South Africa’s two mainstays – Laura Wolvaardt (169) and Marizanne Kapp (five-for) – made major contributions as they thrashed England by 125 runs in Guwahati to progress to their maiden 50-over Women’s World Cup final. England could muster just 194 in a monstrous chase of 320.
The foundation stone for South Africa’s memorable victory was laid by the skipper, Wolvaardt. The opener, who also crossed 5,000 ODI runs during her innings, scored more than half of the team’s runs. At one point of time, South Africa were 202 for 6, with England having an opening to run through the lower order. At that juncture, Wolvaardt put on an astonishing display of power-hitting to take the game away from England’s grasp.
Wolvaardt continuously peppered areas through the on-side to leave the opponent in a state of daze. Linsey Smith, South Africa’s tormentor in the league phase, was smashed for three boundaries and a six. She also took a heavy toll of Nat Sciver-Brunt’s bowling by thwacking two boundaries and one six. Ultimately, after collecting 20 fours and four hits over the boundary rope, she fell to Lauren Bell. But by then the damage was done.
Even during the early part of South Africa’s innings, it was Wolvaardt who proved to be the fulcrum of their batting unit. At the completion of 10 overs, she was on 34 off just 31 deliveries. The South African captain also found an able ally in Tazmin Brits, with the duo stringing together a stand of 116. Once Brits was dismissed by Sophie Ecclestone, South Africa lost wickets at regular intervals. Even then, Wolvaardt kept the scorecard ticking, with Kapp essaying a timely hand.
Kapp, the South African legend, followed up her batting effort, by ripping through the England top order with movement to leave them in a disarray at 1 for 3. After dislodging the experienced Heather Knight, she showed her emotions by letting out a shriek and a fist-pump. Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey tried to resurrect the innings, but the pair had too much to do. Capsey’s dismissal after completing her fifty more or less sealed England’s fate.
To make matters worse for England, Kapp picked up the wickets of Sciver-Brunt, Sophia Dunkley and Charlotte Dean. Danielle Wyatt-Hodge did essay a 31-ball 34 but it only stretched England’s innings for a little while longer. The only silver lining for England was Ecclestone. The tall left-arm spinner took a four-for despite being laid low by a niggle.
South Africa will now play the winner of India and Australia in the final in Navi Mumbai.
Brief scores: South Africa 319/7 in 50 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 169; Sophie Ecclestone 4-44) beat England 194 in 42.3 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 64; Marizanne Kapp 5-20) by 125 runs.
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