Cricket South Africa
The Momentum Proteas have succumbed meekly to England in the ICC Women's World Cup semi-finals at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Chasing a challenging 294 for victory, the Proteas were bowled out for 156 in 38 overs to lose comprehensively by 137 runs.
In their run-chase, South Africa never recovered from a disastrous start in which they lost the tournament's leading run scorer Laura Wolfaardt for a second ball duck and the out of sorts Lizelle Lee for 2 off 15 deliveries.
Captain Sune Luus fell for 21 and Lara Goodall for 29 after they had tried to steady the ship but their departure in quick succession signaled the beginning of the end for South Africa.
Earlier, England made a competitive 293 for 8 in their 50 overs after being sent in to bat - opener Danni Wyatt top-scoring with 129 off 125 balls.
The defending champions England will now play Australia in Sunday's final at the same Hagley Oval venue.
South Africa narrowly lost to England in the semi-finals of the last women's World Cup in Bristol in 2017 and had hoped for a reversal of fortunes this year.
The signs were looking good after the Proteas beat England in the group stages of this edition but sadly, a first-ever appearance in a women's World Cup final once again eluded them.
