Who is Laura Wolvaardt: South Africa’s captain and star batter Laura Wolvaardt has once again proven why she’s among the finest batters in world cricket. In a commanding display of skill, temperament, and class, Wolvaardt scored her first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup century during the semi-final clash against England, a milestone that has placed her firmly among the greats of the game.
One of the all-time great @cricketworldcup knocks from Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt 🥵
Watch #ENGvSA LIVE in your region, #CWC25 broadcast details here ➡️ https://t.co/QNFzetGCoq pic.twitter.com/RTMoraHVYk---Advertisement---— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) October 29, 2025
Before this remarkable innings, Wolvaardt, despite her prolific form in international cricket had never reached the three-figure mark in an ODI World Cup. That changed dramatically on October 29, 2025, as the 26-year-old produced a masterclass at the biggest stage of all.
After being asked to bat first, Wolvaardt led from the front with a near-perfect knock that combined elegance with aggression. She took the attack to England’s bowlers early on, especially targeting left-arm spinner Linsey Smith, while keeping the scoreboard ticking throughout the powerplay.
What made the innings even more special was Wolvaardt’s ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate. Even as wickets fell around her, she continued to dominate with a blend of textbook drives and innovative strokes.
Her partnership with Marizanne Kapp added 72 crucial runs, following an impressive 116-run opening stand that set the tone for South Africa’s innings. After Kapp’s dismissal, Wolvaardt took charge, steering her team past the 250-run mark and bringing up her maiden World Cup ton, a moment that will be etched in South African cricket history.
This century wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was a record-breaking feat. Wolvaardt became the first captain to score a century in a Women’s World Cup knockout match, marking a new chapter in the tournament’s history. The innings also took her tally to ten ODI centuries, placing her joint fifth on the all-time list of most centuries in Women’s ODIs, a testament to her remarkable consistency.
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| Player | Runs | Opponent | Stage | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harmanpreet Kaur | 171* | Australia Women | Semi-Final | 2017 | India won |
| Alyssa Healy | 170 | England Women | Final | 2022 | Australia won |
| Laura Wolvaardt (*) | 169 | England Women | Semi-Final | 2025 | South Africa TBD |
| Nat Sciver-Brunt | 148* | Australia Women | Final | 2022 | England lost |
At just 26, Wolvaardt has already become a cornerstone of South African cricket, known for her composure, leadership, and classical batting technique. Her stunning performance in the 2025 Women’s World Cup has not only made her the tournament’s highest run-scorer but also one of its defining figures.
As South Africa eyes their maiden World Cup final berth, Wolvaardt’s century against England will go down as one of the most inspiring knocks in the history of women’s cricket, a blend of grace, grit, and greatness from a player at the peak of her powers.
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