Laura Wolvaardt Wins ICC Women’s Player of the Month for October

South Africa’s captain, Laura Wolvaardt, has been awarded the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for October 2025. This recognition comes on the heels of her remarkable performances during the Women’s Cricket World Cup, where she emerged as the highest run-scorer.

Throughout October, Wolvaardt participated in eight One Day Internationals (ODIs) at the World Cup, accumulating an impressive 470 runs with an average of 67.14 and a strike rate of 97.91. Her contributions were pivotal in leading her team through the tournament.

Wolvaardt’s Reaction to the Award

Expressing her joy, Wolvaardt stated, “It’s an honour to win this award following the team’s World Cup performances in India, as part of a historic event for women’s cricket.” She highlighted the significance of the tournament, saying, “The tournament featured outstanding matches and remarkable displays, which makes this recognition especially meaningful.”

While she acknowledged that winning the tournament would have been ideal, she emphasized the pride her team took in their achievements. “We take pride in our victories and the unbreakable spirit we showed, while remaining confident that an ICC World Cup title is within reach,” she added. Wolvaardt also expressed her gratitude for the support she received, promising to continue making her supporters proud on the field.

A Stellar World Cup Campaign

The South African team’s journey began on a challenging note, suffering a heavy defeat against England, where they were bowled out for just 69 runs. However, they rebounded with a significant victory over New Zealand, showcasing their resilience. One of the standout moments came in their match against the host nation, India, where Wolvaardt scored a composed 70 runs off 111 balls, helping secure a three-wicket win.

Wolvaardt continued her scoring streak, contributing 31 runs against Bangladesh and later forming a solid opening partnership with Tazmin Brits, scoring an unbeaten 60 runs. Her aggressive style was highlighted in a match against Pakistan, where she knocked off 90 runs off 82 balls, further solidifying her status as a key player.

The pinnacle of her performance came in the semi-final against England, where she delivered a breathtaking innings of 169 runs from 143 balls. This exceptional performance helped South Africa set a target of 320 runs, a challenge that ultimately proved insurmountable for England, securing South Africa’s place in their first-ever World Cup final.

Overall, Wolvaardt’s consistency was remarkable. She recorded three fifties and one century during the tournament, leading her team to a historic final. Her standout performances also propelled her to the top of the ICC Women’s Rankings, marking her as a significant figure in women’s cricket.

Wolvaardt’s achievements in October not only earned her the title of ICC Women’s Player of the Month but also showcased her leadership and determination, both on and off the field. Her journey at the World Cup has inspired many and highlighted the growing prominence of women in cricket.