Captain’s Innings for the Ages, Laura Wolvaardt’s Masterclass in Guwahati

Karen Scheepers
2 hours ago
2 min read

South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt produced one of the greatest innings in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup history during the semi-final against England at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. Her magnificent 169 off 143 balls, featuring 20 fours and 4 sixes, not only anchored the Proteas’ innings but also rewrote record books, lifting South Africa to a commanding 319/7 in 50 overs and putting them one step closer to a maiden World Cup final.

Leading from the Front

From the first over, Wolvaardt looked in supreme control. After early wickets fell around her, the captain showed immense composure, steadying the innings with her trademark poise and technical precision. Her cover drives were a masterclass in timing, and her ability to rotate strike kept the scoreboard moving through the middle overs.

Reaching her century off 112 balls, Wolvaardt shifted gears effortlessly, punishing England’s bowlers with a blend of placement and power. Her acceleration in the final 10 overs, adding nearly 70 runs to her tally, ensured South Africa posted their highest total of the tournament.

By the time she was finally dismissed in the 48th over, bowled for 169, she had set a new benchmark for batting excellence. It was not only the highest individual score of the 2025 Women’s World Cup, but also one of the finest ODI knocks ever played by a South African.

Milestone Moment — 5,000 ODI Runs

In the midst of her commanding innings, Wolvaardt quietly reached another monumental milestone , becoming the first South African woman to surpass 5,000 career ODI runs. At just 26 years old, she is now the second-fastest player in women’s cricket history to achieve the feat and ranks among the top six all-time run-scorers in the format.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the consistency she’s shown since debuting as a teenager. Wolvaardt remains the youngest South African, male or female, to score an international century, a record she still holds. Her progression from prodigy to captain has been marked not by pressure, but by perfection.

A Captain Unshaken by Leadership

Taking on the captaincy often weighs heavily on players, but for Wolvaardt, it’s been a catalyst for greater heights. Her form since donning the armband has been nothing short of sensational, showing the calm authority of a leader and the hunger of a champion.

In 2023, she racked up three unbeaten centuries in 12 matches, including a career-best 184 against Sri Lanka*, and has carried that form into 2025. Her leadership by example has become a defining feature of this South African team, resilient, composed, and quietly confident under pressure.

Setting Up the Semi-Final Stage

As the Proteas finished on 319/7, adding an explosive 117 runs in the final 10 overs, Wolvaardt’s innings gave her bowlers the perfect platform to defend. With England’s chase yet to begin, South Africa now have momentum, belief, and a captain leading by example.

Whether or not this innings becomes the foundation of South Africa’s first-ever appearance in a Women’s World Cup final, Laura Wolvaardt’s 169 will stand as a defining moment, a testament to skill, temperament, and leadership at its peak.

Image Credits: SuperSport Cricket and Cricket South Africa