England faced a tough exit from the Women’s World Cup, losing to South Africa by 125 runs in the semi-finals. South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt delivered a stunning performance, scoring 169 runs off 143 balls. This helped her team set a daunting total of 319-7 in Guwahati.
England’s chase began disastrously. They quickly fell to 1-3, with Amy Jones, Tammy Beaumont, and Heather Knight all getting out for zero. Marizanne Kapp took two key wickets, and Ayabonga Khaka dismissed Beaumont. Thankfully, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey steadied the ship with a solid partnership of 105 runs.
However, the pressure was relentless. Capsey fell shortly after reaching her first ODI fifty, and Kapp struck again by getting Knight out for 64. Kapp’s remarkable bowling performance was capped with figures of 5-20 as England collapsed to 194 all out.
While England struggled with their batting, they were often at the mercy of Wolvaardt’s excellent innings. She timed her shots perfectly and played without a mistake. After 40 overs, South Africa was at 202-5, with Wolvaardt sitting comfortably on 101. In a thrilling finish, they added 117 runs in just the last 10 overs.
Sophie Ecclestone was a bright spot for England, taking 4 wickets for 44 runs despite nursing a shoulder injury. She made a significant impact in one over where South Africa went from 116-0 to 119-3. However, Kapp’s quick 42 runs and Wolvaardt’s fireworks, with assistance from Chloe Tryon’s 33 not out, sealed the victory for South Africa.
This win marks a historic moment for South Africa as they prepare for their first World Cup final, where they’ll face either India or Australia. With cricket evolving rapidly, fans are excited to see how these top teams will perform on the world stage.
As we look back, this match is part of a larger trend in women’s cricket where competition has become fiercer. According to a recent ICC report, women’s cricket has seen a 20% increase in viewership over the last few years, showcasing growing interest and investment in the game. It’s clear that the women’s game is on the rise, promising thrilling matches and exceptional talent in the future.
Source link
