South Africa Women produced one of their greatest ever performances to crush England by 125 runs in the semi-final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in Guwahati. It was a complete demolition, led by captain Laura Wolvaardt’s stunning 169 and Marizanne Kapp’s fiery 5 for 20. The result sent South Africa into their first-ever Women’s World Cup final in the 50-over format and finally ended years of heartbreak at the semi-final stage, especially against England, who had knocked them out twice before.
After being asked to bat first, South Africa put up a commanding 319 for 7 in their 50 overs. Wolvaardt was in imperious touch from the start, timing the ball beautifully and punishing every loose delivery. She crafted a magnificent 169 off 143 balls, laced with 20 fours and 4 sixes, marking the highest individual score ever by a South African woman in a World Cup match. Partnering with Tazmin Brits, she added 116 for the opening stand, giving the side a rock-solid foundation. Marizanne Kapp then chipped in with a brisk 42, ensuring the run rate never dipped. The last 10 overs were explosive, with South Africa hammering 117 runs to leave England’s bowlers shell-shocked and their fielders chasing leather.
Chasing 320 was always going to be a massive challenge, but England’s reply turned into a nightmare from the very start. Kapp struck early with a lethal new-ball spell that ripped through the top order. She took two wickets in her opening over, leaving England reeling at 12 for 3 and never letting them recover. Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey tried to mount a fightback with a 107-run stand, scoring 64 and 50 respectively, but once Kapp returned to dismiss Sciver-Brunt, the resistance crumbled instantly. England were bowled out for just 194 in 42.3 overs, miles short of the target.
For South Africa, this was more than just a win; it was a statement of maturity, belief, and intent. They had been haunted by semi-final losses in 2017 and 2022, both at the hands of England, but this time they turned the tables with ruthless precision. Wolvaardt’s leadership was calm and composed, her batting inspirational, and Kapp’s performance epitomized South Africa’s new-found aggression and confidence. The fielding was sharp, the bowling relentless, and the energy on the field unmatched.
This victory cements South Africa’s position as one of the most complete sides in world cricket. They no longer look like the side that merely threatens the big teams — they have become one. Whether they face Australia or India in the final, they will go in with genuine belief that the title is within reach. England, meanwhile, will have to face some hard truths about their inconsistency and lack of adaptability on the big stage.
South Africa’s 125-run win was not just dominance — it was redemption. It was the night they finally broke free of their past failures and announced to the world that they belong at the top. The World Cup final now awaits, and South Africa are marching into it with fire in their eyes and history on their side.
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