Laura Wolvaardt’s first-ever century propelled the Proteas Women to a commanding 79-run victory for a 1-0 series lead in the first T20 International against Sri Lanka at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on Wednesday evening, 27 March, 2024.
Wolvaardt’s majestic knock of 102 runs from 63 balls (12 fours, 3 sixes) including a substantial 116-run partnership with Marizanne Kapp, who contributed 60 runs from 40 deliveries, including 4 fours and 3 sixes, enabled South Africa to post their second-highest T20I total of 198/5 after 20 overs.
In response, Sri Lanka faltered and was bowled out for 119 runs in 18.2 overs, with Annerie Dercksen (2/15) and Tumi Sekhukhune (2/25) both claiming two wickets each to help secure the victory for the home side.
Despite losing the toss and being asked to bat first, South Africa’s opening pair of Tazmin Brits (15) and Wolvaardt provided a quick start, reaching 25/0 in the third over before Brits was dismissed by Inoshi Priyadharshani (1/25). However, Wolvaardt found a reliable partner in Kapp, and together they guided South Africa to 55/1 after the powerplay.
Photo: Cricket South Africa/Gallo Images
South Africa maintained their momentum, reaching 80/1 at the halfway mark, with Kapp and Wolvaardt solidifying their partnership. Wolvaardt achieved her 11th T20I half-century during this period, while Kapp notched up her fourth fifty in the game’s shortest format.
The duo went on to forge a 100-run partnership before Kapp was dismissed for 60 runs, ending the impressive stand. Wolvaardt then combined effectively with Suné Luus, who contributed 14 runs, as Wolvaardt became only the third Proteas Women player to score a T20I century.
South Africa eventually concluded their innings at 198/5 despite losing Wolvaardt, Luus, and Nadine de Klerk (1) late on.
In their pursuit of 199 for victory, South Africa made early inroads into the Sri Lankan batting lineup. Kapp dismissed Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu (4) in the first over, while Masabata Klaas (1/16) removed Vishmi Gunaratne (8), leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 28/2 after four overs.
However, a partnership between Hasini Perera (30) and Harshitha Samarawickrama provided some stability, propelling Sri Lanka to 42/2 at the end of six overs. Despite this, South Africa continued to exert pressure, and wickets fell at regular intervals for Sri Lanka.
Dercksen claimed her maiden international wicket, dismissing Samarawickrama for a top score of 38, while Sekhukhune and Chloé Tryon (1/18) also contributed with the ball. Two run-outs further dented Sri Lanka’s hopes as they were bowled out for 119 runs, handing South Africa a comprehensive 79-run victory with 10 balls to spare.
The second T20I is scheduled for Saturday, 30 March at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom, starting at 14h00. Tickets are available at the stadium and via TicketPro.
Proteas Women Starting X1 for the 1st T20 against Sri Lanka
Tazmin Brits (c)
Laura Wolvaardt
Marizanne Kapp
Suné Luus
Chloé Tryon
Nadine de Klerk
Annerie Dercksen
Sinalo Jafta
Nonkululeko Mlaba
Tumi Sekhukhune
Masabata Klaas
The Sri Lanka Starting X1
Chamari Athapaththu (c)
Vishmi Gunaratne
Harshitha Samarawickrama
Hasini Perera
Kavisha Dilhari
Nilakshika Silva
Anushka Sanjeewani
Achini Kulasuriya
Inoshi Priyadharshani
Udeshika Prabodhani
Inoka Ranaweera
Fixtures – South Africa Inbound Tour vs Sri Lanka 2023/24
T20 International Series
Wed 27 March, 18h00 – South Africa vs Sri Lanka (Willowmoore Park, Benoni)
Sat 30 March, 14h00 – South Africa vs Sri Lanka (JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom)
Wed 3 April, 18h00 – South Africa vs Sri Lanka (Buffalo Park, East London)
50-over Warm-Up Match
Sat 6 April, 10h00 – South Africa XI vs Sri Lanka XI (Buffalo Park, East London)
One-Day International Series – ICC Women’s Championship
Tue 9 April, 14h00 – South Africa vs Sri Lanka (Buffalo Park, East London)
Sat 13 April, 14h00 – South Africa vs Sri Lanka (Diamond Oval, Kimberley)
Wed 17 April, 14h00- South Africa vs Sri Lanka (JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom)
Original Copy: Cricket South Africa, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Maiden T20 centurion Laura Wolvaardt steered South Africa to a massive series opening win at Willowmoore Park, beating Sri Lanka by 79 runs in their first encounter in Benoni on Wednesday evening, 27 March, 2024. Photo: Cricket South Africa/Gallo Images
Photo 2 Caption: SA strike bowler Masabata Klaas being congraulated by SA skipper Laura Wolvaardt after taking the wicket of Sri Lankan opener, Vishmi Gunaratne, in the fourth over of the match. Photo: Cricket South Africa/Gallo Images
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