Women’s World Cup 2025 : Nat Sciver-Brunt and other English players hail Laura Wolvaardt’s century in Semi-final 1

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The much-anticipated first semi-final clash of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 between South Africa Women and England Women unfolded at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on October 29, 2025. South Africa, who had faced England in the group stage with a heavy defeat, came into this knockout encounter with renewed vigour and determination. Opting to bat first, the South African side was driven by their skipper Laura Wolvaardt, who delivered a spectacular innings that lit up the stadium. Her masterful batting laid the foundation for a formidable total, setting the stage for an enthralling contest.

Wolvaardt stole the show with an extraordinary knock of 169 runs off just 143 balls, striking 20 boundaries and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 118.18. Opening with Tazmin Brits, who contributed a steady 45, Wolvaardt took charge with relentless attacking strokes, maintaining control even as wickets fell around her. Her innings was a testament to both skill and character, accumulating a record-breaking score that surpasses any South African woman’s individual World Cup effort.

As Wolvaardt finally fell on the last ball of the 48th over to a slower delivery from England’s Lauren Bell—held comfortably by Alice Capsey at long-on—the England fielders, led by captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, were quick to show respect. Sciver-Brunt ran up to Wolvaardt, applauding her magnificent performance, with Bell offering a congratulatory pat and handshakes exchanged all around. It was a moment of sportsmanship that highlighted the spirit of the game, as Laura walked back to the pavilion with her head held high.

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Also READ: ‘I am on my feet applauding’: Fans erupt as Laura Wolvaardt smashes stunning century against England in Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinal

Building on Wolvaardt’s stellar effort, South Africa posted a daunting total of 319 runs for 7 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Apart from the captain’s brilliance, Marizanne Kapp added valuable support with 42 runs, while the lower order chipped in timely runs including an unbeaten 33 from Chloe Tryon and 11 from Nadine de Klerk towards the end. Despite losing a few wickets in the middle overs, the Proteas managed to keep the scoreboard ticking at a competitive rate, thanks in large part to solid partnerships and aggressive death batting.

England’s bowling was led by Sophie Ecclestone, who took 4 wickets for 44 runs, and Bell who claimed 2 wickets, but the South African innings’ backbone was unquestionably Wolvaardt’s monumental knock that has put England under immense pressure.

The stage is set for an exciting chase as England Women face the daunting target on a pitch that witnessed some top-class cricketing prowess, with Sciver-Brunt and her team needing to summon their best to counter the challenge posed by South Africa’s resilient and record-breaking performance.​

Also READ: Meg Lanning predicts the finalists of Women’s World Cup 2025

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.