What a wonderful and historic moment for South African cricket. The Proteas have finished runners-up at the ICC Women’s World Cup after a thrilling final against hosts India on Sunday, 2 November 2025.

Although they narrowly missed out on the title, they made history by becoming the first South African senior side ever to reach an ICC Cricket World Cup final in any format. Their run to the final has been nothing short of inspirational.

This remarkable achievement came despite the unfamiliar and tricky subcontinent conditions, and after a rocky start that saw them lose two early matches. Coach Mandla Mashimbyi’s team, under the captaincy of Laura Wolvaardt, showed grit, character and resilience that captured the imagination of the cricket world.

One of the Proteas’ standout performers during the tournament was Tazmin Brits, an alumnus of the North-West University (NWU). It’s been an extraordinary and rewarding week for Brits, who was one of ten recipients of the 2025 NWU Alumni Excellence Awards held in Pretoria on Thursday, 30 October. Regrettably, she couldn’t attend the event due to the small matter of representing her country in a World Cup final.

“Congratulations to the Proteas on an exceptional campaign. You may have fallen just short of the trophy, but you have lifted the pride of a nation. Your journey to the final has shown the best of South African spirit: determination, unity, and excellence,” said Prof Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU.

The North-West University community joins fellow South Africans across the world in celebrating this inspiring team that has made the country proud and brought women’s cricket in South Africa to new heights.