Highest individual scores for South Africa in Women’s World Cup history ft. Laura Wolvaardt

South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt has etched her name into the annals of women’s cricket history, shattering the long-standing record for the highest individual score by a Proteas player in the ICC Women’s World Cup.

In a breathtaking display of class, composure, and power-hitting during the 2025 World Cup semifinal against arch-rivals England, Wolvaardt produced an innings of a lifetime — a magnificent 169 off just 143 balls. Her heroics propelled South Africa to a formidable total of 319/7, rewriting the nation’s World Cup batting records and giving the Proteas a commanding position in the high-stakes clash.

Laura Wolvaardt’s historic knock

The right-handed opener was in imperious touch throughout her innings, blending elegant drives with calculated aggression. Her marathon 169, laced with 20 boundaries and 4 towering sixes, eclipsed Marizanne Kapp’s long-standing record of 102* set back in 2013.

Wolvaardt’s innings in Guwahati was a masterclass in building an innings under pressure. After a brisk 116-run opening partnership with Tazmin Brits (45), South Africa faced a brief collapse in the middle overs. But the skipper stood tall, stitching together crucial partnerships — including a vital 72-run stand with all-rounder Kapp (42) — before launching into a flurry of late boundaries that left the English attack helpless.

The knock was not just about runs; it was about milestones. Wolvaardt became the first South African captain to score a century in a Women’s World Cup knockout match. She also surpassed the 5,000-run landmark in Women’s ODIs — a record unmatched by any of her compatriots.

Also WATCH: Women’s World Cup 2025 – Nat Sciver-Brunt and other English players hail Laura Wolvaardt’s century in Semi-final 1

Other iconic innings for South Africa in World Cups

Marizanne Kapp (102 vs Pakistan, 2013): Before Wolvaardt’s stunning effort, Kapp’s unbeaten 102 against Pakistan in Cuttack during the 2013 World Cup was the gold standard of South African batting. Her all-round brilliance powered the Proteas to a dominant 126-run victory, setting the tone for future generations.

Linda Olivier (101 vs Ireland, 2000): South Africa’s first-ever Women’s World Cup century came from Olivier during the 2000 edition in New Zealand. Her unbeaten 101 against Ireland in Lincoln laid the foundation for a comfortable nine-wicket win and remains one of the pioneering knocks in South African women’s cricket.

Tazmin Brits (101 vs New Zealand, 2025): Brits joined the elite club earlier in the same tournament, hammering 101 against New Zealand. Her fluent stroke play guided South Africa to a crucial six-wicket triumph, and her 159-run partnership with Sune Luus was instrumental in the Proteas’ dominant group-stage run.

Also READ: ‘I am on my feet applauding’: Fans erupt as Laura Wolvaardt smashes stunning century against England in Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinal

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.