From a crushing 10-wicket defeat in their opening game to sealing a semi-final berth with four consecutive victories, South Africa, under the calm yet determined leadership of skipper Laura Wolvaardt, have scripted one of the most compelling comeback stories of the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
With their latest triumph over Sri Lanka in Colombo on October 17, followed by a washout between New Zealand and Pakistan a day later, the Proteas became the second team, after Australia led by Alyssa Healy, to secure a place in the semi-finals of the marquee event being hosted across India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2.
South Africa’s campaign began on a sobering note. Bowled out for just 69, their second-lowest total in Women’s ODI World Cup history, against England, led by Nat Sciver-Brunt, in Guwahati on October 3, their opening loss by 10 wickets threatened to derail early momentum. Yet, what unfolded next was a masterclass in resilience and collective belief. The Wolvaardt-led side dusted off that disappointment and charged back with four successive wins that not only steadied their campaign but showcased their growing depth and maturity as a unit.
Their revival started in Indore on October 6 with a morale-restoring six-wicket victory over Sophie Devine’s New Zealand. Star opener Tazmin Brits rose to the occasion with a record-breaking seventh ODI century (101 off 89 balls), becoming the fastest to reach that mark and posting her fifth century of 2025, the most by any player in a calendar year. Alongside her, Sune Luus composed 83*, anchored the chase of 232, while Nonkululeko Mlaba’s 4 for 40 from 10 overs set up the win with precision spin bowling.
That victory acted as a launchpad. South Africa followed it up with a hard-fought three-wicket triumph over India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, in Visakhapatnam on October 9. Nadine de Klerk was the standout performer, delivering a stellar all-round display with figures of 2 for 52 and a blistering unbeaten 84 off just 54 balls from number eight, ably supported by Chloe Tryon’s dual-impact effort (3 for 32 and 49 off 66). Skipper Wolvaardt, ever the anchor, contributed a measured 70 to steer a tricky chase, consolidating her role as the side’s stabiliser-in-chief.
In Visakhapatnam again, on October 13, South Africa extended their winning streak by defeating Nigar Sultana Joty’s Bangladesh by three wickets. Tryon once more delivered with a crucial 62 off 69 balls, while Marizanne Kapp added balance with a crucial 56 and a disciplined spell with the ball. De Klerk’s quickfire 37* off 29 ensured the Proteas held their nerve in a tight finish, symbolising the growing depth in their lower order.
Their latest triumph came in Colombo against Chamari Athapaththu’s Sri Lanka on October 17, in a rain-truncated 20-over contest where both batting and bowling units clicked seamlessly. Mlaba (3 for 30) and Masabata Klaas (2 for 18) restricted the hosts effectively, before openers Wolvaardt (60* off 47) and Brits (55* off 42) sealed a 10-wicket win in emphatic style. That commanding performance, their fourth win in a row, lifted them to eight points from five games, securing second position on the points table and, ultimately, their semi-final qualification.
For Laura Wolvaardt, playing an instrumental role in securing their 3rd consecutive appearance in the ODI World Cup semi-final, following the 2017 and 2022 editions, is a testament to her maturity as both captain and batter. The 25-year-old has been South Africa’s most consistent performer with the bat, amassing 180 runs at an average of 45 and a strike rate of 78.60, including two half-centuries across five innings. Her ability to hold the innings together has been instrumental in navigating pressure situations.
At the other end, Tazmin Brits has continued her red-hot form, scoring 161 runs at an average of 40.25 and striking at 113.38, complementing Wolvaardt perfectly at the top. Middle-order dynamism has come from Chloe Tryon (113 runs at 37.66 and five wickets at a handy economy) and Nadine de Klerk (124 runs at 131.91 strike rate and five wickets in four innings), both of whom have added all-round balance to the side.
In the bowling department, Nonkululeko Mlaba has been nothing short of exceptional. Her 11 wickets at an average of 15.18 and an economy of 4.63 make her the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker. The left-arm spinner’s control, flight, and ability to break partnerships have made her South Africa’s X-factor, especially in the middle overs. Alongside her, veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has continued to play a pivotal supporting role, while Klaas and de Klerk have complemented the attack with key breakthroughs when needed.
With momentum on their side and a semi-final spot assured, South Africa now stand as genuine contenders to challenge tournament leaders Australia. Their campaign, once teetering after a shocking collapse in the opener, has evolved into one of belief and unity. Every win since has been powered by shared contributions, a hallmark of a side growing in steel and self-assurance.
Laura Wolvaardt’s calm leadership, Mlaba’s spin dominance, de Klerk’s all-round firepower, Tryon’s spark, and Brits’ attacking consistency have collectively turned the tide for South Africa. With their place in the final four sealed, the Proteas have not just earned redemption, they have announced themselves as a side ready to chase history.
Loves all things female cricket