Of all teams at the eight-team ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, it’s the South Africans who have surprised the most with their mercurial streak and unpredictable nature.

Laura Wolvaardt’s undoubtedly talented side stands on the brink of their ultimate glory, potentially winning their maiden World Cup crown against India on Sunday, November 2. A result no one would’ve given them a chance to achieve, given the manner in which they began.

The Proteas started the World Cup on the most embarrassing note, suffering a disastrous collapse for 69 all out in their ten-wicket battering at the hands of 2017 champions England. The defeat certainly evoked a sense of doom and gloom about their hopes in the tournament.

But then in a remarkable comeback, Nonkululeko Mlaba’s spell of 4 for 40 helped them dism

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