tournament playing each team and we have played some good cricket over the month.”
The match underscores the growing competitiveness in women’s cricket, with teams like England showing significant improvement but still falling short against South Africa on this occasion.
