England were demolished in the World Cup semi-final, suffering a 125-run defeat to a rampant South African side led by the bat of Laura Wolvaardt and the ball of Marizanne Kapp. The loss ends England’s campaign, while South Africa advance to their first-ever final.
The demolition began with Wolvaardt’s 169. After a patient century, she exploded, smashing 69 runs from 28 balls. She “made England’s best death bowler resemble an amateur,” taking 20 runs off one Linsey Smith over.
That assault pushed the total to 319 for seven. The demolition was then completed by Kapp.
Kapp (five for 20) tore through England’s top order, reducing them to one for three with a double-wicket maiden. The top three batters all departed for ducks.
Kapp, who also became the all-time leading World Cup wicket-taker, returned to finish the job, bowling England out for 194. It was a comprehensive and brutal display from the Proteas.