Dream comes true for Wolvaardt as South Africa storm into final

Laura Wolvaardt led from the front with a majestic 169 to help South Africa thrash England by 125 runs and reach their first-ever ODI Women's World Cup final on Wednesday.

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South Africa players celebrate their team's win at the end of the ICC Women's World Cup semifinal match against England in Guwahati. — AFP

(AFP)

South Africa posted 319-7 and then bowled out England for 194 in 42.3 overs with medium-pace bowler Marizanne Kapp returning figures of 5-20 in the first semifinal in Guwahati.

The Proteas now await the winner of the second semifinal between holders Australia and India for the title clash on Sunday in the outskirts of Mumbai.

South Africa made their third straight final of a women's World Cup – two in T20 tournaments – and their first in the 50-over marquee competition.

They were beaten by England in the semifinals of the last two ODI World Cups in 2017 and 2022.

Nadine de Klerk dismissed Linsey Smith for 27 as the last wicket to trigger celebrations in the South African camp.

"It still feels a bit unreal," said player of the match Wolvaardt.