South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt (Image: IANS)
The 27-year-old surpassed her previous best T20I score of 115 not out, which she had made against Ireland in December last year. She also broke the South African women’s record for the highest individual T20I score, going past Shandre Fritz’s unbeaten 116 against the Netherlands in 2010. She returned stunning figures of 5/15, as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 120. Michelle Mavunga provided some resistance with a 23-ball 41, while Nyasha Gwanzura scored 28, but South Africa were always firmly in control. The Proteas eventually secured an 80-run victory, sealing an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
Because of the international record, wolvaardt’s innings was not only significant. It was therefore a night of multiple milestones for the Proteas captain, who was named Player of the Match for her extraordinary effort. Laura Wolvaardt produced a record-breaking batting masterclass to guide South Africa to another emphatic victory over Zimbabwe, but the Proteas captain’s stunning century also created a major milestone in women’s international cricket.