The South Africa Women’s Cricket Team received a rousing and emotional welcome at OR Tambo International Airport as they returned home from India after finishing as runners-up in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. The scenes at the airport were filled with cheers, tears, and an overwhelming sense of pride as fans, families, and supporters gathered to celebrate the Proteas Women for their remarkable World Cup campaign.
The official Proteas Women’s handle captured the moment perfectly, posting: “A night to remember at OR Tambo! Cheers, tears and pure pride as Mzansi welcomed home our #ProteasWomen. ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Runners Up!”
Despite falling just short of lifting the trophy, the Proteas Women’s journey in the 2025 World Cup was nothing short of inspirational. They showcased resilience, tactical brilliance, and a fighting spirit that captured the hearts of fans around the world. Their run to the final marked one of the most successful campaigns in South Africa’s women’s cricket history, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the global arena.
At OR Tambo, the team was greeted with chants of “Proteas, Proteas!” as supporters proudly waved the South African flag and held placards honouring their heroes. There were hugs, selfies, and emotional exchanges as fans expressed their admiration for the players who had carried the nation’s hopes throughout the tournament.
Players like Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, and Tazmin Brits were seen interacting warmly with fans, signing autographs, and posing for photos. The atmosphere reflected a nation united in appreciation, recognizing the team’s efforts and the emotional weight of their historic journey.
The campaign for South Africa in the Women’s World Cup got off to an unexpected and difficult start when they were bowled out for a mere 69 runs in their opening match against England. It was a tough wake-up call, but it really tested their spirit. True to form, the team rallied impressively, winning five consecutive matches against New Zealand, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan to secure their spot in the semifinals.
Throughout this journey, they demonstrated remarkable poise under pressure, blending youthful enthusiasm with the steady presence of more experienced players. Their only other stumbling block in the group stage was against Australia, where they faced a disappointing defeat, getting bowled out for just 98 runs. South Africa’s batting line-up was dismantled by Australia’s talented spinner Alana King.
However, instead of letting that setback derail them, it sparked a renewed determination within the squad. In the semifinal, they delivered an exceptional all-round performance, crushing England by 125 runs, with Laura Wolvaardt’s leading from the front with a 169, showcasing resilience and discipline, and earned their place in the final, a significant milestone as it marked their first appearance in a Women’s World Cup title match.
Although they ultimately lost to India in the finals by 52 runs despite captain Laura Wolvaardt’s fighting century, their spirited play captivated cricket fans and experts alike. They fought fiercely until the last ball, embodying the true essence of South African resilience and leaving a lasting impression on everyone who witnessed their journey.
The Proteas Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign will be remembered as a defining chapter in South African cricket, one that showcased their unbreakable spirit and their unyielding pursuit of excellence.
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