Records galore at Newlands as Laura Wolvaardt's 115 not out powers Proteas to 220/2

Laura Wolvaardt’s record-equalling 115 not out off 56 balls has powered the Proteas Women to a mammoth 220/2 against Ireland in the first T20I at Newlands.

The Proteas skipper was in sublime form, reaching her century off just 52 balls, to eclipse Lizelle Lee’s previous mark for the fastest T20I century. She struck 15 boundaries and four sixes in total. 

Wolvaardt and Sune Luus combined for a 176-run second wicket partnership, which also shattered the record for the highest partnership for any Proteas wicket. 

Luus, who was promoted to open the innings in the absence of the injured Tazmin Brits, was content to play the anchor role during the partnership, utilising 35 balls for her half-century, before she also began to play with greater freedom to finish on 81 off 51 balls (11x4, 1x6).

A healthy crowd had to wait patiently for the return of Dane van Niekerk with the former Proteas skipper playing her first international for four years. But when Van Niekerk eventually walked to the crease, she made an immediate impact with an eight-ball undefeated 21. 

The highlight of Van Niekerk’s cameo was a deft paddle that ran away to the boundary. 

The only disappointment for the Proteas was Faye Tunnicliffe’s brief stint at the crease with the Western Province opener falling for just three early on in the innings.

SCOREBOARD

1st T20I 

Proteas: 220/2 (Wolvaardt 115*, Luus 81, Van Nierkerk 21, Canning 1/33