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GUWAHATI: Laura Wolvaardt’s magnificent 169 and Marizanne Kapp’s all-round heroics powered South Africa to victory over England in the first semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup here at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
The emphatic win marked the first time that South Africa women have reached the World Cup final.
Set a daunting 319-run target, England crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for a mere 194 in 42.3 overs.
The Three Lions chase started on a bizarre note as they lost their top-three batters for ducks in the first two overs.
Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka wreaked havoc with the new ball, removing Amy Jones, Tammy Beaumont, and Heather Knight.
As a result, England were in deep waters with 3-1 in 1.1 overs.
After early setbacks, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey paired up and added 107 runs for the third wicket partnership. The stand provided them with some respite and increased their hopes of reaching the final.
Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt made 64 from 76 balls, while Capsey scored 50 from 71 deliveries.
However, Sune Luus provided South Africa the much-needed breakthrough with Capsey’s dismissal. At this stage, England were 108-4 in 22.5 overs.
Sciver-Brunt was involved in another partnership of 30 runs with Danni Wyatt-Hodge before a collapse that folded their innings. Wyatt made 30 from 34 balls with the help of five fours.
For South Africa, Marizanne Kapp picked up a five-wicket haul while Nadine de Klerk scalped two wickets.
Earlier, after being put into bat, South Africa racked up 319-7 in their 50 overs.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits laid a strong foundation with a mammoth 116-run stand for the opening wickets. Brits stuck 45 from 65, including six fours and a maximum.
England kept on taking wickets at regular intervals, but it was Wolvaardt’s knock for the ages that held South Africa’s innings. The skipper 169 from 143 balls was peppered with 20 fours and four sixes.
Marizanne Kapp also starred with the bat as she hit four boundaries and a six on her way to 42 from 33 balls.
For England, Sophie Ecclestone was the long, bright star in the bowling. She picked up four wickets in her quota of 10 overs.
The second semi-final between hosts India and defending champions Australia will be played tomorrow in Navi Mumbai.
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