The Proteas Women recorded a 125-run victory over England on Wednesday to reach their first-ever Cricket World Cup final.

South Africa booked their place in the World Cup 2025 final with a massive 125-run victory over England at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, India, on Wednesday.

The Proteas scripted history in Guwahati to reach their first World Cup final and will face the winner of the second semi-final between India and Australia that will take place on Thursday in Navi Mumbai.

After semifinal defeats in 2017 and 2022, the Proteas finally broke through with a composed all-round performance, powered by Marizanne Kapp’s five-wicket haul and captain Laura Wolvaardt’s century earlier in the day.

Chasing 320 for victory, England were bowled out for 194 in under 43 overs, falling well short as South Africa sealed a comprehensive win.

Kapp (5/20) led the way for South Africa with a brilliant spell that broke the back of England’s innings. Nadine de Klerk (2/24) supported her well with two wickets while Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba and Sune Luus chipped in with one wicket each.

England endured a nightmare start in their chase as Kapp and Khaka struck early, reducing England to 1/3 inside the first two overs. Kapp removed Amy Jones and Heather Knight in her opening over while Khaka dismissed Tammy Beaumont soon after.

Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey then led England’s fightback, adding 100 runs for the fourth wicket to revive hopes. Both batters showed great determination to keep England in the game though they had already lost three key wickets.

However, South Africa turned the game back in their favour when Sune Luus broke the partnership by dismissing Capsey. Soon after, Kapp returned to the attack and immediately made an impact to remove Sciver-Brunt. She then struck twice again to complete a superb five-wicket haul.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge tried to maintain England’s momentum after Capsey’s dismissal, but wickets continued to tumble from the other end as the Proteas tightened their grip on the game before recording a memorable win.

In the first innings, Wolvaardt brought up her maiden World Cup century as South Africa posted 319/7.

Wolvaardt produced a magnificent knock of 169 off 143 balls to help South Africa finish strongly despite losing key wickets in the middle overs, even as her innings was laced with 20 fours and four sixes.

Tazmin Brits (45), Kapp (42) and Chloe Tryon (33*) also made valuable contributions with the bat.

Article courtesy of the International Cricket Council.