ENG W VS SA W 1ST SEMI FINAL

Right then, we have our first finalist. For the third year in a row, South Africa are one step away from glory, having previously endured heartbreaks in the 2023 and 2024 T20 World Cup finals. They now await the winner of the second semifinal between Australia and India, which will take place at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, 30th October. Fingers crossed the weather stays clear because it promises to be a blockbuster contest. The first ball will be bowled at 9.30 am GMT, but make sure to join us early for all the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!

South Africa's captain, Laura Wolvaardt, expresses her delight after the win, saying it was 'very special' and a sweet revenge against the team that had beaten them in the last two World Cup semi-finals. She admits that the memory of their 69 all-out loss did linger, but losing the toss didn't bother her too much, as she would have opted to bowl anyway. Wolvaardt stresses the importance of having runs on the board in a knockout game and was pleased with her bowlers' performance. She highlights the strong partnerships that defined the game, particularly the opening stand between her and Tazmin Brits. Shares that although they lost a few quick wickets, Marizanne Kapp's incredible batting took the pressure off her and allowed her to play freely. Adds that with a strong batting line-up to come, she decided to take advantage and play aggressively, and she was thrilled with how it ended.

The captain of England, Nat Sciver-Brunt admits that they were not at their best and you have to put in a whole game together, if you are to beat the top teams. Mentions that they are hugely disappointed as a side but feels that they did not let the game drift away despite the start South Africa had with the bat and stuck at it as a side. Believes that they did not let the occasion get to themselves, and she is pleased with the energy shown by the group. Praises Laura Wolvaardt for the way she batted. Admits that Marizanne Kapp bowled brilliantly upfront, and losing early wickets made it all the more difficult in the chase. Tells that this loss will hurt, but she hopes to take the lessons from this defeat and move forward.

The skipper of South Africa, Laura Wolvaardt is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for her stunning knock of 169 runs from 143 balls. She is overjoyed, feeling like she's living a dream on this special day. She credits her solid start with Tazmin Brits, saying they planned to go out strong and build a partnership. As for her aggressive approach towards the end, Laura reveals she aimed to reach the 40-over mark and then let her game flow freely. On her century, Laura states that it ranks high on her list due to the big stage of the semi-final match.

Time for the presentation ceremony...

Earlier, after being asked to bat first, South Africa’s skipper, Laura Wolvaardt, lit up the stage with a magnificent 169. Her 116-run opening stand with Tazmin Brits set the perfect platform before England hit back with a few quick strikes. The arrival of Marizanne Kapp eased the pressure on Wolvaardt and ensured the innings stayed on track. There was another phase when England picked up wickets in clusters to claw their way back, but once Sophie Ecclestone was done with her spell, Wolvaardt went into overdrive. Towards the end, contributions from Chloe Tryon and Nadine De Klerk took Proteas to 319. Ecclestone stood out with the ball with figures of 4 for 44 from 10 overs, including a maiden.

After Capsey perished, Danni Wyatt-Hodge came in with intent and kept the momentum going. Marizanne Kapp had gone off the field due to cramps after her first spell, and upon her return, she had to serve time out before being eligible to bowl again. But once she was allowed to, she delivered handsomely. Even with the old ball, Kapp managed to extract movement off the seam, first claiming the prized scalp of the English captain before striking twice more to dent England further and complete a superb five-wicket haul. That effort from Kapp in the second spell effectively sealed the fate of the game.

History stood between England and a place in the final, as 264 was the highest total they had ever chased in an ODI. The pursuit, though, could not have started any worse. Marizanne Kapp’s double strike and one from Ayabonga Khaka left them reeling at 1/3. Alice Capsey and Nat Sciver-Brunt then joined forces to steady the ship. The pair rotated the strike smartly and picked up the odd boundary to forge the recovery. At the halfway stage, there wasn’t much to separate the two sides. Both had identical scores of 119, though England had lost two more wickets.

Ghosts of Bristol and Christchurch have been laid to rest in Guwahati! South Africa have overcome their semifinal heartbreaks from 2017 and 2022 to reach their first-ever ODI World Cup final. The celebrations have begun in the Proteas camp. Smiles, hugs, and pure joy all around as they remind themselves that just one final push remains. England were far from their best with the ball, and after the way their chase began, it was always going to be an uphill task. In the end, they were simply outplayed by the better side on the night.

OUT! CAUGHT! SOUTH AFRICA ARE IN THE FINAL! Pace taken off by Nadine De Klerk, fuller in length, at the sticks. Linsey Smith swings hard to go down the ground. Ends up slicing it off the outer half to the right of mid off. Sune Luus moves to her right and slides to take a safe catch. South Africa win by 125 runs and reach their first-ever ODI World Cup final!

OUT! CAUGHT! SOUTH AFRICA ARE IN THE FINAL! Pace taken off by Nadine De Klerk, fuller in length, at the sticks. Linsey Smith swings hard to go down the ground. Ends up slicing it off the outer half to the right of mid off. Sune Luus moves to her right and slides to take a safe catch. South Africa win by 125 runs and reach their first-ever ODI World Cup final!

On a short of a length, on off, Smith slaps it hard back towards the bowler. Nadine De Klerk gets low on her follow-through to make the stop.

Attempts the pace-off delivery but ends up bowling a low full toss, on middle. Linsey Smith swipes it hard but Laura Wolvaardt at mid-wicket dives to her right to cut it off.

FOUR! Short of a length around off, Lauren Bell goes deep in her crease and smashes this over the bowler for a boundary down the ground.

Fuller on middle and off, Lauren Bell defends this out.

Tossed up on middle and leg, Lauren Bell pushes this back to the bowler.

Flighted on off, Lauren Bell blocks to mid on.