Laura Wolvaardt Shatters Records But South Africa Fall Short in Dramatic World Cup Final

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt etched her name into cricket history with a record-breaking performance at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, but it was India who lifted the trophy after a gripping final in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

Wolvaardt, 26, became the highest run-scorer in a single edition of the Women’s ODI World Cup, finishing with a staggering 571 runs in 9 innings at an average of 71.37, including two centuries and three fifties—surpassing the previous record set by Australia’s Alyssa Healy in 2022[3][4][5]. Her composure and authority at the top of the order have now placed her among women’s cricket’s all-time greats, inching closer to New Zealand legend Debbie Hockley’s all-time World Cup runs record[4].

In the tournament’s ultimate showdown, Wolvaardt scored a fighting 101 off 98 balls, her second consecutive century after a blistering 169 in the semi-finals[1][2]. Despite her heroics, South Africa fell short by 52 runs, chasing India’s target of 298, and were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs[1][8]. Wolvaardt’s lone fight was not enough, as India’s Deepti Sharma took 5 wickets for 39 runs and Shafali Verma contributed with both bat and ball to clinch victory for the hosts[1].

Reflecting on the campaign, Wolvaardt expressed immense pride in her team’s resilience, highlighting their ability to bounce back from heavy defeats and register notable victories, including over India in the group stages and England in the semi-finals[1]. “I could not be prouder of this team for the campaign we had,” she said, acknowledging India’s superiority on the day and emphasizing the growth her squad would take from the experience[1][7].

Wolvaardt’s consistency is further underscored by her record for the most 50-plus scores in Women’s World Cup history—14 in just 24 matches—ahead of legends like Mithali Raj, Debbie Hockley, and Charlotte Edwards[4]. Her achievements have not only set new benchmarks but also inspired a generation of cricketers in South Africa and beyond.

As the dust settles on a thrilling World Cup, Laura Wolvaardt emerges not just as a prolific run-machine, but as a leader who carried her team’s hopes to the very end, redefining excellence in women’s ODI cricket[3][4][5]. While the trophy eluded South Africa this time, Wolvaardt’s records and spirit have left an indelible mark on the tournament’s legacy.