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Laura Wolvaardt Equals Mithali Raj's Record Amid World Cup Semifinal Drama

South African captain Laura Wolvaardt has created history in the Women's World Cup. She just matched Mithali Raj's incredible record of scoring 13 fifty-plus innings in the tournament. This achievement came during the high-pressure semifinal against England at Barsapara Stadium. Wolvaardt's consistent batting has now placed her among the all-time greats of women's cricket.

Key Points: Laura Wolvaardt Matches Mithali Raj Women's World Cup Record

  • Wolvaardt scored her 13th fifty-plus World Cup innings against England
  • The 26-year-old achieved this milestone in the 2025 semifinal
  • She now shares the record with retired Indian legend Mithali Raj
  • Debbie Hockley and Charlotte Edwards follow with 12 and 11 fifties respectively
2 min read

Women's World Cup: South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt equals Mithali Raj's record for most 50+ scores

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt equals Mithali Raj's record of 13 fifty-plus scores in Women's World Cup history during semifinal against England.

"The Protea batter is now on top of the elite list alongside Raj - Match Report"

Guwahati, Oct 29

South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt added yet another feather to her already illustrious cap as she equalled former India captain Mithali Raj's record of scoring the most 50+ totals at the Women's World Cup.

Raj, who marked the 2022 edition of the ODI World Cup as her swansong, finished her career with 13 scores of 50-plus in the 50-over World Cup. Wolvaardt, who was inching close to setting a new benchmark, has now equalled the tally by bringing up her 13th 50+ score during the team's semifinal clash against England here at Barsapara Stadium.

The 26-year-old notched up three half-centuries in the ongoing 2025 Women's World Cup group stages and brought up her fourth 50+ score this season in the ongoing knockout game against England on Wednesday.

The Protea batter is now on top of the elite list alongside Raj, with Debbie Hockley and Charlotte Edwards taking the following two spots with 12 and 11 scores of 50+ to their name.

Speaking of the game, England won the toss and elected to bowl first. Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits walked out to open the innings and took the opposition bowlers by surprise with their strokeplay. The Nat Sciver-Brunt-led side struggled to get the first breakthrough as the duo went on to form a massive 116-run partnership.

However, Sophie Ecclestone returned in style as she picked up two wickets inside just four deliveries to add major dents to the opposition's batting lineup. With Brits and Anneke Bosch back in the hut in the 23rd over, skipper Sciver-Brunt got her side another breakthrough with Sune Luus' wicket in the 26th over.

Wolvaardt continued to anchor the innings from one end as South Africa reach 192/4 in 37 overs at the time of filing this report.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Wolvaardt's consistency is amazing! At just 26, she's already matching records of legends. The future of women's cricket looks bright with players like her. Hope she breaks the record in this match itself!
A
Ananya R
Mithali di will always be special to us Indians, but we should appreciate great cricket from any player. Wolvaardt's technique is so solid - reminds me of Rahul Dravid's style. Proper test match batting in ODIs!
D
David E
Watching from UK - Wolvaardt is playing an absolute gem here! But our bowlers need to break this partnership soon. Ecclestone's double strike was crucial, but Wolvaardt is still there anchoring the innings.
S
Siddharth J
While we celebrate records, I feel our current Indian batters need to step up. We haven't produced consistent performers like Mithali Raj in recent times. The domestic structure needs more attention to develop such quality players.
K
Kavya N
Amazing to see women's cricket getting this recognition! Barsapara Stadium looks packed and the atmosphere seems electric. More power to women's sports in India! 🇮🇳✨

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