Wolvaardt equals Mandhana’s record as South Africa beat Zimbabwe

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt equalled India’s Smriti Mandhana record for the most international centuries in women’s cricket by scoring an unbeaten 126 to lead the Proteas to an 80-run victory over Zimbabwe in the third T20 International on September 16. The win secured South Africa an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

Wolvaardt’s 18th international century matched Mandhana’s tally at the top of the list. Her innings was also her fourth T20I hundred and surpassed her previous highest score of 115 not out against Ireland in December last year.

The South African captain’s impressive knock came off 62 balls at a strike rate of 203.22, including 16 fours and four sixes, powering her team to a total of 200 for one after batting first. She set a new record for the highest individual T20I score by a South African woman, breaking Shandre Fritz’s 116 not out against the Netherlands in 2010.

Wolvaardt was awarded Player of the Match, supported by Karabo Meso’s unbeaten 50 from 51 deliveries. With her latest century, Wolvaardt joined Mandhana with 18 international centuries each. Meg Lanning is third on the list with 17, followed by Hayley Matthews with 15.

Zimbabwe struggled in their chase, with South Africa’s bowlers dismissing them for 120. The hosts were reduced to 29 for four during the powerplay and further wickets left them at 35 for six. Annerie Dercksen led the bowling attack, taking a five-wicket haul with figures of 5 for 15.

South Africa had secured victories in the first two T20Is by six wickets and 64 runs respectively. The fourth match of the series is scheduled for September 17.