WATCH | Mic, medicine, and masterclass – SA’s singing skipper Laura Wolvaardt makes World Cup history

Laura

Cape Town – South African cricket captain Laura Wolvaardt has reached a historic milestone, becoming the first South African and only the eighth player overall to score 1,000 runs in Women’s Cricket World Cup history.

The feat came on Tuesday, during South Africa’s rain-affected 40-over match against Pakistan, where Wolvaardt narrowly missed a century, scoring 90 runs from just 82 balls, including 10 fours and 2 sixes, helping her team post a formidable 312 runs in 40 overs.

The milestone has cemented Wolvaardt’s status as one of the leading figures in women’s cricket, showcasing her consistent batting prowess. Her performance, alongside contributions from Suné Luus (61*), Marizanne Kapp (68*), and Nadine de Klerk (41), highlights a powerful South African batting line-up that smashed 11 sixes during the match.

“This is a historic moment for South African cricket,” said ICC commentator Rajiv1841 on social media.

“Laura Wolvaardt deserves equal appreciation for her achievements as any male cricketer.”

Wolvaardt’s rise on the cricket field is matched by an impressive off-field profile.

Academically gifted, she initially pursued a medical degree at Stellenbosch University while playing for South Africa, demonstrating her exceptional time management skills.

She later opted to focus on cricket but continued her studies through the University of South Africa, earning a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences cum laude in September 2025.

Beyond academics and sports, Wolvaardt is also musically talented. She has showcased her singing skills in collaborations with fellow cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues, including the song “Fall In Love Again,” proving her versatility extends far beyond the cricket pitch.

Fans and cricket pundits alike are celebrating Wolvaardt’s achievements, both for her record-breaking career and her ability to excel in multiple fields.

Star Sports noted her leadership during South Africa’s match against Pakistan, while WomenCricket.com highlighted her remarkable consistency, noting a career ODI World Cup average of 57.05 with 12 fifties in 21 innings.

With a rare combination of sporting excellence, academic achievement, and musical talent, Laura Wolvaardt continues to redefine what it means to be a modern-day sporting icon in South Africa and the world.

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