“When, not if”: Wolvaardt confident of South Africa reaching maiden ODI WC final

Taking lessons from the past, South Africa enters this month’s women’s ODI World Cup with renewed confidence that they can stand toe-to-toe with the top teams and finally break through to their maiden final, says skipper Laura Wolvaardt.

The Proteas have been one of the most consistent sides in recent ICC tournaments, reaching the semi-finals in the last two editions of the ODI World Cup and finishing runners-up in consecutive T20 World Cups.

They enter the marquee tournament on the back of a 2-1 away series win in Pakistan.

“We’ve had good preparation for this tournament and learned a lot of lessons from past ICC events. In the last few ODI World Cups, we made the semi-finals,” Wolvaardt wrote in her column for ICC.

“I remember being part of that first semi-final loss in 2017 – it really hurt the group, but it helped us see that we could compete with the best sides in the world and qualifying for a final one day is more a question of “when” and not “if” it would ever happen.

“The belief is very strong in our side going into this tournament. We’d like to keep that momentum going, and we’ll have to play very good cricket in tough conditions,” she added.

South Africa’s firepower lies in their explosive top order, spearheaded by Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, while Marizanne Kapp continues to be the heartbeat of the all-round department.

Complementing Kapp are the experienced Sune Luus and Chloe Tryon, alongside the youngsters Nadine de Klerk and Nondumiso Shangase. This blend of experience and youth gives the squad enviable balance and multiple match-winning options.

“I strongly believe that we have a very good squad of 15 players. We bat very deep, with a lot of all-rounders giving us different bowling options, which is exciting for me as captain.

“Our middle order has really fired recently with players like Chloé Tryon, Annerie Dercksen, and Nadine de Klerk finishing games strongly. Marizanne Kapp is one of the best players South Africa has ever had – she always performs in the big moments.

“Nonkululeko Mlaba has also been phenomenal, and I think she will be crucial in subcontinent conditions. I can’t wait to see her bowl in India especially.”

Wolvaardt acknowledged the stiff challenge ahead, with India and Sri Lanka’s conditions expected to test every team.

“In these conditions, the local sides are always dangerous. We’ve seen how tough opponents like Australia and England remain, and India’s strength at home speaks for itself. Teams such as Australia, India, and New Zealand prepare meticulously — there’s simply no easy game at this level,” she added.

South Africa will open their campaign against England on October 3 in Guwahati.