England vs South Africa, Women’s World Cup Semifinal Highlights: Wolvaardt, Kapp help SA-W beat ENG-W by 125 runs to reach final

It still feels a bit unreal. I think that's sort of the thing that you dream about as a kid is scoring 100 in a World Cup, knockout game as well. Very special day and I'm so glad we won in the end. We knew the start would be crucial. I think Taz (Brits) and I have been really strong at the top of the order and we've done well at the top. We've sort of picked up the rest of the line-up, so really happy we were able to get that partnership up front. We did end up in front quite early. It was a decent wicket, so we just wanted to keep going. Really nice that we got to a big score because it was a pretty flat wicket out there. I think in the back of my mind, I know I had better shots (talking about the leg-side big hits towards the end), but I was really just wanting to get to the 40th over. I think that was really my goal today, to sort of hold things together and get to the 40th to let Nadine, Annerie, Chloe really work for those last 10. I thought while I'm there, I might as well try and swing. So yeah, happy to go a few of those leg side boundaries. Maybe needed a bit earlier. Probably has to be the top (ranking her knock), I think just the context of the game, World Cup semi-final. Winning the game against a very strong side, a very strong bowling attack. Yeah, I think it's right up there.

Done and dusted! South Africa are through to the World Cup finals! The green camp could not stop celebrating, and why should they? Nadine de Klerk picked up the final scalp, removing Linsey Smith, who fell after scoring 27. England skittled out for just 194 while chasing a big 320-run total in Guwahati. In batting, skipper Laura Wolvaardt led from the front, showing her class as she hit 169, taking her team to a very comfortable position in the first inning. While chasing the daunting target, England were off to a horrid start with their top three returning with ducks. Marizanne Kapp ripped through both the top and the middle order, leading the way for her team.

End of Danni Wyatt-Hodge. England are nine down, and South African players are all elated. Just formalities left as the Proteas are just one wicket away from reaching their first-ever ODI World Cup final across genders.

Wyatt-Hodge c (sub)Sekhukhune b de Klerk 34(31)

The cool thing about Marizanne Kapp is that this isn't the first time she's put the Proteas in a strong position (not done yet!) against England. Three years ago at the World Cup in New Zealand, Kapp had a 32 off 42 (Wolvaardt had 77 off 101 then), while taking the first ever five-for with 5/45 in the group game. England were restricted to 235/9, and lost in a nail biter by 3 wickets, giving Saffers their first ever World Cup win over arch nemesis England. The all rounder from Gqeberha with a wicked snap black shade of nail paint, this time around, has register d an encore, this time in a more crucial circumstance. Proteas bowling has always been their strong suit, but this time the batting has risen from the ashes of their 69 all out opener. Just like the Protea flower.

Linsey Smith is not making any difference, but she is doing her part to entertain the crowd. Some glorious shots from the left-hander who is not holding back here and cashing in some boundaries.

England 164/8 in 36 overs; Need 156 runs in 84 balls

WICKET! Eighth one for South Africa and they get one step closer to the win here. Nonkululeko Mlaba with the breakthrough this time, her first wicket of the night as Sophie Ecclestone's slog sweep went straight to Annerie Dercksen at deep mid-wicket.

Ecclestone c Annerie Dercksen b Mlaba 2(12)

150 up for England as Danielle Wyatt-Hodge and new batter Sophie Ecclestone are in the middle, but this match seems way out of England's reach now. The required run rate has jumped to 10, and with still 170 more needed to win, this is likely now an impossible task.

England 151/7 in 33 overs; Need 169 off 102 deliveries

WICKET! One brings another for Marizanne Kapp. After dismissing Nat Sciver-Brunt in her sixth over, she returns to remove Sophia Dunkley off the very next over. Dunkley nudges outside off delivery, and keep Sinalo Jafta makes no mistake this time to take a clean catch. WICKET! And one more! Two off two for Kapp and she is ripping through the lower middle order of England here. What a champion. Another similar delivery, shapes out and Charlie Dean's outside edge goes straight to the keeper. FIVE-WICKET HAUL FOR MARIZANNE KAPP IN A WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL!

Sophia Dunkley c Sinalo Jafta b Marizanne Kapp 2(10); Charlie Dean c Sinalo Jafta b Marizanne Kapp 0(1)

And here goes the biggest wicket for England! Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt, who was holding up the wicket from one end, falls after scoring a valiant 67 off Marizanne Kapp. Kapp is pumped up and so are the whole South African team. Agony in the English camp.

