Laura Wolvaardt’s magnificent 169 off 143 balls powered the Proteas Women to victory over England, securing South Africa’s first-ever appearance in a 50-over World Cup final.
After being sent in to bat, South Africa’s innings was defined by Wolvaardt’s brilliance – the second-highest individual score by a captain in a Women’s World Cup. Her knock, including 20 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 118.18, anchored the innings to the 48th over.
Wolvaardt’s innings was built on three crucial partnerships: a 116-run opening stand with Tazmin Brits (45), a 72-run fourth-wicket stand with Marizanne Kapp (43), and an 89-run partnership with Chloé Tryon.
There was a nervy phase when the Proteas lost 3 wickets for just 3 runs – Brits, Sune Luus, and Anneke Bosch all falling to leave South Africa wobbling at 119–3 after 25.3 overs. But Wolvaardt held her nerve, guiding her side to 291 before finally picking out long-on.
The Proteas finished strongly, adding 117 runs in the final 10 overs.
Tryon (33) and Nadine de Klerk (11) ensured South Africa reached 319–7 in their 50 overs – the second-highest total ever in a World Cup knockout match.
Sophie Ecclestone was England’s best bowler with 4-44.
England were left needing to complete the highest successful chase in tournament history to claim victory.
Kapp gave South Africa the perfect start with the ball – a double-wicket maiden to reduce England to 0-2.
After a wide, Ayabonga Khaka followed suit, to reduce England to 1-3.
England’s entire top 3 out for a duck – Amy Jones, Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knight.
Alice Capsey and Nat Sciver-Brunt took England past the 100-run mark, with both players scoring half-centuries, but Suné Luus ended their partnership.
Capsey hit the ball directly to mid-off. England lost their 4th with 108 on the board.
Kapp then found the feint edge of Sciver-Brunt (64) to reduce ENG to 138-5 after 28.3 overs.
She then took her 4th wicket, finding another feint edge, this time of Dunkley, and then made it a five-for with another, dismissing Charlie Deen. England were now 144-7.
England got past 150, but Mlaba dismissed Ecclestone who picked out the fielder as mid-wicket. England were now 151-8.
De Klerk set up catching practice in the deep, by dismissing Wyatt-Hodge. England were now 175-9.
Smith was resistant, but couldn’t stop the inevitable.
De Klerk wrapped things up by dismissing Smith and England were all out for 194.
South Africa won by 125 runs and became the first South African senior side to make a 50-over World Cup final.
