Heartbreak wears many faces—but few carry it with the grace Laura Wolvaardt showed after South Africa’s narrow loss to India in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 final. Standing on the podium with tear-streaked cheeks yet head held high, the Proteas captain summed up the bittersweet moment in three words: “It hurts, but I’m proud.”
While India’s Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 victory stole headlines, Wolvaardt’s dignity, sportsmanship, and leadership offered a powerful counter-narrative—one of resilience, respect, and the quiet strength of a team that defied expectations .
Wolvaardt didn’t just participate in the 2025 tournament—she dominated it. Finishing as the highest run-scorer with 527 runs at an average of 75.28, her consistency under pressure earned her comparisons to legends like Mithali Raj and Meg Lanning. In the final alone, she anchored South Africa’s chase with a valiant 112 off 129 balls—but India’s bowling, led by Deepti Sharma’s 5-wicket haul, proved too strong [[1], [2]].
In a poignant post-match press conference, Wolvaardt also confirmed what many suspected: veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp would retire from ICC World Cup cricket. “Marizanne gave everything—her energy, her wisdom, her fire,” Wolvaardt said, her voice trembling. “This team wouldn’t have reached this final without her.”
Kapp, who played 137 international matches across formats, leaves behind a legacy of grit and game-changing performances, especially in high-stakes knockout games.
Even in defeat, Wolvaardt made a point to applaud the brilliance of India’s young star. “Shafali Verma played like someone who’s been here a hundred times,” she remarked. “At 21, with that kind of fearlessness… she’s the future of world cricket.”
Verma’s explosive 87 in the final set the tone for India’s 298-run total—something Wolvaardt called “the difference between two evenly matched sides: one moment of genius.”
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Tournament Run-Scorer | Laura Wolvaardt – 527 runs |
| Best Bowling (SA) | Shabnim Ismail – 4/32 vs Australia |
| Previous Best WC Finish | Semifinals (2022) |
| 2025 WC Result | Runners-up (First Final) |
| Matches Won | 7 out of 9 |
Despite the loss, Wolvaardt’s leadership has transformed South African women’s cricket. From inconsistent qualifiers to World Cup finalists, the team now commands global respect. Domestic investment is rising, youth academies are expanding, and for the first time, young girls in Cape Town and Durban see cricket as a viable dream.
“We didn’t win the trophy,” Wolvaardt said, “but we won belief—for ourselves and for the next generation.”
Times of India: “It Hurts, But I’m Proud” – Laura Wolvaardt Speaks After Final
ICC Official Statistics – Women’s World Cup 2025
ESPNcricinfo: Marizanne Kapp Announces World Cup Retirement
Cricbuzz: South Africa’s Journey to Their First World Cup Final
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