The heartbreak is finally over. After devastating semi-final exits in 2017 and 2022, South Africa ended their jinx in spectacular fashion, defeating England by 125 runs to march into their first-ever 50-over World Cup final.
The victory was built on the back of two of their most loyal players. Captain Laura Wolvaardt played an innings for the ages, scoring 169. After a patient century, she exploded for 69 runs off 28 balls, setting an unassailable 319-run total.
Then, Marizanne Kapp, who also suffered those past defeats, delivered a knockout blow with the ball. She took five for 20, starting with a double-wicket maiden that reduced England to one for three.
Kapp’s haul also made her the all-time leading World Cup wicket-taker, a personal milestone that sweetened the team’s historic achievement.
England, despite four wickets from Sophie Ecclestone, were bowled out for 194. For South Africa, the win was more than just a win; it was the healing of old wounds and the dawn of a new era.
Heartbreak Healed: South Africa End Semi-Final Jinx
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