Door Closed Firmly Shut’: Wolvaardt’s Blitz Ends England’s Hopes

Just as England saw an opening at 202 for six, Laura Wolvaardt “hit out and the door to a World Cup final closed firmly shut.” Her 169, capped by a 28-ball, 69-run blitz, powered South Africa to a 125-run victory and their first-ever final.
England’s Sophie Ecclestone had been heroic, taking four wickets despite a shoulder injury. With her 10 overs bowled, England needed to contain the rest.
But Wolvaardt seized the moment. She attacked England’s remaining bowlers with impunity, taking 20 runs off one Linsey Smith over. Her assault pushed the total to 319 for seven, a score that was out of reach.
The door that Wolvaardt shut was then locked by Marizanne Kapp. Her five-for-20, which started with a double-wicket maiden, left England at one for three.
England were bowled out for 194, their hopes dashed by Wolvaardt’s definitive, game-ending assault.