Laura Wolvaardt hit an unbeaten 126 to equal Smriti Mandhana’s record of 18 international centuries in women’s cricket….reports Africa Daily News Desk
South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt matched Smriti Mandhana’s record for the most international centuries in women’s cricket with a stunning unbeaten 126 in the third T20I against Zimbabwe.
Wolvaardt’s fourth T20I hundred took her international century tally to 18, drawing her level with India batter Mandhana. Her remarkable innings also helped South Africa complete an 80-run victory and take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
The 27-year-old needed just 62 balls to reach 126, striking at 203.22. Her innings included 16 fours and four sixes as she dominated the Zimbabwe attack and guided South Africa to 200/1.
The performance also saw Wolvaardt rewrite the South African T20I record books. Her unbeaten 126 surpassed her previous best of 115 not out, scored against Ireland in December last year.
She also went past Shandre Fritz’s unbeaten 116 against the Netherlands in 2010 to register the highest individual T20I score by a South African woman.
Wolvaardt was named Player of the Match after producing an innings that put South Africa firmly in control.
She received strong support from wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso, who remained unbeaten on 50 from 51 balls. The pair helped the visitors build a commanding total after South Africa had been asked to bat.
Zimbabwe’s chase quickly unravelled as the hosts lost four wickets for 29 runs during the powerplay. Two further wickets followed in the next two overs, leaving Zimbabwe struggling at 35/6.
Michelle Mavunga provided some resistance with a 23-ball 41, while Nyasha Gwanzura scored 28. Christine Mutasa and Loryn Phiri added 19 and 14 respectively, but Zimbabwe could not recover from their early collapse.
Annerie Dercksen then completed the demolition with her maiden five-wicket haul in T20I cricket. She finished with 5/15 as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 120.
Eliz-Mari Marx, Seshnie Naidu, Luyanda Nzuza and Ayanda Hlubi also claimed one wicket each.
The victory continued South Africa’s dominant run in the series. They won the opening T20I after bowling Zimbabwe out for 116 before chasing the target in 13.1 overs.
The Proteas then won the second match by 64 runs before Wolvaardt’s record-equalling century and Dercksen’s five-wicket haul completed a third successive victory.
For Wolvaardt, the performance added another landmark to an already significant international career. Her 18 centuries now place her level with Mandhana at the top of the women’s international century list.
The fourth T20I between the sides is scheduled to be played on September 17, with South Africa already assured of winning the series.
