Jay Shah hails Wolvaardt, says women’s cricket future bright

International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah has praised South Africa’s spirited campaign at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, applauding captain Laura Wolvaardt’s exceptional leadership and the team’s fighting spirit. He said the record-breaking tournament reflected the “bright future” of women’s cricket worldwide.

In a post on X, Shah wrote, “What a tournament for @ProteasWomenCSA, who finished runners-up after being superbly led by the run-machine Laura Wolvaardt! The crowds, the record audiences, and the standard of play at @cricketworldcup showed how bright the future of the women’s game is!”

Wolvaardt led from the front throughout the competition, capping off a stellar campaign with a magnificent 101 off 98 balls in the final against India at Navi Mumbai on Sunday. The 26-year-old batter emerged as the tournament’s top scorer, amassing 571 runs in nine innings at an average of 71.37 including two centuries and three half-centuries, a performance that stamped her authority as one of the best in the world.

Despite Wolvaardt’s brilliance, India finally broke their long-standing jinx in the Women’s World Cup, lifting the trophy after previous heartbreaks in the 2005 and 2017 finals. Led by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, India produced a dominant all-round display to defeat South Africa by 52 runs, scripting a historic chapter in Indian cricket.

Opting to bowl first, South Africa struck early but were soon frustrated by India’s top order. An 88-run opening stand between Smriti Mandhana (45) and Shafali Verma (87 off 78 balls) gave India a solid start. Jemimah Rodrigues (24) added stability, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (20) and Deepti Sharma (58 off 58 balls) kept the scoreboard ticking. A late flourish from Richa Ghosh (34 off 24) powered India to an imposing total of 298/7 in 50 overs.

Ayabonga Khaka (3/58) was South Africa’s best bowler, keeping her side in the contest with timely breakthroughs.

In reply, South Africa’s chase began positively, with Tazmin Brits (23) and Wolvaardt putting on a steady opening stand. However, once the Indian bowlers found their rhythm, the momentum shifted. Shafali Verma (2/36) and Shree Charani triggered a collapse, reducing South Africa to 148/5.

Wolvaardt fought valiantly, stitching a 61-run stand with Annerie Dercksen (37) and keeping South Africa’s hopes alive. But Deepti Sharma’s magical spell turned the match decisively in India’s favour. The off-spinner claimed 5/39 including the key wickets of Wolvaardt and Dercksen becoming the first Indian woman to take a five-wicket haul in a World Cup final.

South Africa were bowled out for 246, handing India their maiden Women’s World Cup title and a night that will be remembered for generations.

With record attendance, high-quality cricket, and global attention, the 2025 edition has firmly underlined women’s cricket’s rapid rise, a sentiment echoed by Jay Shah and millions of fans worldwide.

In a post on X, Modi wrote,“A spectacular win by the Indian team in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Finals. Their performance in the final was marked by great skill and confidence. The team showed exceptional teamwork and tenacity throughout the tournament. Congratulations to our players. This historic win will motivate future champions to take up sports.”