Laura Wolvaardt

Despite Wolvaardt's young age, she has already had plenty of World Cup experience, playing in the 2017 World Cup in England and the 2018 T20 Women's World Cup in Saint Lucia

Ellie Wookey | 26/01/2020 at 06:56

Born: April 26, 1999

Role: Right-hand bat

Opening batsmen Wolvaardt is known for her cool, calm and collected nature at the crease and - at just 20 years old - she has become one of South Africa’s stand-out up and coming players.

Wolvaardt, although more experienced in the ODI format of the game, had only played 17 T20Is since her T20I debut in August 2016, as of January 20, 2020.

In her 17 T20Is she has scored 269 runs at an average of 17.93, a strike rate of 95.05 and a high score of 55*.

Although her T20I average does not reflect her ability, her average of 44.97 in ODIs reflects her growing dominance on the international stage.

Her partnerships with her fellow opening batsman Lizelle Lee have been crucial to South Africa’s performances over the last few years, with Wolvaardt complementing Lee’s attacking nature.

Despite Wolvaardt’s young age, she has already had plenty of World Cup experience, playing in the 2017 World Cup in England and the 2018 T20 Women’s World Cup in Saint Lucia.

In 2016, when 17, Wolvaardt became the youngest centurion, male or female, for South Africa in international cricket when she hit a match-winning 105 against Ireland.

In addition, in 2017 she was named Women’s Newcomer of the Year at Cricket South Africa’s annual awards.

Although Wolvaardt hasn’t progressed as much as she would have liked in the T20 format, all signs are positive that she will have a successful tournament.

SOUTH AFRICA PLAYER PROFILES

Chloe Tryon