The Proteas Women’s team were unable to cross the final hurdle, losing to India Women’s Team by 52 runs in the final of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Despite the defeat, captain Laura Wolvaardt’s extraordinary tournament saw her break multiple records, underscoring a campaign of firsts for the Proteas.
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Wolvaardt’s Record-Breaking Campaign
Laura Wolvaardt ended the tournament as its leading run-scorer, piling up 571 runs at an average of 71.37. Her unbeaten 169 in the semi-final earlier had set the tone. In the final, she top-scored with 101, becoming the first South African woman to record two hundreds in one edition of the World Cup.
Along the way, she overtook Australia’s Alyssa Healy for the most runs in a single edition of the Women’s World Cup and now holds the record for the most 50-plus scores in World Cup history with 14.
Final: A Historic Day, But a Tough Outcome
In the final, India batted first and posted 298/7 thanks to key contributions, before bowling out the Proteas for 246 in the 46th over. Wolvaardt’s heroic century anchored a solid chase attempt, but when she fell in the 42nd over, the momentum swung. India’s bowling attack, led by Deepti Sharma’s 5/39, tightened the screws and prevented South Africa from completing a remarkable tournament finish.
Legacy Beyond the Final
While the final result wasn’t the one they hoped for, this Proteas squad, under Wolvaardt’s leadership, have redefined South Africa’s place in the women’s game. For Wolvaardt, the records are now matched by leadership, her calm presence at the top of the innings and ability to raise her game on the biggest stage earned wide praise.
Looking Ahead
There’s no shame in coming second when you’ve set new benchmarks. South Africa return home with a foundation of belief and measurable improvement. For Laura Wolvaardt, this tournament may well be a launching pad for even greater heights. If she and the team continue on this upward trajectory, the next chapter could be even more rewarding.
