South Africa Women’s historic 125-run victory over England in the 2025 Women’s World Cup semi-final. A thrilling match with standout performances by Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp.
South Africa Women vs England Women: ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Semi-Final Match Report
A Historic Day for South African Women’s Cricket
On October 29, 2025, South Africa Women’s cricket team made history in stunning fashion, blasting past England with a dominant 125-run victory in the ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final. The historic win not only secured South Africa’s first-ever World Cup final spot but also delivered a performance full of grit, power, and skill.
This was a match that had everything: explosive batting, strategic bowling, and the kind of drama that makes cricket so thrilling. It was a day to remember for South Africa, their players, and the fans cheering them on.
South Africa’s Batting Brilliance: Wolvaardt Steals the Show
The Captain’s Knock: 169 Runs That Shook England
South Africa’s decision to bat first after winning the toss was a bold one, but it paid off in the most spectacular fashion. Enter Laura Wolvaardt, the captain and the star of the day. She was on another level, producing an innings that had everyone on their toes. Wolvaardt blasted a scintillating 169 runs off 143 balls. Her performance was an absolute masterclass — a perfect blend of calculated aggression and flawless technique.
The England bowlers couldn’t contain her. Wolvaardt hit 20 fours and 4 sixes, taking control of the game early on. She dominated the English bowlers, leaving them frustrated and desperate for a breakthrough. By the time Wolvaardt got out, South Africa had laid down a massive total of 319/7, a score that looked like it would be too much for England to chase.
Marizanne Kapp: South Africa’s Silent Assassin
While Wolvaardt was the star of the show, Marizanne Kapp played a crucial supporting role with both bat and ball. Kapp’s 42 runs helped steady the ship when the middle order began to wobble. She was the glue that kept the innings together during a brief period of instability.
But it was with the ball that Kapp truly made her mark. As England came out to chase, she went into full “destroyer” mode. Her 5-wicket haul for just 20 runs decimated England’s top order, leaving them in tatters and making it clear that the chase would not be easy. Kapp was ruthless, taking key wickets and putting England on the backfoot early. She became the first woman in World Cup history to claim 5 wickets in a semi-final, cementing her place as one of the game’s greats.
England’s Chase: A Fight That Fell Short
Early Collapse: Kapp’s Carnage
England’s chase got off to the worst possible start. Right from the first few overs, England was under the pump. South Africa’s bowlers, led by Kapp, set the tone early. Kapp had the English batters in all sorts of trouble, and before anyone knew it, England was 1/3, reeling from a nightmare start.
The pressure was intense, and the required run rate kept climbing. England’s big names, Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knight, were gone early, and it was clear that England was in trouble.
The Resilience of Sciver-Brunt and Capsey
But England wasn’t going down without a fight. Nat Sciver-Brunt, the experienced all-rounder, dug in and fought valiantly. Her 64-run knock was filled with determination and grit. Alongside her, Alice Capsey came alive with a breezy 50, trying to keep England’s hopes alive. They put on a much-needed partnership that got the crowd hoping for a turnaround.
But South Africa’s bowlers were relentless. Shabnim Ismail, with her pace and accuracy, continued to press the English batters. As the required run rate climbed, the pressure mounted, and wickets fell at regular intervals. It wasn’t long before England was bowled out for 194, 125 runs short of the target.
Key Players of the Match: The Game-Changers
- Laura Wolvaardt – The captain played an unforgettable innings, leading her team with the bat and putting South Africa in the driver’s seat. Her 169 runs were the highest score by a South African woman in World Cup knockout history.
- Marizanne Kapp – A star with both bat and ball. Kapp’s all-round performance, especially her 5-wicket haul, was the backbone of South Africa’s victory. She was simply untouchable.
- Nat Sciver-Brunt – England’s last hope, Sciver-Brunt fought until the very end, scoring 64 runs. Her effort was a bright spot in a tough chase.
- Alice Capsey – A promising 50-run contribution, Capsey showed the heart and promise of England’s younger generation.
Milestones and Achievements: A Game-Changer for South Africa
- Laura Wolvaardt became the first South African woman to score 5000 runs in ODIs. Her knock of 169 runs also made her the top scorer for South Africa in World Cup semi-finals.
- Marizanne Kapp shattered records with her 5-wicket haul, becoming the all-time leading wicket-taker in Women’s World Cup history. A well-deserved recognition for an extraordinary career.
- South Africa’s Historic Moment: The win took South Africa to their first-ever Women’s World Cup final, making them the first team in history to reach a final with a victory over England. This is a massive milestone for the women’s game in South Africa.
Post-Match Reactions
Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa Captain):
“We’ve worked so hard for this, and to finally make it to the final is something we’ve dreamed of. But we know the job is not done yet — one more match to go, and we’re ready for it.”
Marizanne Kapp (South Africa):
“I couldn’t have done this without the support of my teammates. Everyone has played a crucial role in this victory. We’ve shown we’re a force to be reckoned with.”
Nat Sciver-Brunt (England Captain):
“We gave it our all today, but South Africa played exceptional cricket. We’ll learn from this, regroup, and be back stronger.”
Conclusion: South Africa’s Time to Shine
This was a day that will be etched in the history books of women’s cricket. South Africa’s massive 125-run victory over England was a performance for the ages, filled with personal milestones and team brilliance. With Laura Wolvaardt’s batting brilliance and Marizanne Kapp’s all-round destruction, South Africa have shown they are more than ready for the biggest challenge of all: the World Cup final.
As they wait for the outcome of the second semi-final between India and Australia, one thing is clear: South Africa’s women are a force to be reckoned with. They will go into the final full of confidence, hoping to cap off this dream run with their first-ever Women’s World Cup trophy.
The final promises to be a thrilling encounter — who will rise to the occasion and take home the coveted title?
Match Statistics
| Team | Runs | Wickets | Overs |
| South Africa | 319/7 | – | 50 |
| England | 194 | – | 42.3 |