South Africa’s massive 319 for seven, the second-highest score in 50-over World Cup knockout history, was the rock on which England’s final hopes perished. The 125-run victory propelled the Proteas into their first-ever final.
The architect of the monumental total was captain Laura Wolvaardt. She was simply sublime, scoring 169. Her innings was defined by its late, brutal acceleration: 69 runs from just 28 balls.
England, who had been in the match at 202 for six thanks to four wickets from Sophie Ecclestone, had their death-bowling plans dismantled by Wolvaardt’s power-hitting.
“A batting lineup much more solid than England’s would have struggled to chase the score,” and England’s promptly disintegrated. Marizanne Kapp (five for 20) delivered a double-wicket maiden.
England crumbled to one for three and were eventually bowled out for 194. The massive scoreboard pressure, set by Wolvaardt, had proven too much.