South Africa’s sheer dominance in the final overs of their innings, where they “made England’s best death bowler resemble an amateur,” sealed their 125-run victory and a historic berth in the 50-over World Cup final.
At 202 for six, England were in control. But Laura Wolvaardt, who had just hit her century, unleashed a 28-ball, 69-run assault. She slammed four sixes and took 20 runs off Linsey Smith in the 47th over.
Even after Wolvaardt fell, Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk took over, hitting 16 off Smith in the 49th. This late explosion pushed the total to 319 for seven, a score that psychologically broke the English side.
In contrast, England’s chase was a disaster from the start. Marizanne Kapp (five for 20) delivered a double-wicket maiden to leave them at one for three.
England were bowled out for 194. The match was won and lost in those final, brutal overs of the South African innings.