Nat Sciver-Brunt c Sinalo Jafta b Marizanne Kapp 64(76)

So England need 201 runs to reach the final from the next 25 overs. They have lost four wickets so far, and Nat Sciver-Brunt (batting on 58 off 66 balls with 6x4 and 1x6) is in the middle. England will hope that the captain can guide this chase home for them. Also in the middle is Danni Wyatt-Hodge (5 runs off 7 balls).

Tazmin Brits seems to have hurt herself after attempting a one-handed catch of Nat Sciver-Brunt at midwicket! The ball almost stuck in Brits' hand, but popped out and the fielder turned in the air and landed heavily on her right shoulder. The physio tries to tend to her before she is taken off the pitch.

It looked like she had hurt her shoulder initially, but as she leaves the field, she's clutching her wrist.

Three milestones in three deliveries for England. First, a single from Nat Sciver-Brunt will take England to 100 before Alice Capsey gets to her half-century. Sciver-Brunt shimmies down the track, lofts over long-on to bring her fifty as well. WICKET! Just when England seemed to have gotten the momentum going in their way, Sune Luus has given a big breakthrough to South Africa. She looked to clear the long-off fence but ended up holing out to Nadine de Klerk at mi-off.

Capsey c de Klerk b Luus 50(71)

England: 109/4 in 23 overs; target 320

Nice passage of play for England as the last 10 overs have fetched 56 after they managed just 34 from the first 10. Both these batters will need to stay in the middle for at least 15 more overs if England want to make a match from here on. The required run rate is still well below eight and that's a big win for England in this phase.

England 90/3 in 20 overs; target 320

Chance? Yes, dropped by substitute fielder Nondumiso Shangase at long-on. Would it turn out to be costly as Shangase dropped Nat Sciver-Brunt's catch? Sciver-Brunt looked to clear the long-on fence with a wild slog, mistimed it before Shangase grassed this. Missed chance at the non-striker's end as well as Sune Luus failed to run out Capsey on time, who was well short of her crease.

England 67/3 in 16 overs

The required rate is hovering over seven, but that hasn't stopped Nat-Sciver Brunt and Alice Capsey from playing their shots. The two have taken their time and are now on the move, especially skipper NSB, who showed positive intent against Nadine de Klerk, sweeping her for a FOUR in the 13th over. The stand for the fourth wicket is also worth 50 now.

England 53/3 in 13 overs

The first PowerPlay entirely belonged to South Africa after picking three wickets in just the first nine deliveries. From then on, England are looking to play the catch-up game with skipper Nat Scirver-Brunt and Alice Capsey in the middle. They have added 33 runs since then and would need to elongate this partnership.

England 34/3 in 10 overs; target 320

Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey, at the start, were very cautious of the bowling attack led by Kapp and Khaka. Slowly, they eye for damage control while looking to rebuild this innings. Occasional boundaries off loose deliveries keep the scoreboard ticking. England will need a long partnership from these two batters.

England 24/3 in 8 overs; target 320

The cool thing about Marizanne Kapp is it's never over, even after it's over. She didn't get to her 50.

So. Now. She. Will. Bowl. And. How.

But much work to be done still.

England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt is in the middle with Alice Capsey. Sciver-Brunt got off the mark with a boundary off the first delivery she faced against Khaka. But it has been all silence, dot balls since then. Kapp bowls a second maiden in a row.

England 5/3 in 3 overs

Ayabonga Khaka in the attack from the other end. WICKET! After starting the over with a wide delivery, she dismissed England opener Beaumont with an outswinger. Delivers outside off-stumps and induces an outside edge as England's top three return to the hut without opening their account.

Tammy Beaumont c Sinalo Jafta b Ayabonga Khaka 0(1)

Wide slip in place for Amy Jones. Kapp from over the wicket and Jones starts with a dot delivery. WICKET! What a ball, Kapp! Nip-backer from Kapp as she finds the gap between bad and pad, cleaning up Jones off her second delivery. This is a great start for Kapp and South Africa. Former England skipper Heather Knight joins Tammy Beaumont in the middle. WICKET! Two scalps in the very first over and Kapp off to a dream start. Length delivery, outside off and Knight looked to play away from her body but ended up chopping on with an inside edge.

A double-wicket maiden over for Kapp.

Amy Jones b Marizanne Kapp 0(2); Knight b Marizanne Kapp 0(3)

England 0/2 in 1 over

All set for the high-scoring chase. England openers Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont are at the middle. Marizanne Kapp to start with the new ball for South Africa.

Lauren Bell bowled the final over. Nadine de Klerk, South Africa's bona fide finisher, started the over with a dot before sending it for a boundary over extra cover off the next delivery. Bell followed it up with a wide and de Klerk got another FOUR after a couple of singles. She ended the innings with a single as South Africa finished on 319/7 in 50 overs. Terrific innings from the Proteas who have set England a daunting target in Guwahati.

