GUWAHATI, India — The South Africa women’s cricket team recorded a dominant 125-run victory over the England women’s cricket team in the first semi-final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 at Barsapara Stadium on Oct. 29, securing their first-ever berth in a 50-over World Cup final.
South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt produced a career-best 169 off 143 balls with 20 fours and four sixes, powering her side to 319 for 7. In reply, England were dismissed for 194 in 42.3 overs as South Africa’s veteran seam-bowler Marizanne Kapp recorded 5 for 20 to seal the win.
Match analysis – South Africa Women vs England Women
South Africa innings: After England won the toss and chose to bowl, South Africa got off to a flying start. Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits compiled a 116-run opening stand. The momentum was briefly checked when England’s spinner Sophie Ecclestone struck to reduce South Africa to 119 for 3.
Despite the setback, Wolvaardt regrouped with Kapp (who made 42) to build a 72-run partnership that re-established control. In the closing overs, Wolvaardt accelerated fiercely, and with support from Chloe Tryon (33*) and Nadine de Klerk, ensured South Africa crossed 300. England’s bowlers struggled to contain the late charge. Ecclestone fought valiantly with 4 for 44, but lacked sufficient partners.
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England innings: The chase unraveled quickly for England. Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka struck early, reducing England to 1 for 3 in short order. England’s middle order, anchored by Nat Sciver‑Brunt (64) and Alice Capsey (50) attempted a revival. The pair added 100 for the fourth wicket, offering a glimmer of hope. However, that resistance collapsed when Kapp returned and claimed Sciver-Brunt, then followed with two more wickets in quick succession. South Africa’s bowlers maintained pressure, and England never regained control.
Key takeaways
- South Africa’s combination of a world-class top order and incisive bowling turned the match. Wolvaardt’s century and Kapp’s five-for were the dual pillars of the performance.
- England’s batting showed flashes but lacked consistency outside the two big partnerships, and their early collapse put them on the back foot.
- England’s bowlers did produce moments (Ecclestone’s four wickets) but paid for an inability to suppress the late surge from South Africa.
- For South Africa, reaching the final marks a major breakthrough, ending a record of semi-final heartbreaks in past tournaments.
- England will rue missed opportunities — they had beaten South Africa comprehensively earlier in the tournament but could not replicate that in the knock-out stage.
Looking ahead
South Africa now await the winner of the other semi-final between Australia women’s cricket team and India women’s cricket team, where they will contest their first ever Women’s World Cup final. England will return home needing to reassess and rebuild ahead of next major tournaments.
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