South African openers didn’t disappoint, with a 116-run stand in the first semi-final against England
South Africa had a point to prove.
In the previous clash between the two sides, South Africa were bowled out for a paltry score of 69 all-out. However, the Proteas’ opening pair, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, didn’t have any of that, as the two put on a dazzling 116-run partnership for the first wicket in the first semi-final against England on October 29 (Wednesday).
The duo continued their good run at the top of the order, with 322 runs, averaging 46.00 for the opening wicket. It was their second 100-run partnership in the tournament, after their unbeaten 125-run stand against Sri Lanka women in Colombo, on October 17.
It was their second 100-run stand in World Cup history, only behind three legendary pairs. Not just that, it was their eighth 100-run stand in Women’s ODIs, which yet again is a South Africa record.
Most century stands in Women’s ODIs (any wickets)
10 – Belinda Clark, Lisa Keightley (AUS-W)
9 – Suzie Bates, Amy Satterthwaite (NZ-W)
9 – Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry (AUS-W)
8 – Tazmin Brits, Laura Wolvaardt (SA-W)*
The 116-run partnership was also the highest-ever for a South African pair in an ICC knockout game, surpassing Mignon du Preez and Laura Wolvaardt’s 77 (2017). In addition to that, the pair notched up their fifth century-run partnership in 2025, equalling India’s pair – Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal – which too has come in 2025.
Highest partnership for South Africa in knockout games
116 – L Wolvaardt & T Brits vs ENG, Guwahati, 2025*
77 – M du Preez & L Wolvaardt vs ENG, Bristol, 2017
73 – M du Preez & S Luus vs IND, Potchefstroom, 2017
Batting pairs to have 5 century partnerships in a calendar year in WODIs
B Clark & L Keightley, 2000
S Mandhana & P Rawal, 2025
L Wolvaardt & T Brits, 2025*
