Laura Wolvaardt creates new world record, equals Smriti Mandhana and Mithali Raj’s record of…

South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt creates history in Women’s World Cup 2027, equalling Smriti Mandhana and Mithali Raj’s remarkable records with her record-breaking century against England in Guwahati.

Edited by: Ankit Kumar

Published: October 29, 2025, 8:30 PM IST

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Laura Wolvaardt creates new world record, equals Smriti Mandhana and Mithali Raj's record of...

New Delhi: The first match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 is being played in Guwahati between South Africa and England. In this match, South African captain Laura Wolvaardt delivered a spectacular batting performance that left the entire stadium in awe. She scored a memorable century, setting several records in the process.

Captain’s Innings Against England

Batting first, the South African team scored 319 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 50 overs. Laura scored her 10th century as captain and also became the first woman captain to score a century in a World Cup knockout match. Her century came off just 115 balls.

Laura Becomes South Africa’s Leading Run-Scorer

Laura Wolvaardt has now become the leading run-scorer for South Africa in terms of centuries. She equaled England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt’s record of 10 centuries. She is also the second batter to score a century against England in a Women’s World Cup knockout match – the first being Australia’s Alyssa Healy.

Included in the List of Top Century Scorers in Women’s ODIs

Laura has made her place in the list of batters with the most centuries in Women’s ODI cricket:
15 – Meg Lanning (Australia)
14 – Smriti Mandhana (India)
13 – Suzie Bates (New Zealand)
12 – Tammy Beaumont (England)
10 – Nat Sciver-Brunt (England)
10 – Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)

Equals Mithali Raj’s World Record

Laura has equaled the world record of Indian legend Mithali Raj. Mithali had scored 50+ runs 13 times in 36 innings, while Laura achieved this feat in just 23 innings. Debbie Hockley and Charlotte Edwards are also on this list, having scored 50+ runs 12 times each.

Best Individual Innings in Women’s World Cup

Laura’s score of 169 runs is the third-highest individual score in Women’s World Cup knockout history.
171* – Harmanpreet Kaur vs Australia (2017 Semi-final)
170 – Alyssa Healy vs England (2022 Final)
169 – Laura Wolvaardt vs England (2025 Semi-final)

New Milestone of 5000 ODI Runs

Laura Wolvaardt achieved the distinction of becoming the first South African woman cricketer to complete 5000 runs in ODI cricket. She became the second-fastest player to reach this milestone after Smriti Mandhana. She achieved this feat in 117 innings, while Mandhana did it in 112 innings.

In this memorable innings, Laura scored 169 runs off 143 balls, including 20 fours and 4 sixes. Her 116-run partnership with Tazmin Brits (45) gave South Africa a strong start. Sophie Ecclestone took 4 wickets for England, but Laura’s bat dominated throughout the match.

Story Highlights

1. Laura’s Historic 169: Wolvaardt smashes 169 vs England in World Cup opener.
2. Captain’s Milestone: First woman captain with a World Cup knockout century.
3. Record Equals: Matches Mithali Raj’s 13 fifty-plus World Cup scores.
4. 5000-Run Feat: Becomes first South African woman to reach 5000 ODI runs.