South African captain Laura Wolvaardt delivered a breathtaking performance in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinal against England, smashing a stunning century that left fans applauding wildly. Her composed and classy innings played a pivotal role in South Africa’s competitive total and survival in the high-pressure knockout match at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati.
Laura Wolvaardt’s masterclass in Guwahati
Wolvaardt scored her maiden Women’s World Cup century, guiding South Africa with resilience and precision. She reached a magnificent hundred despite England’s fierce bowling attack, including the likes of Sophie Ecclestone who claimed four wickets. Wolvaardt’s 100+ run innings included a partnership of 116 runs with her opening partner Tazmin Brits, putting South Africa in a strong position and setting the stage for a thrilling contest.
Her innings (169 off 143) also saw her equaling the record for the joint-most 50-plus scores in Women’s World Cup history, alongside Indian batting legend Mithali Raj with 13 fifty-plus scores in 23 innings. Wolvaardt also crossed the milestone of 5,000 Women’s ODI runs, becoming the first South African and only the sixth woman globally to achieve this feat.
Fans reaction: Standing ovation for Laura Wolvaardt
Fans took to social media to shower praise on Wolvaardt’s batting brilliance. One post summed up the widespread admiration, stating, “I am on my feet applauding,” reflecting the excitement and respect her knock commanded. Spectators at the stadium and viewers worldwide were captivated by her patience, strokeplay, and ability to steer her team under immense pressure.
Despite early wickets and England’s attempts to wrest control, Wolvaardt’s steady hand alongside Marizanne Kapp, who provided crucial support, enabled South Africa to post a mammoth total of 319/7. Kapp chipped in with 42 runs off 33 balls, ensuring the Proteas stay in the contest even after key wickets fell.
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100* up for the skipper Laura Wolvaardt in the #CWC25 semi against England 🙌🏽 @ProteasWomenCSA
— Member (@ThabisoMosia) October 29, 2025
🚨MAINDEN WORLD CUP HUNDRED FOR LAURA WOLVAARDT🚨
She Smashed a Terrific ton against England in Semi final. Captain of Proteas leading from the front. 🇿🇦#WomensWorldCup2025 pic.twitter.com/4yymrD5I7V
— DIVYANSH CHAUHAN (@Imchauhan28) October 29, 2025
Laura Wolvaardt has just played arguably the greatest ever World Cup semi final innings … #WomensWorldCup2025
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 29, 2025
Laura Wolvaardt take a bow 🔥😮💨 I am on my feet applauding, a massive 100 #TheProteas #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/xVQpY8GlJX
— Thabang (@Thabang_304) October 29, 2025
HUNDRED FOR CAPTAIN LAURA WOLVAARDT. 💯
Laura Wolvaardt smashed a Marvelous hundred against England in big Semifinal in this Women’s World Cup
– What a remarkable hundred by Captain Laura.#LauraWolvaardt #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/gd4inQhA02
— Jitendra Kumar (@jitenda60203698) October 29, 2025
Brilliant century for Laura Wolvaardt. But she must be equally disappointed with wickets falling from the other end. Cannot believe this is her first World Cup century (with 12 fifties so far).#SAvENG
— Samraat Maharjan (@MaharjanSamraat) October 29, 2025
Laura Wolvaardt has 5000 ODI runs and 10 ODI centuries. What a day to get to those milestones…. #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/atGxi6yYBZ
— Four6Out (@four6out) October 29, 2025
A Wolvaardt century has been savoured in person. From enjoying her free mane days to seeinf captain Laura with the tight bun be the rock of this lineup, what a journey it’s been. Applause from the media box, fans watching. As they all should. #ENGvSA #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/G2NnJLdrXR
— Lavanya 🎙️🎥👩🏻💻 (@lav_narayanan) October 29, 2025
100 for Laura Wolvaardt on the biggest stage of the game. Her first 100 in Women’s WC.
What a player what a innings. ❤ pic.twitter.com/BKb7y9X3Yw
— Suheem (@Suheeeem) October 29, 2025
Leading from the front! 💥
A century of the highest quality from Laura Wolvaardt! Her first of the #CWC25, and what a time to deliver it! 🤩✨️
Composed, classy, and commanding from the skipper. 🇿🇦#Unbreakable #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/x7TVT0Rdzz
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) October 29, 2025
Century💯 for captain Laura Wolvaardt, this is such a crucial innings,10th of his career🏏#CWC25 #ENGWvsSAW @ProteasWomenCSA
— Abhinay Thakur🍃🌠 (@Bearded_Bowler) October 29, 2025
Captain my Captain 😤😤🫡. 100 for Laura Wolvaardt #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/lvdyzAPICl
— Prince Zuko (@kortezzee) October 29, 2025
Laura Wolvaardt hundred against the odds #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/NldLNRM4JL
— Rajiv Koutilya (@KoutilyaRajiv) October 29, 2025
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
