Wolvaardt’s 169 helps South Africa crush 4-time champions England in Women’s Cricket World Cup semifinal

GUWAHATI, India: Skipper Laura Wolvaardt’s imposing century helped South Africa crush four-time champions England by 125 runs Wednesday to reach the final of the Women’s Cricket World Cup for the first time.

Wolvaardt hit 169 off 143 balls, the third-highest individual score in the World Cup knockout stages, as South Africa posted their biggest total in tournament history in a dramatic turnaround from its heavy loss to England in the league stage.

The Proteas finished on 319-7 in 50 overs after losing the toss, with Wolvaardt compiling 20 fours and 4 sixes in her 10th ODI century.

Wolvaardt produced the second-highest individual score by a captain in a World Cup match, behind Australian Belinda Clark’s 229 not out against Denmark in 1997.

South Africa had previously lost in the semifinals in 2000, 2017 and 2022.

England was bowled out for 194 in 42.3 overs, with medium pacer Marizanne Kapp picking up 5-20, as it was beaten by South Africa for the first time in the World Cup knockout stages.

Kapp also became the most successful bowler in tournament history with 44 wickets, overtaking India’s Jhulan Goswami (43).

The big turnaround

Wolvaardt reversed South Africa’s disappointing performance against England in the league stage at the same venue, when it was bowled out for 69.

“It still feels a bit unreal,” Wolvaardt said. “That’s the sort of thing you dream as a kid, scoring 100 in a World Cup — a knockout game as well. It’s a very special day.

“It’s probably my top knock, just in the context of the game, a World Cup semifinal.”

Openers on fire

Sent in to bat after England won the toss, Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits opened with a sparkling 116-run stand.

Brits scored 45 off 65 balls, and Wolvaardt reached 50 off