Every edition of the ICC Women’s World Cup has witnessed outstanding performances, but some batters have set the bar unusually high with their sheer consistency and hunger for runs. Scoring prolifically across a major tournament isn’t just about skill—it’s about temperament, resilience, and thriving under pressure. From star-studded squads to closely contested knockouts, a handful of batters have etched their names in World Cup folklore by racking up the most runs in a single campaign. Here’s a look at the top five all-time record holders for most runs in a single ICC Women’s World Cup edition.
Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa, 2025/26) – 571 Runs
Laura Wolvaardt’s 2025/26 World Cup campaign was a masterclass in batting excellence and composure under pressure. Captaining South Africa, she amassed a record-breaking 571 runs in nine matches, maintaining an average of 71.37 with a superb strike rate of 98.78. Her standout innings—a majestic 169—demonstrated her authority and patience at the crease, while her overall consistency provided South Africa the stability and momentum needed to reach the climactic stages of the tournament. She began with 31 each against Australia and Bangladesh and dominated England in the knockouts with scores of 169 in the semifinal and 101 in the final against India, averaging 87 in these high-pressure contests. Her run-fests included a crisp 90 against Pakistan, an unbeaten 60 against Sri Lanka, and a steady 14 against New Zealand.
Alyssa Healy (Australia, 2021/22) – 509 Runs
Alyssa Healy’s campaign in the Women’s ODI World Cup 2022 was a dominant display of pure brilliance. In nine innings, Healy amassed 509 runs at an impressive average of 56.55, striking at a swift rate of 103.66. Across the tournament, she crafted two centuries and two half-centuries, with her highest score being a commanding 170 in the finals against England. Her fearless stroke play and ability to perform under pressure set the tone for Australia’s dominance, earning her the Player of the Tournament award and solidifying her place among the game’s modern greats.
Rachael Haynes (Australia, 2021/22) – 497 Runs
Rachael Haynes was a pillar of Australia’s dominance in the 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup, tallying 497 runs from nine innings at a superb average of 62.12. Her composed batting and patient approach, supported by an 82.55 strike rate, provided the team with stability and depth throughout their title-winning run. Haynes produced key performances including a brilliant 130 against England, crucial knocks of 83* versus the West Indies, and 68 against England in the final—consistently building strong starts and complementing Alyssa Healy’s aggressiveness. Her ability to rotate strike and accelerate in the key moments made her one of the tournament’s most valuable performers, and her calm leadership and reliability at the top order were central to Australia’s unbeaten campaign.
Debbie Hockley (New Zealand, 1997/98) – 456 Runs
Debbie Hockley was a key figure for New Zealand in the 1997 Women’s World Cup, showcasing consistency and class throughout the tournament. Starting with a low 20 against Netherlands and making valuable contributions in nearly every match, she played vital innings against teams like Sri Lanka and the West Indies, where she scored back-to-back unbeaten centuries. Her back-to-back centuries, 100* against Sri Lanka and 100 against the West Indies highlighted her ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed, playing a crucial role in steering her team through the group stages. Her important 44 against India, along with regular handy bowling spells, showed her versatility and leadership on the field. Whether opening the batting or stabilizing the middle order, Hockley was instrumental in New Zealand’s deep run in the tournament, finishing the campaign as one of the standout performers of the 1997 Women’s World Cup.
Lindsay Reeler (Australia, 1988/89) – 448 Runs
Lindsay Reeler was one of the standout performers during the 1988 Women’s Cricket World Cup, held in Australia. As an opener for the Australian team, she made an indelible mark on the tournament by amassing 448 runs at an astonishing average of 149—leading all scorers. Reeler started the campaign with a record-breaking, unbeaten 143 against the Netherlands, at that time the highest score in Women’s One-Day International history. She converted her starts of 41* and 24 with a second ton that season, scoring an unbeaten 108 against New Zealand, further solidifying her dominance and playing a key role in Australia’s relentless run to the final. In the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against England, Reeler anchored Australia’s successful chase with an unbeaten 59, guiding her team to an emphatic eight-wicket victory and their third world title. This knock would be her last for Australia, as she retired soon after due to a chronic knee injury at the age of just 27.
Each of these remarkable campaigns tells a story of dominance, grit, and the relentless pursuit of excellence on the biggest stage in women’s cricket. Their achievements continue to inspire generations of cricketers, affirming the World Cup as a stage where legends are truly made.
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