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Laura Wolvaardt’s surreal 169 led South Africa to their first Women’s ODI World Cup final, with Marizanne Kapp taking five wickets as England fell short.
Laura Wolvaardt helped South Africa outclass England by 125 runs and cruise to the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final (AP)
Skipper Laura Wolvaardt described her feelings as surreal after playing the most defining knock of her career, ensuring South Africa’s first entry into the Women’s ODI World Cup final.
Sent in to bat, Wolvaardt led from the front with a stunning 169 off 143 balls, guiding South Africa to 319 for 7 in 50 overs. The Proteas women then saw Marizanne Kapp take five wickets as England were dismissed for 194.
“It still feels a bit unreal. I think that’s sort of the thing that you dream about as a kid is scoring 100 in a World Cup, knockout game as well. Very special day and I’m so glad we won in the end. We knew the start would be crucial,” Wolvaardt said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“Very special. Everyone is really excited. Having lost to this opposition in two previous editions in the semis, it really hurt the group. Really pleased to get the win tonight.”
Praise For Brits
She also praised fellow opener Tazmin Brits (45), with whom she shared a 116-run partnership for the first wicket.
“I think Taz (Brits) and I have been really strong at the top of the order and we’ve done well at the top. We’ve sort of picked up the rest of the line-up, so really happy we were able to get that partnership up front. We did end up in front quite early.
“It was a decent wicket, so we just wanted to keep going. Really nice that we got to a big score because it was a pretty flat wicket out there. I think in the back of my mind, I know I had better shots (talking about the leg-side big hits towards the end), but I was really just wanting to get to the 40th over to let Nadine, Annerie, Chloe really work for those last 10,” Wolvaardt said. “I thought while I’m there, I might as well try and swing. So yeah, happy to go a few of those leg side boundaries. Maybe needed a bit earlier.”
Also Read: Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp Power South Africa To Their Maiden Women’s ODI World Cup Final
Although her highest ODI score is 184, she had no hesitation in terming the 169 as her best effort in terms of significance.
“Probably has to be the top (ranking her knock), I think just the context of the game, World Cup semi-final. Winning the game against a very strong side, a very strong bowling attack. Yeah, I think it’s right up there.”
(With inputs from PTI)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
Guwahati [Gauhati], India, India
October 29, 2025, 22:53 IST
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