South Africa’s 2025 Women’s World Cup campaign has been a script straight out of a redemption drama- from a shocking collapse to rewriting history with poise, power, and persistence. A team that began its tournament in despair has now transformed into one of the most fearless and balanced sides in world cricket. They’ve stumbled, they’ve fought, and ultimately, they’ve risen, rewriting every stat that once stood against them.
Their story began in heartbreak. Facing England in their opening match, South Africa endured a nightmare. Bowled out for just 69 runs, it was one of their lowest totals in World Cup history. Only Sinola Jafta, with her fighting 22, showed any resistance as England’s spin trio wreaked havoc. Chasing just 70, England completed a 10-wicket victory, leaving South Africa searching for answers. Critics questioned their approach, their mentality, even their composure under pressure. But what followed was a transformation worthy of folklore.
Just days later, South Africa roared back. Against New Zealand, they found rhythm, belief, and their old fight. Nonkululeko Mlaba spun magic, picking four wickets, while Tazmin Brits returned to her best with a commanding 101 off 89, her first century of the tournament. Sune Luus, calm as ever, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 83 as South Africa chased down the target comfortably. From being bowled out in double digits to chasing with confidence, this was a statement: the Proteas were not going anywhere.
Laura Wolvaardt’s got a very Pat Cummins take on the Indian crowd 👀#CricketTwitter #CWC25 #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/1W9f4KzGwp
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) November 1, 2025
The group-stage clash against India turned into a thriller. India had posted a strong total- thanks to Richa Ghosh’s blazing 94 and Sneh Rana’s late fireworks but South Africa showed nerve and depth. Laura Wolvaardt, the captain, played with quiet authority, crafting 70 runs, while Nadine de Klerk sealed the chase in dramatic fashion, smashing a six to win it. It was poetic- the kind of moment that defines belief.
Momentum followed. Against Bangladesh, South Africa showcased their resilience once again. Chasing 232, they faced early pressure but found saviors in Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon. Kapp’s gritty 56 and Tryon’s aggressive 62 turned the tide, before De Klerk finished with an unbeaten 37 to steer the chase home. It was the kind of middle-order rescue act that champions are built upon.
Their dominance continued against Sri Lanka, where the bowlers shone again. Nonkululeko Mlaba took three wickets, while openers Laura Wolvaardt (60) and Tazmin Brits (55) made light work of the chase, winning by 10 wickets under the DLS method. South Africa became the second team to qualify for the semi-finals, and suddenly, the side that had collapsed to 69 looked unstoppable.
Then came the demolition of Pakistan – a match that sealed their place among the tournament’s elite. With a mammoth all-round performance, South Africa posted a commanding total under the DLS method. Laura Wolvaardt led from the front again with 90, Sune Luus added 61, and Marizanne Kapp, unbeaten on 68*, continued her dream form. Kapp wasn’t done yet, she tore through Pakistan’s batting order, picking three wickets, as South Africa clinched a 150-run win.
But the journey wasn’t without another dip. Against Australia, they faltered again — bowled out for just 97 as Alana King produced a sensational 7-wicket haul. It was a humbling reminder of the sport’s unpredictability, a reflection that even the best teams have their off days. But as they had done before, South Africa didn’t dwell, they bounced back harder.
Ian Bishop sums it up best: Laura Wolvaardt’s batting is pure value for money! 🙌#CricketTwitter #CWC25 #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/zFo0h8kt2U
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) November 1, 2025
The semi-final against England was their greatest statement yet, a complete circle of redemption. The same side that had humiliated them in the opener faced an entirely different South African unit. Batting first, Laura Wolvaardt unleashed one of the finest innings in World Cup history ,169 off 143, laced with 24 boundaries the kind of innings that silences critics and inspires generations. South Africa posted 319, a score that carried both pride and defiance. Then it was Marizanne Kapp’s turn to deliver another masterpiece. She ripped through England’s lineup with a five-wicket haul, dismissing key batters Heather Knight and Amy Jones for ducks, while Nadine de Klerk added two wickets. England folded, and South Africa marched into the final with a 125-run victory, poetic justice for their painful opening defeat.
From being written off to rewriting history, South Africa’s 2025 campaign has been a story of mental fortitude and collective will. Laura’s leadership has been fearless, Kapp’s all-round heroics monumental, and Mlaba’s breakthroughs priceless. Every player has contributed to the transformation of a team once haunted by inconsistency into a side that now exudes calm under chaos.
Now, as they head into the final showdown against India, the script is fitting, two teams that have battled their demons, defied odds, and defined this World Cup. For South Africa, this campaign has been more than about cricket. It’s been about courage, redemption, and rewriting their place in history
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