Laura Wolvaardt led from the front with a majestic 169 to help South Africa thrash England by 125 runs and reach their first-ever ODI Women’s World Cup final on Wednesday.

South Africa posted 319-7 and then bowled out England for 194 in 42.3 overs with medium-pace bowler Marizanne Kapp returning figures of 5-20 in the first semi-final in Guwahati.

The Proteas now await the winner of the second semi-final between holders Australia and India for the title clash on Sunday in the outskirts of Mumbai.

South Africa made their third straight final of a women’s World Cup -- two in T20 tournaments -- and their first in the 50-over marquee competition.

They were beaten by England in the semi-finals of the last two ODI World Cups in 2017 and 2022.

Nadine de Klerk dismissed Linsey Smith for 27 as

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