Kapp’s 5/20 and Near Hat-Trick Headlines SA’s Final Push

Marizanne Kapp produced a scintillating five-for-20, including a near hat-trick, to headline South Africa’s dominant 125-run semi-final win over England. The victory breaks their semi-final curse and books a ticket to their first-ever 50-over World Cup final.
Kapp was destructive from the outset, starting her day with a double-wicket maiden to leave England’s chase of 320 in tatters at one for three. She later returned to dismiss Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophia Dunkley, and Charlie Dean, the last two in successive balls.
While Sophie Ecclestone defended the hat-trick ball, the damage was done. Kapp’s five-wicket haul also saw her become the all-time leading wicket-taker in the tournament’s history, a remarkable personal achievement.
This bowling masterclass was in support of a massive total, 319 for seven, set up by captain Laura Wolvaardt. Wolvaardt was equally brilliant, scoring 169.
After a measured century, Wolvaardt exploded at the death, smashing 69 runs off 28 balls. Her assault, which came after England’s Sophie Ecclestone (four wickets) had given her side hope, proved to be the decisive factor in the match.