South Africa Reaches Final for First Time, Defeating England

Women's ODI World Cup:

South Africa Reaches Final for First Time, Defeating England

Sports Desk, Rtv News

Publish : 30 Oct 2025, 08:21 AM

Photo: Collected

The South African women's team has finally ended its wait to play in a World Cup final. The team, which had never reached the final before, convincingly defeated England to secure its ticket to the Women's ODI World Cup final for the first time.

Batting first in Guwahati, South Africa posted a massive total of 319 runs for 7 wickets. In reply, the English women were bowled out for just 194 in 42.3 overs, handing South Africa a commanding victory by 125 runs.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt played a crucial role in South Africa's journey to the final. Anchoring one end, she batted until the 48th over, playing a record-breaking innings of 169 runs off 143 balls, studded with 20 fours and 4 sixes.

This is the highest individual score in the knockout stage history of the Women's ODI World Cup. Additionally, Tazmin Brits scored 45, Marizanne Kapp 42, and Tumi Sekhukhune remained unbeaten on 33, helping the Protea women reach 319/7.

With the ball, England's Sophie Ecclestone took 4 wickets for 44 runs in 10 overs, including 1 maiden. Lauren Bell took 2 wickets, conceding 55 runs in 10 overs.

In reply, England found themselves in deep trouble after losing 2 wickets before opening their account and 3 wickets for just 1 run. They were essentially out of the contest at that point. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge put up some resistance with their batting.

However, once Capsey (50), Nat Sciver (64), and Hodge (34) returned to the pavilion, the loss became a matter of time. Towards the end, Linsey Smith played an innings of 27 runs to reduce the margin of defeat.

Marizanne Kapp was the best bowler for South Africa, picking up 5 wickets for just 20 runs in 7 overs, including 3 maidens. Nadine de Klerk took 2 wickets for 24 runs in 5.3 overs. Laura Wolvaardt was named Player of the Match for her magnificent and historic innings of 169 runs.

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