Did South Africa's Wolvaardt Become the Highest Run-Getter in a Single Edition of the Women's World Cup?
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Key Takeaways
Navi Mumbai, Nov 2 (NationPress) South Africa's captain Laura Wolvaardt has made history even before the conclusion of their Women's ODI World Cup final against India at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.
Wolvaardt, showcasing exceptional form throughout the tournament, spearheaded the chase of 299 runs as they aimed for their first title in this format. During this match, she scored her fifth half-century of the event, becoming the highest run-scorer in a single edition of the tournament's history.
The Proteas Women batter surpassed the previous record of 509 runs set by Australia's captain Alyssa Healy in the 2021/22 edition in New Zealand, where she maintained an average of 56.55.
Wolvaardt's remarkable consistency further solidified her place in Women’s World Cup history, as she now holds two additional records. She leads the charts for the most 50-plus scores in Women's ODI World Cup history, with a total of 14, surpassing India's Mithali Raj, who had 13.
Additionally, Wolvaardt has matched the record for the most 50-plus scores in a single edition of the tournament, joining New Zealand’s Debbie Hockley, Australia’s Ellyse Perry, and her own previous achievement.
In the semifinal against England, Wolvaardt delivered a stellar performance, scoring 169 runs, contributing to a formidable total of 319 in Guwahati. England faltered, getting bowled out for 194.
She also made significant contributions with scores of 90, 70, and 60 not out against Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka, respectively, during the group stage.
As South Africa advances in the final, Wolvaardt’s composed leadership and technical prowess continue to underscore her reputation as one of the most reliable batters in global cricket. Her ability to excel under pressure has made her the cornerstone of the Proteas’ batting lineup and a pivotal figure in the 2025 World Cup.