South Africa 319/7 in 50 overs

After Wolvaardt's wicket, it is Chloe Tryon who has taken the responsibility on her shoulders. She smoked Linsey Smith for a couple of boundaries before ending her spell with a maximum. South Africa also go past 300.

Chloe Tryon joins the party. She makes room for herself, hits Lauren Bell over mid-off for her first boundary of the innings. And here comes the biggest wicket of the evening! Laura Wolvaardt departs after playing the best knock of her life. She looked to heave it over long-on but ended up offering a rather straight-forward catch to Alice Capsey. England players appreciate Wolvaardt's knock. She gets a pat on her back as South Africa nears the 300-run mark.

Wolvaardt c Capsey b Bell 169(143)

Laura Wolvaardt is playing an absolute blinder of an innings here in Guwahati. She is showing her range-hitting abilities and has put South Africa in a wonderful position. She opened Nat Sciver Brunt's eighth over with a four and ended the over with a SIX. She then hit Linsey Smith for a maximum to bring up her 150! What an innings from the South Africa skipper. Take a bow! She is in no mood to stop anytime soon. Has hit Smith for three back-to-back boundaries after the maximum. This is turning out to be one of the all-time great innings in the World Cup. She moved to 168 off 139!

After 47 overs, South Africa are 284/6

Laura Wolvaardt 168 (140b 20×4; 4×6) | Chloe Tryon 13(17b)

Captain takes on Captain! Nat Sciver Brunt is struck for two back-to-back boundaries by Laura Wolvaardt. Back-of-the-hand full delivery, in the middle, in slot for Wolvaardt, who stays on backfoot and pulls this wholeheartedly for another six, this time over deep mid-wicket. She follows it up with a four, guiding the short ball at backward square leg. She is making her innings count! Two back-to-back boundaries in the following over off Charlie Dean as well. Where it was a SIX and a FOUR off Nat Scirver Brunt, she got two FOURS off Dean's over. 250 up for South Africa in 45 overs.

After 45 overs, South Africa are 250/6

Laura Wolvaardt 138 (132b 16×4; 2×6) | Chloe Tryon 9(13b)

This has been a true captain's knock from Laura Wolvaardt. She has kept South Africa in the game throughout with her strokeful innings. Charlie Dean has been struck for a big maximum, deposited deep into the wide long-on region by Wolvaardt to get six full runs. Ecclestone completed her quota of 10 overs. Registering an impressive figure of 10-1-44-4.

After 43 overs, South Africa are 223/6

Laura Wolvaardt 115 (124b 13×4; 1x6) | Chloe Tryon 6 (8b)

What a classy knock from Wolvaardt as she becomes the first captain to score a ton in knockout matches in ODI World Cups. This is also her maiden World Cup ton. Ecclestone, meanwhile, picked up her fourth scalp of the evening. Full, outside the offstump from Ecclestone and Dercksen dragged it back to the stumps while trying to go for a reverse sweep.

Annerie Dercksen b Ecclestone 4(14)

A century on the big stage. A first World Cup ton for one of the most consistent World Cup batters. Laura Wolvaardt converts her record-equalling 13th 50-plus score in the tournament into three figures. Has been so good from ball one today. She has looked a class apart even as South Africa’s batting has lost wickets in clusters around her and in danger of finishing below par.

- Vinayakk

Annerie Dercksen is the new batter in at No. 7 as she joined skipper Lauda Wolvaardt. Lauren Bell's sharp bouncer thudded on her helmet as the South African physio is out in the middle to check for the mandatory concussion test. Wolvaardt unbeaten on 96.

After 38 overs, South Africa are 194/5

Laura Wolvaardt 96 (112b 12×4) | Annerie Dercksen 0 (5b)

Marizanne Kapp is one of the most intense cricketers you’ll see, and you could make out from the way she walked back after her dismissal. She was NOT happy with herself. Sophie Ecclestone brought back, Kapp drove one beautfifully through covers for four but then goes for another big shot when perhaps she could have rotated the strike. Ecclestone gets her third. Kapp would be upset more with the fact that she didn’t make the most of a reprieve she had just received. That wicket definitely shaves off at least 20-30 runs from SA’s total

WICKET! Sophie Ecclestone with another breakthrough. Marizanne Kapp, who looked dangerous, departed after scoring 42 off 33. After driving Ecclestone to get a boundary, Kapp looked to get one more and went for a lofted drive but she holed out to Charlie Dean.

