Wolvaardt’s 115-Ball Ton, Then 28-Ball Blitz: An Innings in Two Acts

Laura Wolvaardt played an extraordinary innings in two acts, first building a foundation with a 115-ball century, then exploding with a 28-ball blitz, to guide South Africa to a 125-run semi-final win over England. Her 169 runs were the backbone of a historic first-ever qualification for the 50-over World Cup final.
The captain’s innings was a masterclass in pacing. For two-thirds of the innings, she was the anchor, navigating a tricky period where Sophie Ecclestone’s four wickets had England believing they could restrict the total.
But after reaching her hundred, Wolvaardt unleashed carnage. She added 69 runs from her next 28 deliveries, hitting four sixes and demoralizing the English attack. Her assault propelled South Africa to 319 for seven, a total that proved well beyond England.
England’s chase began with a disaster, as Marizanne Kapp claimed a double-wicket maiden. At one for three, with the top order all registering ducks, the match was effectively over as a contest.
Kapp returned to complete a five-wicket haul (five for 20), ensuring there would be no miraculous comeback. It was a dominant performance from South Africa’s two biggest stars, sealing their place in Sunday’s final.