Wolvaardt Smashes Fastest South African T20I Century as Proteas Crush Ireland

Laura Wolvaardt produced a blistering unbeaten 115 off just 56 balls to power South Africa to a commanding 105-run win over Ireland in the first women’s T20I at Newlands. Her century, brought up in only 52 deliveries, is now the fastest by any South African in the format and the joint sixth-quickest in women’s T20Is.

South Africa posted their highest-ever T20I total, finishing on a formidable 220 for 2, thanks to a dominant 176-run second-wicket stand between Wolvaardt and Sune Luus. Coming in at No. 3, Wolvaardt took control early and raced to her half-century in just 24 balls, surpassing Lizelle Lee’s national record.

Luus, who opened the innings, played the ideal supporting role with a career-best 81, accelerating alongside Wolvaardt during a powerplay burst that yielded 32 runs in the final two overs. Their partnership ended when Luus was bowled attempting a reverse stroke, but the momentum continued as Dane van Niekerk, returning to international cricket for the first time since 2021, smashed 21* off eight balls.

Ireland’s chase never gained traction. Luus struck twice in the opening over with the new ball, removing Amy Hunter and Orla Prendergast to immediately dent the visitors’ hopes. Only Gaby Lewis and Leah Paul showed resistance with a 42-run stand, but once they fell, Ireland collapsed to 115 all out, losing nine wickets to spin.

Luus completed a superb all-round performance, finishing with 4 for 22, while left-arm spinners Nonkululeko Mlaba and Chloe Tryon picked up two wickets each.

The victory marks South Africa’s joint third-biggest win by runs in women’s T20Is and gives them a strong start to the series.