A sensational century by captain Laura Wolvaardt led the South Africa women’s national cricket team to a commanding nine-wicket victory over the India women’s national cricket team in the third T20I, securing the series with two matches remaining.
Chasing a daunting target of 193 runs, South Africa delivered a dominant batting performance, reaching 193/1 in just 16.3 overs—their highest successful chase in women’s T20I history and the third-highest overall.
Wolvaardt’s Match-Winning Knock
Wolvaardt produced a captain’s innings of exceptional quality, scoring 115 runs off just 53 balls, marking her highest score in T20 internationals.
Her innings included:
- 14 fours
- 5 sixes
- Strike rate of 216.98
Dropped early by Smriti Mandhana on 31, Wolvaardt capitalised fully, punishing the Indian bowling attack with clinical precision.
Record Opening Partnership
Wolvaardt shared a match-defining 183-run opening stand with Sune Luus, who remained unbeaten on 64 off 42 balls.
The Indian bowlers struggled throughout, managing only one breakthrough—Wolvaardt’s dismissal by Shreyanka Patil in the 16th over.
India’s Strong Total Goes in Vain
Earlier, India posted a competitive 192/4, powered by half-centuries from:
- Harmanpreet Kaur (66 off 38 balls)
- Shafali Verma (second consecutive fifty)
Despite a solid batting effort, the total proved insufficient against South Africa’s aggressive chase.
Match Summary
- India: 192/4 (20 overs)
- South Africa: 193/1 (16.3 overs)
- Result: South Africa won by 9 wickets
- Series: South Africa leads, clinched with 2 matches remaining
