Laura Wolvaardt’s stunning 169 shattered England’s death-bowling plans and powered South Africa to a 125-run victory, securing their first-ever 50-over World Cup final. The captain’s 28-ball, 69-run blitz at the end completely changed the game.
England looked in control when Sophie Ecclestone (four wickets) finished her spell, having helped reduce South Africa to 202 for six. However, Wolvaardt, who had just passed her century, began a brutal assault.
She tore into Linsey Smith, taking 20 runs off the 47th over. Even after she fell, Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk continued the charge, hitting 16 off Smith in the 49th. The total ballooned to 319 for seven.
In reply, England’s top order was obliterated by Marizanne Kapp. A double-wicket maiden left them at one for three, with ducks for Jones and Knight.
Kapp finished with five for 20, also becoming the tournament’s all-time leading wicket-taker. England were bundled out for 194, their hopes dashed by Wolvaardt’s finishing.