NEW DELHI: South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt produced a hundred for the ages before seasoned all-rounder Marizanne Kapp turned on the magic with the ball, guiding the Proteas women to their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup final with a thumping 125-run win over England on Wednesday.

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Wolvaardt’s epic hundred leads South Africa’s charge

Wolvaardt was simply sensational, anchoring South Africa’s innings with an epic 169 off 143 balls that powered her side to 319 for seven. Her knock came despite two mini collapses triggered by left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who was England’s lone bright spot with the ball.

Four-time champions England needed to chase down a record total to reach the summit clash, but Kapp made sure that dream didn’t last long. After contributing 42 with the bat, she ripped through England’s top order with a fiery five-wicket haul, bowling them out for 194 in 42.3 overs.

“Still feels a bit unreal. You dream as a kid of scoring a hundred in a World Cup knock-out game,” Wolvaardt said after being named Player of the Match. “This probably has to be right at the top considering the context — a World Cup semi-final. It is right up there.”

The Proteas had previously reached two consecutive T20 World Cup finals but fell short on both occasions. This time, they ensured history didn’t repeat itself.

Kapp’s early strikes crush England’s chase

On a surface full of runs, Kapp made the ball seam both ways and gave England no breathing room. She dismissed Amy Jones with a delivery that jagged back sharply and sent former skipper Heather Knight packing soon after. Fired up and relentless, Kapp set the tone for a dominant performance.

Nat Sciver-Brunt (64 off 76) and Alice Capsey (50 off 71) tried to pull England back with a 107-run stand, but once Capsey was caught at mid-on by Sune Luus, the chase began to crumble. Kapp returned to deliver the knockout blow, removing Sciver-Brunt caught behind, sealing England’s fate.

At 151 for eight, the contest was as good as done — South Africa were on their way to the final.

Partnerships lift Proteas to a massive total

Earlier, the Proteas had set the platform for a 300-plus score with a 116-run opening stand between Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits (45 off 65). Ecclestone (4/44) briefly halted the momentum with two wickets in the 22nd over, but Wolvaardt and Kapp rebuilt with a brisk 72-run partnership.

At 202 for six, South Africa appeared headed for a below-par total, but Wolvaardt’s composure and power-hitting changed everything. Her innings was a masterclass — elegant drives early on, followed by powerful shots through midwicket as she shifted gears. She struck 17 fours and three sixes, taking Linsey Smith apart for 20 runs in the 47th over.

Batting with a wide stance and quick hands, Wolvaardt reached her 150 with a six over midwicket and also completed 5000 ODI runs during her marathon knock.

A turnaround from league stage struggles

Chloe Tryon (33 not out off 26) and Nadine de Klerk (11 not out off 6) added crucial late runs as the Proteas hammered 117 in the last 10 overs.

The batting effort was a complete turnaround from their dismal 69 all out against England in the league stage — and one that has now taken South Africa to their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup final.

(With PTI Inputs)