GUWAHATI: South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt defeated England by 125 runs in the first semi-final on Wednesday.
Put into bat, South Africa accumulated 319-7 thanks to Wolvaardt’s sensational 143-ball knock, studded with 20 fours and four sixes in the eastern Indian city of Guwahati.
When they returned to defend, seamer Marizanne Kapp (5-20) destroyed England, who were bundled out for 194 in 42.3 overs.
England had history on their side, beating South Africa in a group match at this year’s tournament and knocking them out in the semi-finals of the 2017 and 2022 50-over showpiece.
Wolvaardt showed little respect for past records, however, as she first combined in an opening stand of 116 with Tazmin Brits (45) and tallied 72 with Kapp (42) to lay the foundations for their massive total.
England sweated on the fitness of Sophie Ecclestone (4-44) following a shoulder injury to their star spinner, who proved why she is so highly rated by dismissing Brits and Anneke Bosch alike to get her team back into the competition.
Once Ecclestone completed his quota of 10 overs, Wolvaardt stepped on the accelerator.
Chloe Tryon chipped in with a cameo 33 not out down the order as South Africa plundered 117 runs in the last 10 overs.
Wolvaardt’s batting masterclass came to an end in the 48th over when she bowled Lauren Bell and walked away to handshakes with her awestruck opponents after a statement innings that put South Africa in the box.
They also had an equally impressive start to the game with the ball as they came back to defend their tally.
Kapp started with a two-wicket maiden, dismissing Amy Jones and Heather Knight, and Ayabonga Khaka removed Tammy Beaumont with her first legitimate delivery to leave England reeling at one for three in seven deliveries.
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt (64) and Alice Capsey (50) forged a century stand before Kapp dismissed Sciver-Brunt and then dismissed Sophia Dunkley and Charlie Dean in successive deliveries to effectively seal their place in Sunday’s final.
Defending champions Australia will face hosts India in the second semi-final in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
