BACKED by Suzuki Auto South Africa, the Proteas Women’s ODI team concluded an unforgettable campaign at the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, held in India from 30 September to 2 November.
Showing true determination and a never-say-die spirit, they delivered a performance that will stand as one of the defining moments in South African cricket history.
For the first time ever, the national women’s side reached the final of the 50-over World Cup, capping off a campaign defined by record-breaking performances, composure under pressure and strong team unity. Their nail-biting journey included a commanding semi-final victory over England, where South Africa posted 319 for 7 before cruising to a 125-run win.
In the final against hosts India, the Proteas fought bravely in pursuit of 299 but ultimately fell 52 runs short, finishing runners-up and earning a well-deserved silver medal.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt led from the front throughout the tournament, producing a match-winning 169 in the semi-final – the highest score ever by a captain in a World Cup knockout match – and finishing as the event’s leading run-scorer with an incredible 571 runs.
While Nonkululeko Mlaba stood out as one of the tournament’s most effective bowlers, claiming 13 wickets with a strike rate of 28.15, veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp etched her name in history by becoming the all-time leading wicket-taker in Women’s World Cup competition, with a career total of 44 wickets.
Although the ultimate prize narrowly escaped them, the Proteas Women’s 2025 World Cup campaign marked a turning point for South African women’s cricket. Their consistency, professionalism and belief not only inspired fans at home and abroad but also set a powerful benchmark for future generations to build on.
“The Proteas Women have shown what is possible when talent meets tenacity,” said Henno Havenga, General Manager of Sales and Marketing at Suzuki Auto South Africa, speaking at Wednesday’s homecoming event at the marque’s Linbro Business Park headquarters.
“Their success in one of the game’s most testing contests serves as a powerful reminder of the impact sport can have in uniting and inspiring a nation. We’re honoured to stand alongside Cricket South Africa as partners in driving the women’s game forward.”
Suzuki Auto South Africa cemented its commitment to Cricket South Africa (CSA) in April 2025, becoming the organisation’s first headline sponsor since 2020.
Under this multi-year agreement, the Japanese carmaker has provided at least 30 vehicles to CSA’s Development Hubs, driving the growth of cricket at grassroots level, alongside 12 vehicles allocated directly to CSA to strengthen the organisation’s operations and initiatives. This partnership further highlights Suzuki’s dedication to advancing cricket in South Africa and its support for both the national Proteas Men’s and Women’s ODI teams.
“This World Cup has been an incredible journey for us as a team,” said Wolvaardt.
“Reaching the final for the first time in South Africa’s history is something we’ll always cherish. It was a campaign filled with belief, hard work and moments that truly tested our character. I’m so proud of how we came together, played for one another, and showed the world what this team is capable of.”
“The support we’ve received from back home has been absolutely amazing. From the messages during the tournament to the warm welcome when we arrived back, it really reminded us how much this team means to South Africans. We’re also incredibly grateful to our partner, Suzuki Auto South Africa, for standing behind us throughout this journey. Their encouragement and belief made us feel valued and appreciated every step of the way.”
