Wolvaardt scores 115 as South Africa secure T20 series against India

Captain's unbeaten century helped Proteas chase down 193 with nine wickets and 21 balls remaining at the Wanderers.

Laura Wolvaardt scored 115 runs off 53 balls as South Africa defeated India by nine wickets in the third Twenty20 International at the Wanderers Stadium on Wednesday night, securing the series with two matches remaining.¹²

Chasing what appeared a substantial target of 193, Wolvaardt set South African records for the fastest fifty (23 balls) and fastest century (48 balls) in the T20 format, breaking her own previous marks.¹² The innings equalled her career-best score in the format.¹²

Wolvaardt struck 14 fours and five sixes, including one over long-on that travelled 15 rows into the Centenary Stand.¹² Three of her five sixes were hit straight down the ground.³

"It was lekker. I've been working on my power hitting a lot in the last few years," Wolvaardt said after the match.³ She added that she had found "the balance between whacking it and keeping to the way I play, which is more traditional."³

Opening partner Suné Luus contributed an unbeaten 64 off 42 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes, with the second ending the match.¹² The opening partnership of 183 was another South African record.¹²

India had posted 192 for four wickets in their innings.⁴ Wolvaardt reached her century in the 14th over against bowler Deepti Sharma, removing her helmet to acknowledge the crowd.⁴

Wolvaardt, who turns 27 soon, had previously demonstrated power-hitting ability during the latter stages of last year's ODI World Cup.¹²³