Laura Wolvaardt’s first T20I century propelled the Proteas Women to a 79-run victory against Sri Lanka in Benoni on Wednesday.
Wolvaardt’s majestic knock of 102 from 63 balls (12 fours, three sixes), which included a 116-run partnership with Marizanne Kapp (60 from 40; four fours and three sixes), enabled the Proteas to post their second-highest women’s T20I total of 198-5.
In response, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 119 in 18.2 overs, with Annerie Dercksen (2-15) and Tumi Sekhukhune (2-25) both claiming two wickets.
After being asked to bat first, South Africa’s opening pair of Tazmin Brits (15) and Wolvaardt made a quick start, reaching 25-0 in the third over before Brits was dismissed by Inoshi Priyadharshani (1-25).
Wolvaardt then found a reliable partner in Kapp, and together they guided South Africa to 55-1 after the powerplay.
The Proteas maintained their momentum, reaching 80-1 at the halfway mark. Wolvaardt achieved her 11th T20I half-century during this period, while Kapp notched up her fourth.
After Kapp’s dismissal, Suné Luus, contributed 14 as Wolvaardt became only the third Proteas Women player to score a T20I century.
South Africa lost Wolvaardt, Luus and Nadine de Klerk (one) late on.
Kapp dismissed Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu (four) in the first over of the run chase, while Masabata Klaas (1-16) removed Vishmi Gunaratne (eight), leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 28-2 after four overs.
A partnership between Hasini Perera (30) and Harshitha Samarawickrama provided some stability, propelling Sri Lanka to 42-2 at the end of six overs.
Despite this, South Africa continued to exert pressure, and wickets fell at regular intervals for Sri Lanka.
Dercksen claimed her maiden international wicket, dismissing Samarawickrama for a top score of 38, while Sekhukhune and Chloé Tryon (1-18) also contributed with the ball.
Two run-outs further dented Sri Lanka’s hopes as they were bowled out for 119, handing South Africa a comprehensive victory with 10 balls to spare.
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
