Proteas Women captain Laura Wolvaardt believes an elusive ICC trophy is within her team’s reach.
South Africa once again fell just short of glory after losing by 52 runs to hosts India in Sunday’s Women’s ODI World Cup final.
It was their third consecutive appearance in an ICC final, following runners-up finishes at the 2023 and 2024 Women’s T20 World Cups.
While disappointed with the result, Wolvaardt reflected on the progress her side has made since their first major final on home soil in 2023.
“I think after that first one [2023 T20 World Cup] at Newlands, I think we sort of had domestic contracts introduced after that. So that’s really big for our depth as a team,” said Wolvaardt.
“The last one [2024] I think sort of just made us sort of a bigger name in cricket, I guess.
“I think we’re the team that consistently is making finals now, whereas before it was maybe like a one-time thing.
“So I’m really proud that we’re able to reach three in a row and I think it shows that we’re doing something right domestically and from a squad perspective, consistency wise.
“Hopefully we can keep reaching finals and one day, one day we can win one.”
Wolvaardt’s consistency with the bat was central to South Africa’s campaign, as she amassed 571 runs at an average of 71.37 – breaking Alyssa Healy’s record for the most runs at a single edition of the Women’s ODI World Cup.
Three of her teammates – Tazmin Brits, Suné Luus and Marizanne Kapp – also surpassed 200 runs in the tournament, while Nonkululeko Mlaba (13) and Kapp (12) ranked among the top wicket-takers.
“I think it’s been a great campaign for us – to make it all the way to the final is really awesome,” Wolvaardt said.
“I think we’ll still look back at this tournament as a lot of positives as we’ve played some really good cricket throughout this tournament.
“At one stage we won five games in a row or something like that, which is pretty big for our group.
“Just searching for that consistency which is something that we don’t necessarily have in bilaterals. So really proud that we’re able to perform in, in big tournaments.”
Photo: Surjeet Yadav/Gallo Images
