The Proteas were dominant in every aspect of the game, in what was the third semi-final between these two teams at a Cricket World Cup. The victory on Thursday also marked a third straight World Cup final for the Proteas, following their runs to the T20 World Cup finals in South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

The Proteas batted first, and captain Laura Wolvaardt played a true skipper’s innings, smashing a majestic 169 off 143 balls to guide her team to 319/7 in their allotted 50 overs.

Marizanne Kapp - Cricinfo

Wolvaardt brought up her first World Cup ton, striking 20 fours and four sixes in a sparkling knock that oozed class and composure. The Klerksdorp-born Tazmin Brits chipped in with a solid 45 off 65 balls, while Marizanne Kapp provided great support with 42 off 33 deliveries.

At the back end of the innings, Chloé Tryon added an unbeaten 33, while Nadine de Klerk was not out on 11 as South Africa set England a record total to chase in a World Cup semi-final.

Spinner Sophie Ecclestone was the pick of the English bowlers with 4/44 in her 10 overs, while seamer Lauren Bell returned figures of 2/55 in her spell.

Laura Wolvaardt - Cricinfo

In reply, England’s chase got off to the worst possible start when Kapp bowled Amy Jones and the experienced Heather Knight for a duck in a stunning double-wicket maiden over.

To make matters worse, Tammy Beaumont was dismissed with the first legal delivery of the second over, bowled by Ayabonga Khaka, leaving England reeling at 1/3. A 107-run stand for the fourth wicket between captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey steadied things briefly before Capsey was dismissed by Suné Luus for 50.

Sciver-Brunt followed soon after, edging Kapp to wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta for 64, leaving England on 138/5.

Laura Wolvaardt - Cricinfo

That dismissal broke England’s resistance, despite a determined 34 from Danni Wyatt-Hodge and 27 from Linsey Smith. De Klerk wrapped things up in the 43rd over, dismissing Smith as the final wicket to fall, with England bowled out for 194.

Kapp was exceptional with the ball, taking 5/20 in seven overs, while De Klerk chipped in with 2/24 from 5.3 overs.

Following the historic win, Wolvaardt said reaching the World Cup final for the first time was truly special for her and the team.

Marizanne Kapp - Cricinfo

“Very special - everyone is really excited. Having lost to this opposition in two previous editions in the semis, it really hurt the group,” Wolvaardt said.

“I’m really pleased to get the win tonight. Same opposition, same venue - your mind automatically goes back to that game. Losing the toss wasn’t the worst thing in the world. We would’ve bowled first, but it worked out pretty well.

“Not sure it was enough runs, but I’m really happy with the way our bowlers performed. It was a game of partnerships. Taz and I started really well, then we lost a couple of quick wickets. Kappie was amazing, taking the pressure off me.

Tazmin Brits - Cricinfo

“She kept going, and in the last ten overs I thought I’d better have a swing.

“They were 1/3 - definitely didn’t expect that. Kappie was phenomenal. Amazing to see her bowling like that. What she offers with the bat makes her a two-in-one player, and that’s incredible.

“It’s very special. The way this tournament has played out has been fair, and we’ve played some really good cricket. I’m proud of the group.”

The Proteas will now wait to see who they face in the final - the winner of Thursday’s second semi-final between defending champions Australia and co-hosts India. Play in DY Patil is scheduled to start at 11:30.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport