JOY AND RELIEF

Proteas finally break through World Cup barrier

- LANCE FREDERICKS

SOUTH Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt described her record-breaking century in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup semifinal against England as the highlight of her career, after the Proteas sealed their first-ever place in a World Cup final.

"It still feels a bit unreal," Wolvaardt said after the match. "This is something you dream about as a kid, getting a century in a World Cup. It is a very special day and I am so glad we won in the end."

Wolvaardt became the first captain to score a century in a knockout Women's World Cup match, her commanding 169 from 143 balls laying the foundation for South Africa's dominant victory.

Her innings, marked by timing and control, helped secure a historic breakthrough for a team that had twice fallen short in the semifinals.

"This has to be at the top of my career," she said. "To win this against such a strong bowling side, this is right up there."

LEADING FROM THE FRONT