Proteas Women hero Laura Wolvaardt hails best ever knock in semi-final masterclass

Just weeks ago, the South African women were knocked over for just 69 by England in their World Cup opener. On Wednesday in Guwahati, being put into bat again, Wolvaardt was under pressure. But the Milnerton native rose to the occasion.

Wolvaardt was aggressive from the first ball and went on to rack up her tenth century as wickets fell around her. She teed off at the back end of the innings, bludgeoning the England attack all over the park. The right-hander would eventually hole out for 169 of just 143 balls, taking the Proteas Women over the 300 mark and putting one foot in their maiden final.

The swashbuckling innings fell short of her highest, a 184 not out against Sri Lanka in Potchefstroom, but given the gravity of the occassion, Walvaardt ranked it as her best.

"Has to be at the top," said the 26-year-old in the post-match interview.

"In the context of the game, World Cup semi-final, winning a game against a strong side, a strong bowling line-up, has to be right up there.

"Still feels a bit unreal. Sort of thing you dream about - scoring a hundred in a World Cup, and in a knockout game. Special day.

"In the back of my mind, I knew I had those shots. Wanted to go until the 40th over, and then, while I was there, thought might as well try to whack a few."

And whack she did, collecting 20 fours and four sixes on her way to a career-defining knock.

Wolvaardt also heaped praise on teammate Marizanne Kapp, who contributed 42 (off 33) with the bat and was lethal with the ball, taking a career best 5/20. Two of those scalps were in the first over of the England innings and then they were reeling at 1/3 after just seven balls.

England Women were eventually skittled for 194, marking a comfortable 125-run win for the South African ladies.

"They were 1 for 3, definitely did not expect that," added Wolvaardt.

"Kappie was phenomenal. Amazing to see her bowling like that. What she offers with the bat, she is like a two-in-one player and that is amazing."

The Proteas Women await the result of the second semifinal between reigning champions Australia and hosts India.