During her half-century, Wolvaardt also became the first South African woman’s batter to 5,000 ODI runs
When talking about consistency, South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt is the first name on most people’s minds, and she proved why yet again on October 29 (Wednesday), with a half-century against England women in the first semi-final. In doing so, Wolvaardt went past the 5,000 run mark, becoming the first-ever South African woman to achieve that milestone.
The last time South Africa clashed against England, they were shot out for 69 all-out, an all-time low in their World Cup history. But this time around, Wolvaardt ensured that the Proteas women got off to the mark aggressively, playing a stellar hand, smashing 34 off 31 balls in the powerplay phase.
Wolvaardt took a particular liking to left-arm spinner Linsey Smith, against whom she smashed four boundaries in the first ten overs. The South African captain didn’t end there, as she continued her merry way, joining five others in an elite club of 5,000 or more runs in WODIs.
Most runs in Women’s ODI
7805 – Mithali Raj (IND)
5992 – Charlotte Edwards (ENG)
5936 – Suzie Bates (NZ)
5873 – Stafanie Taylor (WI)
5253 – Smriti Mandhana (IND)
5000* – Laura Wolvaardt (SA)
It didn’t end there, as the 26-year-old Wolvaardt is the youngest to reach the milestone, showing how crazily consistent she has been in the 50-over format. A few minutes later, she also brought up a 13th 50+ score in the Women’s ODI World Cup, equalling Mithali Raj’s record in 13 fewer innings.
Most 50+ scores in Women’s ODI World Cup
13 – Mithali Raj (36 inns)
13* – Laura Wolvaardt (23 inns)
12 – Debbie Hockley (43 inns)
11 – Charlotte Edwards (28 inns)
