Laura Wolvaardt’s late-innings blitz was so brutal that it “made England’s best death bowler resemble an amateur,” a blistering assault that set up South Africa’s 125-run semi-final win and their first-ever trip to the 50-over World Cup final.
England had been in the game at 202 for six, but with Sophie Ecclestone (four wickets) bowled out, Wolvaardt attacked. She took 20 runs from Linsey Smith in the 47th over. Even after Wolvaardt fell for 169, Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk hit Smith for 16 in the 49th.
This death-bowling collapse allowed South Africa to post 319 for seven. The assault, where Wolvaardt scored 69 off 28 balls, completely demoralized the English side.
The chase then became a formality. Marizanne Kapp produced a double-wicket maiden, as England’s top three were all dismissed for ducks, leaving them at one for three.
Kapp finished with five for 20, but the damage was done by Wolvaardt. Her ability to expose and dismantle England’s bowling attack in the final overs was the decisive factor in the historic victory.