Marizanne Kapp, the “queen of seam,” delivered a majestic performance, taking five for 20 to seal England’s fate and send South Africa into their first-ever 50-over World Cup final with a 125-run victory. Kapp was unplayable, extracting movement both ways.
She started by ending the game as a contest, delivering a double-wicket maiden to leave England at one for three. Her “ball of the day” “nip-backer” to bowl Amy Jones was a highlight.
After a 107-run partnership threatened a recovery, Kapp returned. She dismissed Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophia Dunkley, and Charlie Dean—all caught behind the stumps—to complete her five-wicket haul and become the all-time leading World Cup wicket-taker.
This masterful bowling was in defence of 319 for seven, a total set by captain Laura Wolvaardt’s incredible 169. Wolvaardt’s innings was a tale of two halves, culminating in a 28-ball, 69-run explosion.
England, despite four wickets from Sophie Ecclestone, had no answer to South Africa’s two biggest stars and were bowled out for 194.