OUT, ANOTHER! One brings another as Sinalo Jafta has been cleaned bowled by Lauren Bell in the following over. Laura Wolvaardt witnessing everything from the non-striker's end.

Kapp c Charlie Dean b Ecclestone 42(33); Sinalo Jafta b Bell 1(4)

The cool thing about Marizanne Kapp & Wolvaardt is how they can stay busy, rotating the strike for singles. I know a lot of modern cricket is about humongous Strike Rates and 4s & 6s, but in an evolutionary sense, if women's cricket is currently comparable to the threshold of men's cricket in 2000s, the basics of THAT game, bigly, were singles & doubles in middle overs. In that sense and till the end inning fireworks (hopefully) start, Kapp vs Capsey will be about finding the gaps, and keep them runs tickin'. Those wickets lost in a clump are a downer, but W&K need to plod on here.

Marizanne Kapp has moved into her 30s after welcoming Charlie Dean with a maximum. This also brings up fifty partnerships between the two in just 48 deliveries. This is a good recovery from the Proteans, who will look to get at least 270-280 on this surface.

After 34 overs, South Africa are 173/3

Laura Wolvaardt 88 (106b 11×4) | Marizanne Kapp 32 (24b 3×4 1x6)

South Africa batters in the middle, Sune Luus and Laura Wolvaardt, are not letting England bowlers dominate the proceedings. An occasional boundary in between singles and doubles means the scoreboard is ticking. Wolvaardt move to 80s. South Africa also go past the 150-run mark.

After 32 overs, South Africa are 155/3

Laura Wolvaardt 83 (101b 11×4) | Marizanne Kapp 20 (17b 3×4)

Marizanne Kapp has come in the middle with a positive mindset. She got off the mark with a boundary off an exquisite cover drive off the very first delivery she faced. She followed this up by hitting England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt for two more fours in her next over to keep the momentum going. South Africa will fancy these shots and runs from Kapp. Wolvaardt, meanwhile, is playing with caution and looking to rotate the strike.

After 29 overs, South Africa are 141/3

Laura Wolvaardt 72 (91b 10×4) | Marizanne Kapp 16 (9b 3x4)

Oh, good lord, third wicket down for South Africa. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt came back into the attack and straight up got a wicket. A slower, back-of-the-hand cutter, which does the job for England this time. Sune Luus looked to play across but was bowled by an inside edge. Three quick wickets for England and they are on top. Marizanne Kapp comes in at No. 5

Sune Luus b Nat Sciver-Brunt 1(6)

Sune Luus has joined skipper Laura Wolvaardt in the middle. After a tremendous start, South Africa have undone some of their good work after their two quick wickets. England are looking to pounce here after a much-needed breakthrough.

Meanwhile, Ecclestone continues to pile up the pressure with quick, tidy overs.

After 25 overs, South Africa are 119/2

Laura Wolvaardt 67 (78b 10×4) | Sune Luus 1(3b)

Sophie Ecclestone doing Sophie Ecclestone things. The world’s best for a reason. Two wickets in one over. Brits seemed determined to play the reverse sweep for some reason. Bosch's selection doesn't pay off either. Sputh Africa’s spin woes continue, need to arrest the slide here, they can’t afford another collapse.

Sophie Ecclestone gets the last laugh! After being hit for a four and a six in consecutive overs, Ecclestone lured Britz to go for a reverse-sweep. Smart from the off-spinner who kept is slow, loopy delivery which crashed onto the stumps after taking an edge off the bat. Big wicket for England. The opening stand took South Africa to 116. Anneke Bosch is the new batter in and she departs and playing just three deliveries.

Ecclestone bowled one full, angled in from around the wicket, Bosch charged down but has been yorked and cleaned up by Ecclestone for her second wicket in three deliveries. Game-changing over this from Ecclestone.

Tazmin Brits b Ecclestone 45(65); Bosch b Ecclestone 0(3)

The opening partnership is going strong for South Africa at the moment, 100 up for the first wicket. Tazmin Brits targets Sophie Ecclestone. She hits a boundary to end the 19th over which also brings up 100 for the Rainbow Nation, before taking Ecclestone to blinkers in her following over. England, definitely feeling the heat.

After 22 overs, South Africa are 115/0

Laura Wolvaardt 64 (68b 10×4) | Tazmin Brits 45(64b 6×4, 1x6)

Nasser Hussain had a little chuckle not so long ago on air as South Africa crossed 69, that’s how much their entire batting unit managed when these two teams met at the same venue at the start of the tournament. Today they have gone past the first drinks break without losing a wicket. Wolvaardt has appeared absolutely imperious today, starting the day with a signature cover drive. She has now registered her 13th fifty-plus score in ODI world Cup history, equalling Mithali Raj’s record.

