South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt has matched India’s Smriti Mandhana for the most international centuries in women’s cricket after producing a remarkable unbeaten 126 against Zimbabwe in the third T20I.
Wolvaardt reached her fourth T20I century and 18th international hundred from just 62 balls, striking 16 fours and four sixes. Her innings also became the highest individual T20I score by a South African woman, surpassing her previous best of 115 not out.
Her knock helped South Africa post 200/1, with Karabo Meso supporting her with an unbeaten 50 from 51 deliveries. The victory gave the Proteas an unassailable 3-0 series lead over Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe struggled from the start, falling to 29/4 during the powerplay and then 35/6. Annerie Dercksen completed the collapse with her maiden five-wicket haul in T20Is, taking 5/15.
Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 120, giving South Africa an 80-run victory. Wolvaardt was named Player of the Match after her record-equalling performance.
