Wolvaardt leads ICC Team of the Tournament as Proteas trio earn recognition

South Africa’s remarkable run to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final has been rewarded, with three Proteas players named in the official Team of the Tournament — captain Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, and Nadine de Klerk.

Wolvaardt, who led South Africa to their first-ever World Cup final, was selected as captain of the 12-strong side announced by the ICC. Her consistency and class with the bat made her the tournament’s standout performer, finishing as the leading run-scorer with 571 runs at an average of 71.37 — the most by any player in a Women’s World Cup.

Her back-to-back centuries in the semi-final and final underlined her leadership and form on the world stage.

Kapp and De Klerk joined their skipper in the elite line-up following strong all-round performances throughout the competition. Kapp’s 12 wickets, including a devastating 5/20 against England in the semi-final, helped her become the leading wicket-taker in Women’s World Cup history. She also contributed two crucial half-centuries that steadied South Africa in key moments.

De Klerk impressed with both bat and ball, producing an unbeaten 84 from 54 balls to help the Proteas beat India in the group stage. Her nine wickets across the tournament showcased her growing impact as one of South Africa’s most promising all-rounders.

Indian stars headline global selection

World champions India also featured prominently in the Team of the Tournament, with Deepti Sharma, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues all included. Sharma, who was named the competition’s leading wicket-taker with 22 dismissals, delivered a decisive five-for in the final. Mandhana contributed 434 runs at an average of 54.25, while Rodrigues earned her place with a match-winning 127 not out in the semi-final.

Australia, England and Pakistan also feature among the selections. Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland and Alana King represented Australia after standout performances — including King’s record 7/18 against South Africa, the best bowling figures in Women’s World Cup history.

England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone were recognised for their consistent contributions, with Ecclestone taking 16 wickets at 14.25, while Sciver-Brunt added 262 runs and nine wickets. Pakistan’s Sidra Nawaz took the gloves after an impressive showing behind the stumps, highlighted by sharp catches and stumpings across the tournament.

The selection panel for the Team of the Tournament included Ian Bishop, Mel Jones, Isa Guha, Gaurav Saxena and journalist Estelle Vasudevan.

ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Team of the Tournament

1. Smriti Mandhana

2. Laura Wolvaardt (c)

3. Jemimah Rodrigues

4. Marizanne Kapp

5. Ashleigh Gardner
6. Deepti Sharma
7. Annabel Sutherland

8. Nadine de Klerk

9. Sidra Nawaz (w)
10. Alana King
11. Sophie Ecclestone
12. Nat Sciver-Brunt (12th player)