The Proteas skipper’s extraordinary innings in the third T20I was her fourth hundred in the format and the 18th century of her international career, taking her level with India’s Mandhana for the most hundreds in women’s cricket. South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt has put herself alongside Smriti Mandhana at the summit of the century chart of women’s international cricket, producing a record-breaking 126 not out to power the Proteas women to an unassailable 3-0 series lead over Zimbabwe.
The result continued South Africa’s commanding start to the five-match series. The 27-year-old surpassed her own previous T20I best of 115 not out, scored against Ireland in December last year. More significantly, she went past Shandre Fritz’s unbeaten 116 against the Netherlands in 2010 to claim the highest individual T20I score by a South African woman. They won the opening T20I after bowling Zimbabwe out for 116 and chasing the target in 13.1 overs before claiming the second match by 64 runs.
Zimbabwe’s response never threatened to match the tempo set by Wolvaardt. The hosts were reduced to 29/4 during the powerplay and slipped further to 35/6 after losing two more wickets in the next two overs.
Wolvaardt Shines as South Africa Dominates Series
In a standout performance, Wolvaardt led South Africa to a commanding score of 200/1, securing her the Player of the Match title. This achievement marks a significant milestone in an already dominant series for the team.
