Women reach final while men reclaim dominance

SOUTH African cricket in 2025 delivered two contrasting but revealing narratives, with the Proteas Women reaching unprecedented heights on the global stage while the Proteas Men rediscovered their edge in red-ball cricket amid ongoing white-ball questions.

- MURRAY SWART

The Proteas Women closed out the year having produced one of the most significant seasons in the history of South African women's cricket.

Their first-ever appearance in an ICC Women's Cricket World Cup final marked a watershed moment, reinforcing the team's growing credibility at elite level despite falling short in the title decider.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt led the side through a campaign defined by composure and confidence, including in the final where her decision at the toss reflected a team increasingly comfortable with the demands of high-pressure cricket.

The World Cup run was widely viewed as a breakthrough for the women's game locally, signalling progress built over several seasons.

Attention then shifted to squad development and sustainability.