A single 20-run over, unleashed by Laura Wolvaardt against Linsey Smith, came to define South Africa’s semi-final dominance as they crushed England by 125 runs. Wolvaardt’s 169 and Marizanne Kapp’s five-for-20 secured a historic first trip to the 50-over World Cup final.
The 47th over was the moment the game truly broke open. Wolvaardt, who had just passed her century, went into overdrive, smashing 20 runs and signaling a late-innings carnage that produced 69 runs from her last 28 balls.
This assault propelled South Africa from a competitive 202 for six to a monstrous 319 for seven. England, who had bowled well through the middle overs led by Sophie Ecclestone (four wickets), simply crumbled at the death.
Facing a record chase, England’s top order disintegrated. Kapp’s double-wicket maiden left them at one for three, with ducks for Jones and Knight.
Kapp, who also became the tournament’s all-time leading wicket-taker, returned to finish with five for 20, ending England’s resistance. It was a statement victory, built on Wolvaardt’s brutal finishing.