South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt has etched her name in cricket history, becoming only the second player ever — across men’s and women’s World Cups — to score a century in both the semi-final and the final of the same edition. The only other cricketer to achieve this remarkable feat is Australia’s Alyssa Healy during the 2022 Women’s World Cup.
The moment arrived in Navi Mumbai when Wolvaardt calmly nudged Deepti Sharma for a single through mid-wicket, raising her bat for a magnificent 100 off 96 balls, studded with 11 boundaries. True to her composed style, there were no extravagant celebrations — just a nod, a quiet glance around — fully aware that the job isn’t done yet for South Africa.
Score update: Pressure back on India
At 40 overs, South Africa stand at 211/6, needing 88 runs off the final 60 balls to chase India’s imposing total of 298/7.
The equation remains steep, but with Wolvaardt holding one end and Chloe Tryon now in the middle, the Proteas have not given up the hunt. The last 10 overs have yielded 61 runs for just one wicket, signalling a shift in momentum.
India, who were in a commanding position earlier in the chase thanks to sharp bowling spells from Deepti Sharma (2/38) and Shafali Verma (2/36), suddenly find themselves under renewed pressure as the Proteas skipper hunts down a famous win.
Champion temperament on display
Wolvaardt’s knock has been the anchor of South Africa’s chase, full of precision, timing and masterful strike rotation. She has shown exceptional calm, especially against India’s spinners, absorbing pressure and converting loose balls without risking her wicket.
India will now need breakthroughs — and quickly — to prevent South Africa from inching closer to what could be a World Cup-winning upset.
The DY Patil crowd, electric all evening, is feeling the nerves as Wolvaardt continues to stand tall. The next few overs could well determine whether India script history — or whether Wolvaardt completes one of the greatest World Cup heists in recent memory.
