South Africa’s women’s cricket team delivered a spirited performance in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, earning high praise from International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah. The Proteas, led by captain Laura Wolvaardt, impressed fans worldwide with their fighting spirit and top-class cricket throughout the tournament.
Wolvaardt once again proved why she is considered one of the finest batters in women’s cricket. In the high-octane final against India in Navi Mumbai, the 26-year-old captain scored a brilliant 101 off just 98 balls, anchoring her side’s chase and demonstrating exceptional skill under pressure.
Her performance in the World Cup was nothing short of phenomenal. Wolvaardt finished as the highest run-scorer in a single edition of the Women’s World Cup, amassing 571 runs in nine innings at an outstanding average of 71.37. Her tally included two magnificent centuries and three crucial fifties, cementing her status as the backbone of the South African batting lineup.
ICC chairman Jay Shah lauded Wolvaardt and the South African team for their remarkable campaign. Taking to X, he wrote, “What a tournament for @ProteasWomenCSA who finished runners-up after being superbly led by the run-machine Laura Wolvaardt! The crowds, the record audiences and the standard of play at @cricketworldcup showed how bright the future of the women’s game is!”
What a tournament for @ProteasWomenCSA who finished runners-up after being superbly led by the run-machine Laura Wolvaardt!
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) November 3, 2025
The crowds, the record audiences and the standard of play at @cricketworldcup showed how bright the future of the women’s game is!
The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 not only showcased thrilling cricket but also highlighted the growing global popularity of women’s cricket, with record-breaking crowds and high-quality matches throughout the tournament. South Africa’s journey, driven by Wolvaardt’s brilliance, reflects a bright future for the women’s game and sets a benchmark for upcoming international competitions.
