The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 semifinal under the floodlights of Guwahati delivered a spectacle of dominance and redemption as South Africa Women crushed England Women by 125 runs to storm into their first-ever ODI World Cup final. It was a night where everything clicked for the Proteas — from a record-breaking captain’s innings to a ruthless bowling display that buried the defending champions’ hopes.
Batting first on a batting friendly surface, South Africa produced a batting masterclass led by their inspirational skipper Laura Wolvaardt, whose magnificent 169 off 143 balls powered the side to a daunting 319/7. Supported by Marizanne Kapp’s rapid 42 and Chloe Tryon’s fiery finish of 33, South Africa imposed their authority early and never let go.
In reply, England’s chase unraveled dramatically. Marizanne Kapp (5/20), fired up and unrelenting, tore through the top order with a stunning five-wicket haul that reduced England to 1/3 inside two overs. Despite resistance from Nat Sciver-Brunt (64) and Alice Capsey (50), the target proved well beyond reach as England folded for 194 in 42.3 overs.
The result wasn’t just a victory — it was the breaking of a long-standing curse. After semifinal heartbreaks in 2017 and 2022, South Africa finally triumphed in their third attempt, all against England, reaching their first-ever ODI World Cup Final. For a team that had come so close for so long, this was redemption — emphatic and unforgettable.
Laura Wolvaardt – 169 (143)
South Africa’s captain and batting heartbeat, Laura Wolvaardt, produced one of the greatest World Cup knocks ever — a majestic 169 off 143 balls, featuring 20 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 118.18. Starting cautiously, she soon found rhythm, dismantling England’s bowlers with poise and precision. Her timing and footwork were flawless, her placement surgical. Wolvaardt’s partnerships — 116 with Tazmin Brits and 72 with Marizanne Kapp — laid the foundation for South Africa’s massive total. Every stroke carried confidence and command, and as she raised her bat for 150, the crowd roared in awe. Dismissed in the 48th over, she left the field to a standing ovation, having carried South Africa to the brink of history.
Marizanne Kapp – 42 (33) & 5/20 (7)
When South Africa needed an impact, Marizanne Kapp delivered it in both innings. Her brisk 42 off 33 balls added late momentum, peppered with four boundaries and a six. But it was with the ball that she turned the semifinal into her personal stage. Kapp’s fiery new-ball spell dismantled England’s top order — removing Amy Jones and Heather Knight in her first two overs to leave England gasping at 1/3. Returning later, she claimed Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophia Dunkley and Charlie Dean to complete astonishing figures of 7–3–20–5. Every delivery brimmed with intent, every wicket a roar of defiance. Her all-round brilliance rightfully earned her the Player of the Match award.
Sophie Ecclestone – 10–1–44–4
England’s lone spark in an otherwise dark outing, Sophie Ecclestone once again led by example. Her spell of 4 for 44 in 10 overs was the only threat South Africa faced, as she dismissed Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Marizanne Kapp, and Annerie Dercksen to apply brief pressure. Though the game was long gone, Ecclestone’s fight reflected her consistency and character in a side overwhelmed by South Africa’s intensity.
Chloe Tryon – 33* (26) & 0/41 (8)
Chloe Tryon’s unbeaten 33 off 26 balls, laced with three boundaries and 1 six, ensured South Africa finished with a flourish. Her aggressive stroke play in the death overs helped the Proteas push beyond 300 — a total that psychologically crushed England before their chase began. Though wicketless in her 8 overs for 41 runs, Tryon provided control and balance to the attack, allowing Kapp, Khaka and Nadine de Klerk to operate freely. Her calm composure in key moments underlined the depth and experience driving this South African side.
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