NEW DELHI: Marizanne Kapp etched her name in cricketing folklore on Wednesday, producing a record-shattering performance to propel South Africa into their first-ever ICC World Cup final — across men’s or women’s cricket. The veteran all-rounder delivered a spell for the ages as the Proteas thrashed England by 125 runs in the Women’s World Cup semi-final at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The 35-year-old was at her ruthless best, dismantling the four-time champions with a fiery opening burst. Kapp dismissed two English batters in her very first over before finishing with sensational figures of 5 for 20 in seven overs, including the prized scalps of Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Amy Jones. England were bowled out for 194 while chasing 319, collapsing under relentless pressure from Kapp and her teammates.With this feat, Kapp surpassed Indian legend Jhulan Goswami’s record of 43 wickets to become the leading wicket-taker in Women’s World Cup history — her 44th coming fittingly in a knockout clash that defined South Africa’s sporting history. She also became only the third player ever to claim a five-wicket haul in a World Cup knockout, joining Anya Shrubsole and Sophie Ecclestone.
Most wickets in Women’s Cricket World Cup history
- 44 – Marizanne Kapp, South Africa (2009-25)
- 43 – Jhulan Goswami, India (2005-22)
- 39 – Lyn Fullston, Australia (1982–88)
- 39 – Megan Schutt, Australia (2013-25)
- 37 – Carole Hodges, England (1982–93)
- 37 – Sophie Ecclestone, England (2022-25)
Remarkably, Kapp is now the first player to take two five-wicket hauls against the same opponent in World Cup history, having previously dismantled England in 2022 with 5 for 45 at Mount Maunganui.Earlier in the day, captain Laura Wolvaardt blazed 169 off 143 balls, guiding South Africa to a commanding 319 for 7. Supported by Tazmin Brits (45) and Kapp (42), her innings laid the perfect platform for the bowlers to dominate.England’s chase never recovered from Kapp’s early double blow despite Sciver-Brunt (64) and Alice Capsey (50) fighting back briefly.As Wolvaardt lifted her arms in triumph, Kapp stood tall — rewriting records and leading South Africa to their first-ever ODI World Cup final.
