A lethal spell of fast bowling from Marizanne Kapp, combined with a batting masterclass from her captain, propelled South Africa into their first 50-over World Cup final after a dominant 125-run win over England. Kapp’s figures of five for 20 were the highlight of a ruthless bowling display.
Kapp set the tone immediately, starting her spell with a sensational double-wicket maiden. She clean-bowled Amy Jones with what was described as the “ball of the day” before inducing a fatal error from England captain Heather Knight, who chopped onto her stumps. England were left reeling at one for three, a position from which they never recovered.
While a 107-run partnership between Alice Capsey (who hit a maiden ODI fifty) and Nat Sciver-Brunt offered brief hope, Kapp returned to shatter their resistance. She dismissed Sciver-Brunt, Sophia Dunkley, and Charlie Dean in quick succession, all caught behind the stumps, just missing a hat-trick.
This clinical bowling performance was only possible because of the platform set by Laura Wolvaardt. The South African captain was magnificent, scoring an epic 169. She built her innings patiently before unleashing a torrent of boundaries at the death, adding her final 69 runs in a mere 28 balls.
Her brutal hitting, particularly against Linsey Smith, ensured South Africa posted 319 for seven. Despite Sophie Ecclestone’s best efforts (four wickets), England’s death bowling faltered, allowing Wolvaardt and the lower order to close the door firmly on their World Cup dreams.