The high and lows of the Proteas Women's World Cup rollercoaster ride

The Proteas Women’s World Cup journey was marked by significant breakthroughs, especially the historic run to the final, coupled with moments of crushing disappointment.

Independent Media's Zaahier Adams selects his moments of the ICC Women's World Cup.

Five highs 

Historic first World Cup final

The team reached the final of the 50-over ICC Women's Cricket World Cup (2025) for the very first time. This was a monumental achievement, marking the first time a senior South African team (male or female) had reached a 50-over ICC World Cup final/

Redemptive semi-final victory

In a commanding semi-final performance against rivals England, the Proteas posted their highest-ever Women's World Cup total (319/7) and secured a massive 125-run victory, redeeming their heavy group-stage loss to the same opponent.

Wolvaardt's record-breaking tournament

Captain Laura Wolvaardt set a new record for the most runs scored by any player in a single edition of the Women's 50-over World Cup (571 runs in 2025). This run included a majestic 169 in the semi-final and a century (101) in the final.

Kapp becomes all-time wicket leader

Veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp made history by becoming the all-time leading wicket-taker in ICC Women's World Cup history. Her career tally was boosted significantly by a match-winning 5/20 spell in the 2025 semi-final against England.

Nadine de Klerk's lower-order hitting

The all-rounder produced some exceptional hitting for the Proteas, particularly during her match-winning 84 not out against India in the group match in Vizag.

Five lows 

Falling at the final hurdle 

The ultimate low was the 52-run defeat to India in their maiden World Cup final. Despite Wolvaardt’s century, the team's chase collapsed around her.

Recurring knockout heartbreak

The 2025 final loss continued a deeply frustrating trend. The Proteas Women have now been runners-up in the last three major ICC tournaments (T20 World Cups in 2023 and 2024, and the 50-over World Cup in 2025), consistently reaching the biggest stage but unable to secure the final victory.

Opening match collapse

The 2025 campaign started with a catastrophic 10-wicket defeat to England, where the team was bowled out for a mere 69 runs, which placed them under pressure from the outset.

Anneke Bosch’s (or rather lack of) performance

The Proteas top-order batter came into the World Cup fresh off a long-term injury and it showed. Three ducks in the tournament, including consecutive failures in the semi-final and final, along with two dropped catches in the showpiece.

Heavy group stage defeat to Australia

After building momentum, the Proteas suffered a disheartening loss to the dominant Australian side in their last round-robin match, where they were bowled out for a low score of 97, with leg-spinner Alana King claiming seven wickets.