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt completes her half century, which is her 13th 50+ score in an ODI World Cup. this is also Wolvaardt's fourth half century in the ongoing World Cup.

And now Laura Wolvaardt joins Smriti Mandhana in reaching 5,000 ODI runs during this World Cup. “Oh, I like stats. I like watching cricket; I watch a lot of women’s cricket. And I like my own stats and numbers around the game and stuff like that,” she told The Indian Express.

And mentioning the parallels between hers and Smriti Mandhana’s career, as they have largely similar ODI stats, she added: “It’s sort of like a competition, but I don’t think she knows that she’s taking part in it, so don’t tell her! Yes, I’ve noticed that we’ve always had pretty similar stats. She’s gone ahead of me a bit in the 100s column recently. It’s been cool to just watch her bat. I’ve obviously played with her a bit at Adelaide Strikers, so I got to know her a little, and she’s pretty nice as well.”

Sophie Ecclestone, whose participation in the game was under doubt due to an injury, is into the attack as England look to break the opening partnership. South Africa are cruising at the moment with 80 runs on board in 15 overs. Laura Wolvaardt is approaching her half century as she crosses the 5,000-run mark in ODIs. She is the second quickest woman to get to that feat behind Smriti Mandhana.

After 15 overs, South Africa are 80/0

Laura Wolvaardt 48 (47b 8x4) | Tazmin Brits 27 (43b 4x4)

Captain Laura Wolvaardt brings up South Africa's 50 with a smooth-looking shot past the covers to the ropes. She has done all the heavy lifting today while her opening partner Brits is on 15 off 27 balls.

Looking for a breakthrough, England captain Nat Sciver Brunt brings on herself after six overs. But it's more of the same, she ends up giving six runs in her first over.

England really need a breakthrough here with Wolvaardt batting at a strike rate of over 100.

England continuing with the pace of Lauren Bell and the spin of Linsey Smith. And Laura Wolvaardt is punishing anything that is outside the off stump line, smiting and thrashing them away to the ropes. The South Africa captain is on 22 runs from 20 balls, while Tazmin Brits is content to take her time in the middle.

England will be looking to change the bowling attack after six overs of wicketless toil in Guwahati.

South Africa are 35/0 after six overs

Laura Wolvaardt 22 (20b 5x4) | Tazmin Brits 10 (16b 2x4)

Good start for South Africa as the innings starts with two boundaries. The first one was driven by Wolvaardt past the cover fielder for a gorgeous-looking shot. On the second ball, the ball took an edge and flew past the first slip fielder for a boundary. Bell adjusts her line after the first two boundaries and keeps the ball closer to the stumps, and gets four dot balls to end the over.

South Africa are 9/0 after one over

Lauren Bell with the ball for England. South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits are in the middle with Wolvaardt facing the first ball!

Here we go!

South Africa asked to bat first in Guwahati. Not great news for them, given how they fared earlier doing that. They started and ended the league batting first and getting bowled out cheaply. So understandable they have added a batting option to the XI with Anneke Bosch coming back in for Klaas. By the way… Big boost for England, Sophie Ecclestone is playing.

South Africa Women (Playing XI): Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta(w), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba

England Women (Playing XI): Amy Jones(w), Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Nat Sciver-Brunt(c), Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell

England have won the toss and Nat Sciver-Brunt has opted to bowl first. Laura Wolvaardt says they would have fielded first too if she had won the toss.

England have no changes to the side, this means Sophie Ecclestone is fighting fit!

South Africa have made one change with Bosch comes in for Klaas, which means one extra batter.

Both captains are in the middle for the toss, which should come up shortly. There is a cloud over the fitness of Sophie Ecclestone. Nat to toss.

After finishing high school, South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt decided to take the plunge into cricket full-time but recently completed a Bachelor of Sciences (Life Sciences) course from the University of South Africa, because she just loves studying. And once she decides to move on from cricket, she might continue doing so.

“I am a big nerd. I had to do something on the side just to keep that option open for me after cricket,” she told The Indian Express after South Africa’s thrilling win against India in Visakhapatnam that set them on their way to the semifinals. “At the time, when I decided to play cricket and not study, it felt like a bit of a risk because women’s cricket wasn’t nearly where it is today. And I haven’t regretted my decision. I’ve absolutely loved playing cricket for as long as I have and to see the women’s game grow while I’ve been playing has been awesome.”

READ the full Laura Wolvaardt interview

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the first semi-final of the ICC Women's World Cup between England and South Africa. The winner of the clash will await the winner of the game between India and Australia in the second semi-final.