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Laura Wolvaardt makes history; 4 key stats from South Africa captain's 5000-run landmark

Arunima Purohit

Laura Wolvaardt [Source: AFP Photos]Laura Wolvaardt [Source: AFP Photos]

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt etched her name into the books of record with a remarkable performance in the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 to reach the 5,000-run milestone. She even went on to score a century in the semi-final match against England Women. The 26-year-old’s consistent performance and hunger for runs have made her one of the finest batters of her generation. 

As she reached the landmark, Wolvaardt shattered multiple records, cementing her name among the all-time greats of women’s cricket, which will be remembered for a long time.

Laura Wolvaardt slams century against England Women

One of the best players in Women’s cricket, South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt, played a breathtaking innings in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final against England Women on October 29 in Guwahati. She smashed 169 off 143 balls to help her team score a mammoth total of 319/7, which is their highest-ever World Cup total. Moreover, her knock included 20 fours and four sixes, making her the first South African woman to score a World Cup semi-final century and the first captain to achieve this feat in a knockout game. 

1. First South African woman to reach 5,000 ODI runs

Laura Wolvaardt became the first-ever South African woman to cross the 5,000-run mark in ODI cricket. No other Proteas batter has reached this elite milestone, showcasing Wolvaardt’s dominance and longevity in ODI cricket. Her achievement is a massive moment in South African women’s cricket history.

2. Sixth overall in Women’s ODI history

By reaching the 5,000-run landmark, Wolvaardt joined an elite list of only six women to achieve this feat in ODIs. She now stands alongside legends such as Mithali Raj, Suzie Bates, Meg Lanning, Stafanie Taylor, and Charlotte Edwards, marking her place among the global greats.

3. Youngest to the milestone

At just 26 years old, Wolvaardt became the youngest player ever to complete 5,000 runs in Women’s ODIs. Her incredible consistency at such a young age and her power to lead the team without affecting her batting highlight not just her technical brilliance but also her maturity.

4. Second fastest in terms of innings

Wolvaardt achieved the 5,000-run milestone in the second-fewest innings in women’s ODI history. This showcases her ability to convert starts into big scores and her remarkable strike rate of success in international cricket. She is now behind India’s Smriti Mandana, who holds the record under her name.