Laura Wolvaardt has lived plenty of cricketing dreams, but none quite like this.
The South African skipper produced a knock for the ages on Thursday, smashing a record-breaking 169 off 143 balls to steer the Proteas into their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final.
“It still feels a bit unreal,” Wolvaardt admitted afterwards, still processing the scale of her achievement.
“This is something you dream about as a kid … getting a century in a World Cup. It’s a very special day, and I’m so glad we won in the end.”
Wolvaardt became the first captain in history to score a century in a knockout World Cup match. Her performance was calm and commanding.
Her trademark timing and footwork lit up the innings, while her aggression through the leg side saw her dispatch England’s bowlers to all parts.
“We knew the start would be crucial,” she explained.
“Tazmin [Brits] and I have been strong at the top of the order, and that gives confidence to the rest of the line-up. It was a good wicket, and we knew if we built a solid base, we could push on to a big total.
“I went with the momentum. I know I have the shots in me, but I wanted to take it deep and give the other girls the chance to finish strong.
“To win this against such a quality bowling attack, this is definitely at the top of my career.”
If Wolvaardt’s century set the tone, Marizanne Kapp’s fiery spell sealed the deal.
The veteran all-rounder ripped through England’s batting order with a sensational five-wicket haul. In the process became the leading wicket-taker in Women’s World Cup history.
“Kappie was phenomenal,” Wolvaardt said.
“What she offers with both bat and ball , she’s like having two players in one. She was just amazing today.”
Kapp, ever honest and self-aware, admitted the performance had been brewing.
“To be honest, I probably haven’t had the best World Cup personally,” she said.
“Coming into this game, I knew I was due a good performance.
“In past semi-finals I haven’t contributed the way I wanted to, so I’m really happy that tonight I could make a difference.”
For the Proteas, it was a statement win – bold, fearless, and full of belief. Years of heartbreak and near misses finally gave way to history, as Wolvaardt’s side earned their shot at ultimate glory.
The dream is alive. The Proteas are marching to their first-ever World Cup Final, led by a captain who’s not just leading from the front, but rewriting South African cricket history with every stroke.
