Southern Brave’s new recruit, Laura Wolvaardt, has made history in The Women’s Hundred by becoming the first overseas player to score 1,000 runs in the tournament. At just 26 years old, she is already a remarkable presence in cricket, known for her consistency and elegance with the bat. Her journey reflects a blend of determination and adaptability as she excels across different teams and varied conditions, showcasing her deep understanding of the game.
Wolvaardt’s adventure in The Hundred began on 24th July 2021, when she took to the field for the Northern Superchargers against Welsh Fire. Right from her debut, she captivated audiences with her fluid stroke play and the ability to anchor her team’s innings when it mattered most. In her first two seasons with the Superchargers, she amassed 467 runs over 13 innings, boasting an impressive average of 51.88 and a strike rate of 126.55. This kind of performance is not an easy feat, and it speaks volumes about her talent and commitment.
One of her standout performances came on 21st August 2022, when she scored a dazzling 90 not out off just 49 balls against the Manchester Originals. That unforgettable day at Headingley, she combined elegance with aggression, navigating her team to victory while earning Player of the Match honors. That innings remains a defining moment in her burgeoning career.
In 2023, Wolvaardt embraced a new challenge, signing with the Manchester Originals for the tournament’s third edition. Across two seasons with them, she secured 362 runs from 13 innings at a strike rate of 120.26 and an average of 30.16. One innings that stood out was on 1st August 2024, when she tallied a composed 78 not out off 52 balls against Southern Brave. Her performance was a masterclass in timing and strategy, showcasing her ability to control the game and claim another Player of the Match award.
2025 heralded a new chapter as Wolvaardt joined Southern Brave, stepping in to replace the Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. She’s wasted no time making her impact felt, scoring 199 runs across seven innings at a striking rate of 124.90, including a half-century against London Spirit on 23rd August.
The moment she crossed the 1,000 runs threshold was almost cinematic; she hit a thunderous six off Eva Gray on the 31st ball of the innings to celebrate this milestone in style. That day, she finished with a score of 56 not out off 40 balls, contributing significantly as Southern Brave secured an 8-wicket victory. Throughout the season, she demonstrated diverse styles, whether it was an assertive 42 not out in the opener against her old team or anchoring the innings with measured strikes against Birmingham Phoenix and Northern Superchargers.
So far in The Women’s Hundred, Wolvaardt has accumulated a total of 1,028 runs across 33 innings, averaging a remarkable 41.12 with a strike rate of 124.90. Her record reflects not just numbers, but her growth as a player: transitioning from a technically skilled anchor to a dynamic boundary hitter capable of changing the game instantly.
Crossing the 1,000-run mark is a significant achievement for Wolvaardt, reflecting her hard work, drive, and adaptability against world-class bowlers. For her, this milestone means so much more than just a statistic; it’s a testament to her resilience and passion for the game, and an acknowledgment of her influence in one of cricket’s most fiercely competitive tournaments.
As Southern Brave continues to chase glory this season, Wolvaardt is not just writing her own story—she’s contributing a captivating chapter to the evolution of women’s cricket. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the game, her journey serves as an inspiring reminder of what dedication and talent can achieve.
Image Source: Laura Wolvaardt @ Instagram
