• Wolvaardt: This tops everything

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    Laura Wolvaardt says her record-breaking century in the Women’s ODI World Cup semi-final against England is the highlight of her career.

    The Proteas Women captain was in sublime form, smashing 169 off 143 balls – the highest score by a captain in a Women’s ODI World Cup knockout match – to guide her team to their first-ever final.

    “It still feels a bit unreal,” Wolvaardt said. “This is something you dream about as a kid – getting a century in a World Cup. It’s a very special day and I’m so glad we won in the end.

    “We knew the start would be crucial. Tazmin Brits and I have been strong at the top of the order and that feeds into the rest of the line-up. It was a good wicket, and it was great that we got to a big score on a flat pitch.

    “This has to be at the top of my career. To win this against such a strong bowling side, this is right up there.”

    Wolvaardt’s heroics were backed up by an outstanding bowling display from all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, who took 5-42 and became the leading wicket-taker in Women’s ODI World Cup history.

    Kapp dismissed Amy Jones and Heather Knight in her opening over before removing Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophia Dunkley and Charlie Dean to surpass India legend Jhulan Goswami’s record.

    “Kappie was phenomenal,” said Wolvaardt. “It’s amazing to see her bowling like that. What she offers with the bat as well makes her a two-in-one player, and that’s incredible.”

    Kapp, who had taken just seven wickets in the tournament before the semi-final, said she was determined to deliver when it mattered most.

    “To be honest, I probably haven’t had the best World Cup personally,” she admitted. “Coming into this game, I knew I was due a good performance. I feel like in past semi-finals I haven’t contributed the way I should have, so I’m really happy that tonight I could make a difference.”

    The 35-year-old added that the team is determined to go one step further in Sunday’s final against Australia or India.

    “I’m very proud of the girls and the way we’ve been performing over the last couple of years. Not a lot of people believed in us. The job is still not done, but we’ll enjoy tonight.”

    Photo: Prakash Singh/Getty Images

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    Simon Borchardt