South Africa, a consistent contender on the global women’s cricket stage, arrives at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 with a squad brimming with experience, talent, and depth. Led by the elegant and dependable opener Laura Wolvaardt, the team is well-balanced with a mix of explosive batters, crafty all-rounders, and a versatile bowling attack. Having reached the semi-finals in the last two editions, South Africa enters this tournament with the ambition to go one step further and claim their maiden World Cup title.
The Proteas’ strength lies not only in their top-order batting but also in the all-round capabilities spread across the lineup, providing multiple options in both batting and bowling departments. Key players such as Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, and Tazmin Brits lend valuable experience and match-winning potential, while dynamic young talents add excitement to the squad’s outlook. As the World Cup unfolds on the subcontinent pitches, South Africa will rely on these standout performers to deliver consistent, high-impact displays that could propel them to the trophy.
South Africa’s players to watch out:
1) Laura Wolvaardt
Laura Wolvaardt is one of the premier batters in women’s cricket and the inspirational captain of the South African team. She has played 110 Women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs), amassing 4,651 runs at an exceptional average of 48.63. Her innings includes 9 centuries and 35 half-centuries, showcasing her consistency and ability to build big scores. Wolvaardt’s highest score of 184 not out against Sri Lanka exemplifies her capacity to anchor the innings for long durations with clinical precision. Combining flawless technique with an elegant batting style, she often sets the platform for South Africa’s innings, blending patience with the ability to accelerate when needed.
As captain, Wolvaardt leads with a blend of composure and aggressive intent, qualities that have helped South Africa become an increasingly formidable side on the global stage. Under her leadership, the Proteas have maintained strong performances against top-tier teams, and her batting performances in World Cups and bilateral series provide the backbone of South Africa’s campaigns. Beyond the statistics, Wolvaardt’s ability to perform under pressure, inspire teammates, and adapt to different match situations makes her a pivotal figure in the squad’s quest for their first Women’s World Cup trophy. Her cricketing acumen and on-field leadership will be crucial pillars for South Africa as they navigate the challenges of the 2025 tournament.
2) Marizanne Kapp
Marizanne Kapp is a leading South African women’s all-rounder with major contributions in both batting and bowling in ODIs. In 153 ODIs, she has scored 3303 runs at a batting average of about 35.51, including 4 centuries and 15 half-centuries, with the highest score of unbeaten 121. Her batting style combines power and precision, and she recently marked a career highlight with an unbeaten 121 against Pakistan in September 2025, which is the highest individual score for South Africa at No. 4 in ODIs.
On the bowling front, Marizanne Kapp is equally impressive, having taken 169 wickets in ODIs at an average of 24.52 with a strike rate of 38.4. Her right-arm medium pace bowling has often proven decisive, with her ability to break partnerships and control runs through disciplined lines and lengths. Known for her match-winning performances, Kapp has played crucial roles in South Africa’s success in recent bilateral series and global tournaments. Kapp is renowned for her balance as a genuine all-rounder, consistently impacting games with both bat and ball, making her one of South Africa’s most valuable players and her versatility as a reliable all-rounder makes her a central figure in South Africa’s World Cup 2025 campaign, capable of changing the game with both bat and ball under pressure.
3) Annerie Dercksen
Annerie Dercksen is an exciting all-round talent for the South African women’s cricket team, known for her aggressive batting and effective medium-pace bowling. At just 24 years old, Dercksen has quickly risen through the ranks to become a key player for the Proteas in limited-overs cricket. In 11 Women’s ODIs, she has scored 402 runs at an impressive average of 36.54, highlighted by a maiden century (104 off 84 balls) against Sri Lanka in May 2025. Her strike rate of 99.25 reflects her ability to maintain a brisk scoring rate and change the pace of the innings. Her batting versatility allows her to comfortably adapt to different roles, whether stabilizing the innings or accelerating the scoring in the middle overs.
On the bowling front, Dercksen complements her batting with reliable right-arm medium pace. She has taken 10 wickets in 11 ODI innings, with an average of 27.80 and the best bowling figure of 3/16, demonstrating her knack for picking crucial wickets and stemming the flow of runs in tight moments. Recognized as ICC’s Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year in 2024, Dercksen’s all-round ability and maturity beyond her years make her an invaluable asset for South Africa’s World Cup aspirations. As a rising star, her performances with bat and ball will be vital in shaping the Proteas’ campaign and providing balance and depth to the team.
South Africa arrives at the Women’s World Cup 2025 as one of the strongest and most balanced teams in the tournament. Led by captain Laura Wolvaardt, the Proteas boast a formidable batting lineup, a wealth of all-rounders including Marizanne Kapp and Annerie Dercksen, and a versatile bowling attack featuring experienced pacers and spinners. With a mix of proven performers and exciting young talents, South Africa is well-equipped to challenge for their first-ever World Cup title and make a deep run in the competition.
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