Batting coach Baakier Abrahams has hailed captain Laura Wolvaardt after her record-breaking innings guided the Proteas Women into their first-ever ODI World Cup final.

Wolvaardt produced a breathtaking 169 off 143 balls, hitting 20 fours and four sixes to lead South Africa to a commanding 319-7 and a 125-run victory over England in Guwahati on Wednesday.

“I think it was one of those World Cup knocks for the ages – an innings that was fitting for the occasion,” Abrahams told SportsBoom.co.za. “The way she scored all around the wicket, her decision-making, the precision of her options – it was really impressive.

“She started well, absorbed pressure in the middle, then rebuilt and found momentum again. It showcased how far she’s evolved in her game over the past 18 months. People were concerned that she wasn’t converting starts, but I’m just so happy for her – a first World Cup hundred, and a well-deserved one.”

Abrahams also praised Wolvaardt’s partnerships with Tazmin Brits (116 runs), Marizanne Kapp (72) and Chloe Tryon (33 off 26 balls), which laid the foundation for South Africa’s historic win.

“We got off to a great start with Tazmin and Laura, and even when wickets fell, the ability of Kapp and Laura to stabilise and still score quickly showed real intent,” he said. “Then Chloe came in and showed her maturity – people know she hits the ball hard, but the way she’s adapted her game and read situations shows how much she’s grown.”

The victory marked a remarkable turnaround after the Proteas Women’s opening defeat to England, when they were bowled out for just 69 at the same venue.

“I thought it was a really brave, mature batting performance overall,” Abrahams said. “The girls showed great mentality to come back from that first game, play to their strengths, and take on the occasion the way they did. They held their nerve beautifully.”

South Africa will face either Australia or India in Sunday’s World Cup final.

Photo: Prakash Singh/Getty Images