Laura Wolvaardt creates history with blistering 126, joins Smriti Mandhana at the top of Women’s century chart

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.

Wolvaardt smashed an unbeaten 126 off just 62 balls in the third T20I, taking her tally to 18 international centuries and putting her level with India star Smriti Mandhana at the top of the women's international century list.

Wolvaardt matches Mandhana with blistering hundred

The South African skipper was in complete control from the outset, reaching her fourth T20I century with an extraordinary strike rate of 203.22. Her unbeaten 126 featured 16 fours and four sixes, as she tore apart the Zimbabwe bowling attack and propelled South Africa to 200/1.

The century was Wolvaardt's 18th across international cricket, allowing her to join Mandhana at the summit of the women's century chart. At just 27, Wolvaardt now has another major statistical milestone in her sights, with the battle between two of the modern era's premier women's batters becoming increasingly fascinating.

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South African record falls too

Wolvaardt's innings was not only significant because of the international record. 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. It was therefore a night of multiple milestones for the Proteas captain, who was named Player of the Match for her extraordinary effort.

Meso provides support as South Africa post 200

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