Wolvaardt sets South African T20 records in series-clinching victory over India

The Proteas captain scored 115 off 53 balls as South Africa defeated India by nine wickets at the Wanderers.

Laura Wolvaardt scored 115 off 53 balls as South Africa defeated India by nine wickets in the third T20 International at the Wanderers Stadium on Wednesday night, securing the series with two matches remaining¹²⁴. South Africa chased down India's total of 192 for 4 with 21 balls to spare¹².

Wolvaardt set South African T20 records for the fastest fifty, reached in 23 balls, and the fastest century, completed in 48 balls, breaking her own previous marks¹²³. She hit 14 fours and five sixes during her innings¹²³. One six off seamer Renuka Singh travelled 15 rows back into the Centenary Stand¹²³.

The captain reached her third T20I century in the 14th over, advancing down the wicket to drive Deepti Sharma straight back over her head for a boundary⁴. "It was lekker. I've been working on my power hitting a lot in the last few years," Wolvaardt said after the match³. She added that she found balance between aggressive hitting and her traditional style³.

Opening partner Suné Luus contributed 64 not out off 42 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes, the latter ending the match¹². The opening partnership of 183 set another South African record¹².

Fielding standards from both teams drew criticism after the match. Wolvaardt was dropped twice during her innings, while South Africa missed four chances⁵. "It was not our best work in the field," Wolvaardt said, attributing difficulties to Highveld conditions where the ball travels faster⁵. Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who dropped Wolvaardt on 85, cited wet conditions after light rain delayed the start⁵.