South Africa’s two greatest servants, Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp, stood tall when it mattered most, delivering career-best performances to crush England by 125 runs and secure a historic, first-ever berth in the 50-over World Cup final.
Wolvaardt, who now has over 5,000 ODI runs, played arguably her greatest innings, a stunning 169. After laying a foundation with a measured century, she exploded at the death, scoring 69 runs off 28 balls to lift her team to 319 for seven.
Kapp, meanwhile, cemented her legacy with the ball. She produced a devastating spell of five for 20, starting with a double-wicket maiden that left England’s chase in ruins at one for three.
Her performance also saw her become the all-time leading wicket-taker in 50-over World Cup history, a fitting milestone on a day of such national significance. She returned to the attack after suffering from cramp to break the only partnership of note.
England, despite four wickets from Sophie Ecclestone, had no answers. Their top order was obliterated, and though Alice Capsey and Nat Sciver-Brunt fought hard, they were eventually bowled out for 194, ending their tournament.