Laura Wolvaardt Leads ICC Women’s World Cup Team of the Tournament

South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt has officially been crowned the standout star of the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup. The Proteas captain not only broke records with the bat but was also named captain of the ICC Team of the Tournament, cementing her status as one of the best batters in world cricket.

Record-Breaking Run Machine

Wolvaardt’s performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of extraordinary. She finished as the top run-scorer with 571 runs at an average of 71.37, the highest total ever recorded at an ICC Women’s World Cup. Her back-to-back centuries in the semi-final and final were defining moments the kind that turn promising players into national icons.

Social media erupted with praise for the Proteas skipper, with fans calling her “a generational talent” and “the calm that carried South Africa to greatness.”

Proteas Pride Shines Through

Wolvaardt isn’t flying the South African flag alone. Teammates Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk also earned places in the elite ICC XI. Kapp, known for her consistency and composure under pressure, showcased her all-round brilliance with two half-centuries and 12 wickets, including a career-best 5-20 against England in the semi-final a performance that secured her place in history as the leading wicket-taker in Women’s World Cup history.

De Klerk, meanwhile, continued to rise as one of South Africa’s most versatile cricketers. Her unbeaten 84 off 54 balls against India turned the tide in the group stages, proving her ability to shift gears and dominate world-class bowling.

Global Greats Recognised

India, the tournament champions, also have three players in the side: Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma, while Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, and Alana King make the cut after yet another strong campaign. England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone, along with Pakistan wicketkeeper Sidra Nawaz, complete the 12-player squad.

A New Era for South African Women’s Cricket

For South Africa, Wolvaardt’s recognition feels like more than just an individual honour. It represents a shift in women’s cricket proof that the Proteas are no longer the underdogs, but serious contenders on the world stage.

As one fan put it on X : “Laura Wolvaardt didn’t just captain a team she inspired a generation.”

Her journey from a promising teen prodigy in Milnerton to leading the world’s best speaks to South Africa’s growing cricket culture, one that continues to challenge global powerhouses and redefine excellence.

ICC Women’s World Cup Team of the Tournament:
Smriti Mandhana, Laura Wolvaardt (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Marizanne Kapp, Ashleigh Gardner, Deepti Sharma, Annabel Sutherland, Nadine de Klerk, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Alana King, Sophie Ecclestone, Nat Sciver-Brunt (12th player)

{Source:SABC Sports}

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