South Africa defeated England by 125 runs in the first semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on October 29, reaching their first-ever World Cup final.Captain Laura Wolvaardt’s breathtaking 169 carried South Africa to 319 for 7, the second-highest score in World Cup knockout matches. In reply, England collapsed to 194 all out in 42.3 overs, with Marizanne Kapp’s sensational five-wicket haul (5/20) dismantling their chase.
Sources: ICC Official Website, ESPNcricinfo, Outlook India
Scorecard
| Team | Score | Overs | Wickets | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 319 | 50.0 | 7 | Won by 125 runs |
| England | 194 | 42.3 | 10 | Lost |
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laura Wolvaardt | South Africa | Batter | 169 runs (143 balls, 20 fours, 4 sixes) |
| Marizanne Kapp | South Africa | Bowler/All-rounder | 5/20 in 7 overs; 42 runs |
| Sophie Ecclestone | England | Bowler | 4/44 in 10 overs |
| Nat Sciver-Brunt | England | Batter | 64 runs (76 balls) |
| Alice Capsey | England | Batter | 50 runs (71 balls) |
Sources: ICC Official Website, ESPNcricinfo
Key Moments
- Opening Stand: Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits (45) built a solid 116-run opening partnership, giving South Africa a commanding start.
- England’s Fightback: Sophie Ecclestone turned the match briefly by taking three wickets for just three runs, reducing South Africa from 116/0 to 119/3.
- Wolvaardt’s Masterclass: The South African captain scored her maiden World Cup century and became the first captain to score an ODI World Cup knockout hundred, finishing with 169 off 143 balls.
- Death Overs Domination: South Africa smashed 117 runs in the last 10 overs, with Wolvaardt and Chloe Tryon (33 not out) leading the charge.
- Early Collapse: Marizanne Kapp produced a brilliant opening over in England’s chase, dismissing Amy Jones and Heather Knight for ducks. Ayabonga Khaka then removed Tammy Beaumont, leaving England reeling at 1/3.
- Middle-Order Resistance: Nat Sciver-Brunt (64) and Alice Capsey (50) staged a brief recovery with partnerships, but Kapp returned to dismiss Sciver-Brunt and complete her five-wicket haul.
- Record-Breaking Performance: Kapp became the highest wicket-taker in Women’s ODI World Cup history with 44 wickets, surpassing India’s Jhulan Goswami (43).
Match Analysis
This victory marks a stunning turnaround for South Africa, who were dismissed for just 69 runs by England in their opening group-stage match at the same venue.Wolvaardt’s 169 is now the highest individual score by a South African woman in World Cup history, surpassing Marizanne Kapp’s previous best of 102 not out.
England suffered their second-biggest defeat margin in World Cup history (125 runs), with only a 126-run loss to Australia in 1988 being worse.Despite Sophie Ecclestone’s exceptional 4/44 performance while recovering from a shoulder injury, England’s bowlers proved expensive in the death overs, conceding crucial runs as South Africa posted a commanding total.
South Africa’s win marks their first success in a World Cup semi-final after previous heartbreaks in 2017 and 2022, both losses coming against England.
What’s Next
South Africa will face either India or Australia in the final on Sunday, November 2, in Navi Mumbai.The second semi-final between India and Australia is scheduled for October 30 in Navi Mumbai. This will be South Africa’s first-ever appearance in a Women’s World Cup final, as they chase their maiden title.