Guwahati, October 29, 2025 — South Africa created history on Wednesday by storming into their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (CWCW) final after a dominant 125-run victory over England at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati.
The emphatic win sealed the Proteas’ spot in the grand finale, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between India and Australia, scheduled for Thursday.
After years of heartbreak in the 2017 and 2022 semifinals, the Proteas finally shattered their glass ceiling with a clinical all-round display, spearheaded by Marizanne Kapp’s five-wicket haul and Laura Wolvaardt’s stunning century earlier in the day.
England, chasing a steep target of 320, were bundled out for 194 in 42.3 overs. Despite gritty fifties from Nat Sciver-Brunt (64) and Alice Capsey (50), the rest of the English batting lineup crumbled under relentless pressure from South Africa’s bowling attack. Danni Wyatt-Hodge (34) offered brief resistance, but wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals.
Kapp was the star performer with a sensational spell of 5/20, dismantling England’s top order. She received excellent support from Nadine de Klerk (2/24), while Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba, and Sune Luus claimed a wicket each.
England’s innings got off to a nightmare start — reduced to 3/1 within a few overs — as Kapp removed Heather Knight and Amy Jones, while Khaka dismissed Tammy Beaumont early. A 100-run stand between Sciver-Brunt and Capsey briefly revived England’s hopes, but Luus broke the partnership before Kapp returned to clean up the tail.
In the first innings, captain Laura Wolvaardt played one of the greatest knocks in Women’s World Cup history, smashing 169 runs off 143 balls with 20 fours and four sixes, propelling South Africa to 319/7. She was well-supported by Tazmin Brits (45), Marizanne Kapp (42), and *Chloe Tryon (33)**, who provided valuable lower-order runs.
England’s Sophie Ecclestone (4/44) was the standout bowler, while Lauren Bell (2/55) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (1/67) chipped in. However, their efforts weren’t enough to contain South Africa’s aggressive batting surge in the final overs.
Wolvaardt and Brits gave the Proteas a dream start with a 116-run opening stand, before a brief collapse saw three wickets fall for just three runs. But Wolvaardt’s composure and partnerships with Kapp and Tryon reignited South Africa’s momentum, ensuring they crossed the 300-run mark with authority.
This victory marks a defining moment for South African women’s cricket, as they head into their first-ever World Cup final brimming with confidence and momentum.