A truly masterful innings of 169 from captain Laura Wolvaardt guided South Africa to a historic 125-run win over England, securing their maiden berth in the 50-over World Cup final. Wolvaardt’s knock was a perfect blend of patience and breathtaking aggression.
After being put in to bat, Wolvaardt anchored the innings, reaching her century off 115 balls. At that stage, England were well in the game, having broken a 116-run opening stand and used Sophie Ecclestone (four wickets) to good effect to leave South Africa at 202 for six.
But with the innings heading into its final phase, Wolvaardt shifted gears spectacularly. She blasted 69 runs from her last 28 balls, launching four sixes and destroying the figures of England’s death bowlers. This late surge pushed the total to 319 for seven, a psychologically imposing target.
England’s reply was a disaster from the outset. Marizanne Kapp ripped the heart out of their top order, claiming a double-wicket maiden. England slumped to one for three, with Amy Jones, Heather Knight, and their other opener all registering ducks.
Kapp wasn’t done, returning to the attack to claim three more wickets and finish with remarkable figures of five for 20. Despite a defiant maiden ODI fifty from Alice Capsey, England were bowled out for 194, their World Cup dream over.
Wolvaardt’s 169 Masterpiece Leads South Africa to First Final
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