Guwahati, October 29, 2025: Skipper Laura Wolvaardt led from the front as South Africa shattered multiple records during their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup semi-final against England at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
After being put in to bat, the Proteas women posted a mammoth 319 for 7 in their 50 overs — their highest-ever total in a Women’s World Cup match. The previous record, 312 for 9, was also set earlier in this tournament against Pakistan in Colombo.
The total was also the second-highest in Women’s World Cup knockout history, behind Australia’s 356 for 5 against England in the 2022 final.
South Africa’s highest totals in ODI World Cups
- 319/7 vs England, Guwahati, 2025 semi-final
- 312/9 vs Pakistan, Colombo, 2025
- 305/9 vs England, Bristol, 2017
- 275/7 vs India, Christchurch, 2022
Wolvaardt was the star of the innings, producing a magnificent 169 off 143 balls, decorated with 24 boundaries and four sixes. Her commanding knock anchored the innings and powered South Africa to their record-breaking total.
Her 169-run effort now stands as the third-highest individual score in Women’s World Cup knockout history, surpassing Nat Sciver-Brunt’s unbeaten 148 against Australia in the 2022 final.
Highest individual scores in World Cup knockouts
- Harmanpreet Kaur – 171* vs Australia (2017 semi-final)
- Alyssa Healy – 170 vs England (2022 final)
- Laura Wolvaardt – 169 vs England (2025 semi-final)
- Nat Sciver-Brunt – 148* vs Australia (2022 final)
Wolvaardt’s innings has been hailed as one of the finest in South African women’s cricket history, keeping her side on course for a potential maiden appearance in a Women’s World Cup final.
