South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt has been named captain of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Team of the Tournament, an honour that reflects one of the most dominant individual campaigns ever seen in the competition. Fresh off a tournament where she set new performance benchmarks, Wolvaardt’s leadership and batting form made her the obvious choice to lead an all-star XI filled with the standout performers of the event.
Wolvaardt finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, smashing a remarkable 571 runs at an average over 70. Her run tally set a new record for the most runs scored in a single edition of a Women’s World Cup, underlining just how far ahead she was of her peers during the competition. Her ability to combine classical stroke-play with ruthless efficiency turned South Africa into one of the most formidable batting sides, and her reliability at the top of the order often held the innings together in pressure moments.
The defining highlight of her campaign came in the knockout stages. Wolvaardt produced a breathtaking 169 in the semi-final against England, a performance that not only demolished a world-class bowling attack but also carried South Africa into the final with authority. She followed it up with a composed 101 in the final against India, showcasing her temperament and confirming her status as one of the world’s premier batters. Although South Africa ultimately fell short in the title clash, Wolvaardt’s batting masterclass became one of the tournament’s most enduring storylines.
Her leadership was equally significant. Despite being one of the youngest captains in the competition, she showed poise, intelligence, and emotional strength throughout South Africa’s campaign. She handled pressure with composure and rallied her team through tight group-stage matches and high-intensity knockout fixtures. Her presence as both a strategic leader and an inspirational figure earned admiration from teammates, opponents, and global audiences.
The ICC’s decision to appoint Wolvaardt as captain of the all-star XI highlights her influence beyond the scoreboard. Her performances shaped the rhythm of the tournament, while her leadership helped South Africa push toward the title with conviction. Her inclusion alongside players like Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma — all representing the champion Indian side — reflects the balance and brilliance that defined this edition of the Women’s World Cup.
Laura Wolvaardt’s selection as captain is not just a recognition of a great tournament — it places her firmly among the modern greats of women’s cricket. Her 2025 campaign will be remembered as a blueprint for excellence: consistent, elegant, fearless, and decisive when it mattered most.
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