In a dazzling display of cricket prowess, Laura Wolvaardt’s first T20I century led the Proteas Women to a commanding 79-run victory over Sri Lanka in Benoni. Wolvaardt’s magnificent innings of 102 off 63 balls, embellished with 12 fours and three sixes, alongside Marizanne Kapp’s robust 60 from 40 balls, propelled South Africa to a formidable 198-5, marking their second-highest women’s T20I total to date.
The match, pivotal for both teams, saw Sri Lanka struggling to chase the steep target. They were eventually bowled out for 119 in 18.2 overs, with Annerie Dercksen and Tumi Sekhukhune both snagging two wickets apiece, showcasing the depth of South Africa’s bowling attack.
The Proteas, electing to bat first, were off to a flying start with Wolvaardt and opening partner Tazmin Brits putting on 25 runs in the initial overs. Despite Brits’ early departure, Wolvaardt found a solid partner in Kapp, and together, they dominated the field, steering their team past the powerplay with a promising 55-1.
The partnership between Wolvaardt and Kapp was particularly destructive, amassing 116 runs and driving the Proteas past significant milestones. Wolvaardt’s innings was a masterclass in batting, blending aggression with finesse, and culminating in her becoming the third Proteas Women player to score a T20I century.
Sri Lanka’s response was stifled from the outset, with their captain Chamari Athapaththu falling early to Kapp. Despite a middle-order fightback led by Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama, the Sri Lankan side couldn’t withstand the pressure exerted by the South African bowlers, succumbing to 119 all out.
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