South Africa’s dynamic captain, Laura Wolvaardt, is truly having a dream run in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. She’s just added another magnificent achievement to her career, making history during the high-stakes final against India at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
While tirelessly chasing India’s challenging target of 298 runs, Wolvaardt led her team with exceptional poise. At the 15-over mark, she remained unbeaten with a fluent 43 runs off just 39 balls, guiding South Africa to a score of 78 for two during the drinks break. Her innings, adorned with five exquisite fours and a powerful six, once again underscored her consistent brilliance and commanding presence at the top of the batting order.
With this impressive performance, Wolvaardt has officially become the highest run-scorer in a single edition of the Women’s ODI World Cup. She has surpassed the previous record held by Australia’s Alyssa Healy from 2022. Wolvaardt’s incredible tally now stands at 526 runs and counting in the 2025 tournament, eclipsing Healy’s 509 runs.
All-Time Most Runs in a Single Women’s World Cup Edition
- 526* – Laura Wolvaardt (2025)
- 509 – Alyssa Healy (2022)
- 497 – Rachael Haynes (2022)
- 456 – Debbie Hockley (1997)
- 448 – Lindsay Reeler (1988)
Earlier in the day, after a brief rain delay, India batted first and posted a formidable total of 298 for seven wickets. This strong score was largely thanks to a blistering 87-run knock from Shafali Verma and a well-composed 58 runs from Deepti Sharma. Valuable contributions also came from Smriti Mandhana (45) and Richa Ghosh (34 off 24 balls), collectively helping India achieve the second-highest total ever recorded in a Women’s World Cup final.
For the South African bowling attack, Ayabonga Khaka was the standout performer, claiming three crucial wickets for 58 runs. She received support from Nonkululeko Mlaba and Chloe Tryon, who each managed to secure one wicket.
In the early stages of their chase, South Africa faced setbacks, losing Tazmin Brits (23) and Anneke Bosch (0) relatively quickly. However, Wolvaardt bravely anchored one end of the innings, building a crucial partnership with Sune Luus until the drinks interval.
As this gripping final unfolds, Laura Wolvaardt’s phenomenal, record-breaking achievement shines brightly, promising an unforgettable spectacle with potentially more milestones yet to be set in Navi Mumbai.