Alice Capsey’s maiden one-day international fifty was a lone bright spot for England in an otherwise dismal 125-run semi-final defeat to South Africa. The loss ended their World Cup, while the Proteas advanced to their first-ever final.
Capsey and Nat Sciver-Brunt added 107 for the fourth wicket, offering a flicker of hope after a catastrophic start. England had collapsed to one for three, with their top three batters all dismissed for ducks by a fiery Marizanne Kapp.
Kapp, who started with a double-wicket maiden, returned to break the partnership, dismissing Sciver-Brunt and eventually finishing with five for 20. Her haul also made her the all-time leading wicket-taker in 50-over World Cups.
The massive 320-run target was the handiwork of South African captain Laura Wolvaardt. She hit a stunning 169, accelerating wildly at the death to score 69 runs from just 28 balls.
England, despite four wickets from Sophie Ecclestone, had no answer to Wolvaardt’s late charge. Capsey’s courageous knock was ultimately in vain as England were bowled out for 194.